Richard Doyon

With deep sadness, the family of Richard (Rick) Doyon announces his passing on September 20, 2023. He was the youngest child of Ernest (deceased) and Beverly Doyon. He is survived by his mother, Beverly; sisters Shari Doyon (Gerald Schneider), and Rhonda Doyon, brother, Jeffrey Doyon, niece, Lauren Schneider, and nephew, Steven Schneider.

Richard’s father, Ernest, was a member of the USAF, and though the family’s roots are based in Connecticut, like many military families, they found “home” in a variety of locations. Rick was born in Omaha, NB on April 26, 1966, when his father, Ernest, was assigned to Strategic Air Command (SAC) at Offutt AFB and completing his degree at University of Nebraska at Omaha. Rick enjoyed being a fellow “Cornhusker” by birth and he and his dad shared a love of University of Nebraska football.

Rick traveled with the family, living in Okinawa, Japan, Myrtle Beach, SC, Syracuse, NY, and Albuquerque, NM, where the family settled. Rick attended Kirtland ES, and Hoover Middle School in Albuquerque. During high school, the family resided in Grants, NM where Rick attended Grants High School and was a member of the backgammon club. The family returned to Albuquerque, and Rick was involved in Eldorado HS football, and graduated from Eldorado HS in 1985.

After high school, Rick attended Central New Mexico Community College, and served in the US Army from 1988-1991. He was fortunate to be assigned to the 7^th Infantry Division, B Co 5^th Battalion 21^st Infantry, “Light Fighters.”  This group completed basic training at Ft. Benning, GA and were assigned together at Fort Ord, CA. The group shared time together, on and off the base, becoming “family” through their shared experiences. They participated in “Operation Just Cause” (Panama) in 1989-1990. Through the years, after his service, Rick enjoyed celebrations and reunions with his Army family. His involvement in the Army stayed with him all his life. He had love of flag and country. He acquired a wealth of military knowledge through books, documentaries, and movies.

After his military service, Rick worked for the Department of Energy, and Raymond G Murphy VA Hospital in Albuquerque and their Rio Rancho clinic. Due to health issues, Rick took early retirement in 2022.

Rick loved coca cola, a good hamburger, and movies. He enjoyed spending time with friends and family. He was a good blackjack and backgammon player, giving his brother a challenge when they played. College football was a Saturday event and included a friendly rivalry with his dad during the Army/Air Force game.

A car accident on July 27, 2023, exasperated Rick’s health issues. He struggled and fought the good fight to recover, but his body just could not pull him through. We are grateful for the care and support Rick and our family received from AMG specialty hospital, UNMH critical care team, and the Albuquerque VA. Thank you to our family and friends, especially Dave Stockwell, for making the trip from Houston, TX to visit Rick, and the rest of Rick's Army family for their kind thoughts, cards, and prayers.

A service will be held October 9, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at FRENCH-Wyoming with reception to follow. Burial and military service will be at Santa Fe National Cemetery on October 10, 2023, at 12:30.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project.