Joe "Isi" Trujillo

A resident of Albuquerque, passed away on Monday, October 1, 2012 at the age of 70. He was born in Chiz, NM on October 2, 1941 to Bentura and Adamacia Trujillo. One of nine children, he grew up on the family ranch in the Black Range area of the state and attended high school in Hot Springs, NM (Truth or Consequences) where he exceled in football and baseball making all State honors in both sports. After high school he entered the US Air Force and served during the Cuban Crisis. While in the military he began his college coursework and then joined the Federal government in the Civil Service professional series. His government career took him throughout the United States and enabled him to meet wonderful coworkers and friends. Joe graduated from Regis University in Denver, CO with a Bachelor's degree in business administration and finance. Joe's Master's degree was completed at George Washington University in Washington, DC and the University of California, Berkley. Further graduate work was completed at Colorado State University (CSU) where he was awarded an honorary doctorate and served as an associate professor of business administration. Joe worked in partnership with CSU to create an intern program for computer science majors and was a key mentor for many CSU students as they worked toward graduate degrees. In 1980 he was named Colorado Businessman of the Year and honored by then Governor Richard Lamm. Later that same year he was named to the Board of Trustees for the University of Northern Colorado serving as a Trustee for six years. While continuing his career in the Federal government, he also served his community of Ft. Collins, CO as a member of the Board of Directors of United Way. He also led a team that organized the community vocational tech school into Front Range Community College. This resulted in one of the fastest growing community colleges in the country. Front Range served the youth and many young adults in the region with exemplary opportunities for learning, opening doors to a better future for them and their families. To Joe, this was one of his finest accomplishments because it enabled so many young people an opportunity that had not been available to them. At this point Joe was called back to Washington DC to serve in the Senior Executive Service which is the executive leadership of Federal Service and the highest professional series in US Civil Service. His appointment was approved by the advice and consent process of the US Congress. He maintained a top level security clearance throughout the latter part of his career and worked directly with three Presidents on issues related to the US Department of Agriculture. In 1995 Joe retired from the government and enjoyed a few months of leisure. Then he took over the reins of Greenbar, a private information services company, located in Denver, CO. He was soon appointed the CEO of Greenbar and led that company until his wife retired from her career in 1999. Joe and his wife Valerie returned to Albuquerque in 2002 to return to their beloved New Mexico where they met at the Laguna reservation. He once again renewed his support and love for the UNM Lobos, especially basketball. The last three years, Joe fought a courageous battle with lung cancer with the help of the University of New Mexico Cancer Center and the University of Colorado Cancer Center in Denver. He approached this disease with the same attitude he had throughout his life; setting goals and keeping a positive attitude while exercising full throttle. At the same time Joe accomplished one of his major goals in life - becoming a 4th degree Knight of Columbus. He has received national recognition as the top recruiter for the Knights and enjoyed the comradeship of many wonderful brothers in his Catholic faith. Joe was a very special person who strongly believed in good stewardship - leaving a place better than when he found it. He truly believed this was accomplished by working hard and working together for common goals. He exemplified the best attributes of leadership as attested by hundreds of coworkers and young people he assisted and believed in along the way. Joe was the perfect example of stewardship. Joe is survived by his wife of 45 years, Valerie. Also surviving him are four brothers and two sisters, Tony Trujillo, Lucy Feldman, both of Albuquerque, Delourdes Cole of Palestine, TX, Eli "Lee" Trujillo and wife Geneva of Albuquerque and Roldan Trujillo and wife Sylvia of Washington DC. Joe was predeceased by his parents and three older brothers, Frank, Tom and Audon. He has enjoyed the support and love of many nieces, nephews, cousins and wider family. This family has meant so much to him and filled him with great joy for many years. This special man will be honored with a Rosary at 10:30 a.m. and a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 5, 2012 at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 12500 Carmel Ave. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87122.