Robert Kenny Lopez

Robert Lopez, 60, passed away on Thursday, June 9, 2022.

Robert Lopez was born May 11,1962, as the second child of Sam and Tillie Lopez. Robert's curly hair and smile captivated everybody who saw him. His older sister Martha now had a brother to look after. One year later Robert became an older brother to his twin siblings Andrew and Audrey. Then a few years later, again he became an older brother to his sister Laverne.

His toddler years were good and this is when Robert started showing curiosity with mechanics by breaking his toys and trying to put them back together. It didn't take long to figure out that he was a future mechanic.

Throughout his youth, Robert learned to take things apart and put them back together. Robert never missed the opportunity to work in the garage with his father, prepping Dad's racecar for Sunday racing.

He also began to show talent and agility on the school playground and always accepted a challenge of some sort to showcase his athleticism, and he excelled through sports, always accepting challenges and doing the best he could. As a freshman at St. Michaels High School, he did a triple flip on the trampoline. This triple flip set him apart from the average Joe and he carried that torch a couple years until transferring to Santa Fe High School. Robert competed in gymnastics, track and AAU swimming. He always placed well.

Away from school, he was a cook for steak houses and eventually cooked for the famous La Tertulia Restaurant in downtown Santa Fe. This afforded Robert to buy his first car, a 1974 Chevy Nova which he customized and raised hell in. Robert met his future wife, and at this time they were having the time of their lives. Robert always took Andrew along, never leaving him behind.

Robert graduated from Santa Fe High School in 1980 and gained respect from teachers, coaches, classmates...just about everybody.

In 1982 Robert married his high school sweetheart Sarah, and this is when he joined the US ARMY. Robert's commitment, skills and attention to detail got him promoted to Sergeant Lopez. While stationed at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, Robert and Sarha had their first child, a beautiful baby girl they named Roxann. Robert and Sara later had beautiful twins, Samantha and Suzann. Sometimes happily ever after takes a turn, and Robert and Sara divorced and he continued to love, cheer and support his daughters with their sports.

Robert eventually left the military to work at his father's automotive service center. Robert was a key player and chief mechanic with Lopez Racing, caring on the legacy of Sunday Racing with the family. This became a family affair for several years, and always brought joy and excitement.

God blessed Robert with his soul mate Mary, his one and only Mary. Together they battled life's hard times, and found their way to happiness. Things were looking pretty good for Robert and Mary. They bought a beautiful home in Farmington, NM, and lived happy until that dreadful day of Mary's death. That gave Robert a jolt he was never able to recover from. Robert then moved to Albuquerque, where the years of being a mechanic began to take a tool on his body. He relied on God and prayer to get through the pain. His pain got so bad he eventually yet reluctantly left his trade of forty years.

Robert was a wonderful, loving, sensitive man. There were so many adventures he enjoyed during a weekend ride on his Harley. His love for family get-togethers, dressing up for Halloween, decorating the house at Christmas time, grilling up a feast, or going to the races, that would always put a boyish smile on his face.

Thank you, Robert, for the fatherhood, brotherhood, friendship, lessons and wonderful memories.

Robert is preceded in death by his dearly beloved Mary, his parents, Sam and Tillie Lopez. Robert is survived by three daughters Roxann, Samantha (Kody), and Suzann, his siblings Martha, Andrew, Audrey (Justin), and Laverne (Jay). He also leaves behind six beautiful grandchildren, Connor, Colt, Carson, Bailee, Aspyn, Savannah, and nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles.

Rest in peace and Godspeed!