Max Benavidez

Max Benavidez passed away from surgical complications on January 31, 2020 in Albuquerque, NM at the young age of 65.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Linda of the family home in Bernalillo; three children, Sandra Casarez and husband, Leonard of Raton, Nicole Ballard and husband, Mark of Rio Rancho, and Max Benavidez of Bernalillo. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Amber Vigil of Santa Fe, Erin and April Vigil, both of Raton, and Alex and Nathan Ballard of Rio Rancho. He is also survived by five sisters and three brothers, Madeline Martinez, Eugene (Beatrice) Sanchez and John (Sylvia) Sanchez of Raton; Bernice Vallez, Rosabel Ludwin, Patsy Benavidez, and JoAnn Sanchez of Albuquerque; and Joseph (Elizabeth) Sanchez of Bernalillo, as well as numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jocobo and Benina Sanchez; his brothers, Gerald Benavidez, Andrew Cordova, and Jacob Benavidez; his sister, Lorraine Bowman; his nephew, Gilbert Benavidez; and his brother-in-law, Julian Martinez.

Max held several jobs throughout his lifetime, including racehorse grooming, maintenance technician at Erie Scientific, and heavy equipment operator for road construction, to name a few. Throughout his lifetime he enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, music, and celebrating with friends. His favorite pastime was horseracing, which he enjoyed until the end. He as was a wonderful, generous man, who loved his family and friends. He had a passion for helping others throughout his entire life. He was stubbornly opinionated and used that strength to advocate for other people and for what he believed was right. He will be greatly missed by a huge community of family, friends, and anyone who ever met him.

Friends may visit Wednesday, February 5, 2020, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at FRENCH – Wyoming, 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE, in Albuquerque.

A Rosary will be held February 14, 2020, 10:00 a.m. at St. Patrick's - St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 105 Buena Vista Street, Raton, NM 87740. Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. with Interment to follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery.

A luncheon will follow the Interment in the Parrish Hall at St. Patrick's - St. Joseph's Catholic Church.

Services in Raton are under the direction of Alderette-Pomeroy Funeral Home.