William Caldes

William Christopher Caldes

It all started at a PO Box in Santa Fe on August 17, 1946 and ended in Albuquerque on June 15, 2024. Chris was preceded in death by his parents William E. Caldes and Margaret T. Caldes. He is survived by his wife Mary Lou, daughter Wendy N. Caldes (husband Getachew Gobena), son William Keith Caldes (wife Heather), and his siblings Kent T. Caldes brother, Kathy Schofield sister (husband George), Corinne Caldes sister (Pat Ball), and Claire Caldes sister. His seven grandchildren Will, Rain, Roha, Elliot, Saba, Adey, and Turner.

A Memorial Service will be held on his birthday August 17, 2024 at St John's United Methodist Church at 2pm with Rev. Josh Kouri and Rev. Amy Jordan officiating.

He attended school on the Kirtland Air Force Base for twelve years until non-military employees were told to leave. His parents purchased a home in Tijeras where he attended A. Montoya. He graduated from Manzano High School being the first class to finish all four years at the new facility. Upon graduation, he began studying electrical engineering at UNM only to be interrupted by the Vietnam War. After his enlistment in the Navy was finished, he returned to UNM to complete a Bachelors degree of Universities Study.

In the summer of 1966, Chris joined the Navy to avoid being drafted. He had been receiving a 2S classification, which was a student deferment. This meant that he would not be drafted. At the end of his 4th semester, he received a letter from the Draft Board informing him that he was reclassified with an 1A. This meant that he could be drafted. When he investigated, he found that he would remain an 1A because he had a GPA of 1.1 and student deferments were only awarded for GPA 2.0 or higher. He went to Boot Camp in California then to FTA School where he was part of a Drill Team. They participated in many parades and competitions. He was assigned to the USS Hunterdan County LST- 838 landing ship in Vietnam in the Gunnery Division. His next assignment was aboard the USS Leary DD-879 which took him back to Vietnam. He received an Honorable Discharge from Active Duty in November 1970.

Bill and Margaret were very influential in Chris's religious education. His family helped to build a church off of Frost Road in Sandia Park. After he married, he was introduced to the United Methodist Church in Lovington, NM. This was his first experience with United Methodist Men. He was a strong advocate for Men's Ministry. He was a Fisher of Men. His employment later transferred him to Gallup, NM. There, with the Rev. Tom Crider from the Nazarene church, he helped plan several Prayer Breakfasts. Many well-known speakers such as Dave Bliss attended. While in Gallup, he became the District Lay Leader of the NM Conference. He served for 8 years. He sang Tenor in church choirs, taught Disciple Bible Study, led Sunday School classes, played in the Bell Choir, and was Lay reader at church for many years. After retiring, he joined Mesa View UMC in Albuquerque. He studied to become a Certified Lay Minister with his passion continuing to be Men's Ministry.

His first job after getting married and graduating from UNM in 1973 was at Bellas Hess department store. He moved up as far as he could. He later answered an employment ad for Thrifty Drug and Discount. He was offered one of three positions out of 80 applicants. He stayed with Thrifty until the California based company went out of business. While still in Gallup, he learned that Indian Jeweler's Supply Company was looking for a manager. He worked there reaching the level of CEO and retired after 22 years. He enjoyed learning all about the industry and meeting people.

Chris collected coins. He would educate his grandchildren about the different coins and their value. He attended the Albuquerque Coin Show held twice a year. Chris's Dad, Bill, introduced him to fishing at an early age. He preferred streams to lakes. He had the experience of catching a Marlin in Mazatlan with the UNM Alumni trip. He attended the Kenai Fishing Academy at the Kenai Peninsula College. He learned everything one needed to know about Fly Fishing. He even had a set-up for tying flies. His favorite spot in NM was the San Juan Quality Waters catch and release. He taught his grandchildren to fish in the Black Hills of SD. He had eight poles going at one time trying to watch the lines. The park Ranger was in awe of his organizational talent. Photography sparked his artistic ability. He took courses at UNM which, according to Snelling and Snelling, was all one needed to sell cameras in that department at Bellas Hess, his first employment. Through the years he captured family, friends, wildlife, birds, flowers, birthdays, balloons etc. After retirement golfing became a relaxing sport that he enjoyed with friends. Walking or riding in a cart was special to him being outdoors with great company.