Obituaries

GARY HORPEDAHL Jan 10, 1949 – Aug. 1, 2025

Gary Horpedahl passed away at his home in Walnut Creek, CA on Aug. 1, 2025, at the age of 76. His sudden passing has left us all shocked and very sad.

Born Jan. 10, 1949, to LeRoy Horpedahl and Alice Horpedahl (nee Hammett), Gary was raised in Los Alamos, New Mexico where his father worked as an engineer and project manager at the Los Alamos National Laboratory. Gary graduated from Los Alamos High School in 1967 and went to Honduras for the summer to build homes through the Lutheran Church.

Gary received his BA in American History from Pacific Lutheran University Read More

CECILIA LOYA BURCIAGA June 11, 2025

Our beloved Cecilia Loya Burciaga died June 11, 2025, after 79 years of a life well-lived. We will forever remember her for her quick laugh and sense of humor, her kindness, and her huge appetite. Ernesto Burciaga (Neto or Ernie), her husband of 44 years; her sisters- and brother-in-law are left to miss and remember her. She was the last of her generation in the Loya family and leaves behind many nieces and nephews to mourn her.

A native of El Paso, Texas, she spent her earlier years there and became a wonderful aunt to her nieces and nephews, taking them swimming, Read More

DAVID (DAVE) ROGER BROWN Aug. 16, 1937 – July 29, 2025

David (Dave) Roger Brown of Lewisville, Texas, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at the age of 87.

Dave was born August 16, 1937, in Waynesville, Ohio. Son of the late Roger and Marjorie Brown.

Dave is survived by his wife, Carol Brown; son Alan Brown and spouse Jaki Martinez, daughter Annette Cyr and spouse Ken Cyr, grandchildren Angelique and Nicholas Cyr, sisters Doris Clay and Susanne Chilton, and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his brother William Brown.

A proud Air Force veteran, Dave Read More

CONNIE LEONE BLAIR JOHNSON MERRILL May 2, 1961 – Aug. 1, 2025

Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Connie Leone Blair Johnson Merrill, passed away peacefully Aug. 1, 2025, at the age of 64.

Connie was born May 2, 1961, in Ogden, Utah, to Dewain Medwin Blair and Leone Madsen Blair. She grew up in Clearfield, Utah, and for the past 36 years made her home in Los Alamos, New Mexico, where she touched countless lives with her warmth, service, and love.

July 12, 1979, Connie was sealed to Michael F. Johnson in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they raised a beautiful family and shared many Read More

BARBARA ANN RAMSAY July 29, 2025

Barbara Ann Ramsay, 91, of Los Alamos, New Mexico, left us July 29, 2025, to join her late husband John on their new and grandest adventure. Born in Madison, Wisconsin, to Raymond and Ann (Wildeman) Hilsenhoff, Barbara lived an extraordinary life full of love, motherhood, horsemanship, and adventure.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, John; her parents; her brother, William (Bill) Hilsenhoff, and his wife, Jane; and her son-in-law, Lou Horak. She is survived by her children, Bryan (Conchita) Ramsay, Kathleen Ramsay (Lou Horak, deceased), Carol Read More

ANDREI NIKOLAEVICH MATLASHOV Sept. 25, 1958 – Aug. 3, 2025

Andrei Nikolaevich Matlashov, born on September 25, 1958, in Tyrnyauz, Kabarda-Balkar ASSR, passed away on August 3, 2025, in Los Alamos, New Mexico.

He is survived by his loving wife, Tatiana Matlashova, and his two daughters, Valentina and Yuliya Matlashova.

Andrei was an incredible man, wise, generous, and deeply curious about the world. He dedicated nearly two decades to his work at Los Alamos National Laboratory before continuing his research at the Institute for Basic Science (IBS) in South Korea, where he made lasting contributions Read More

QUINN MARTIN FATHERLEY Feb. 19, 1967 – July 13, 2025

Quinn Martin Fatherley, 58, passed away unexpectedly on July 13, 2025, at home in San Ramon, California. He was a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and cousin who will be deeply missed by all who benefited from his gracious spirit.

Born in Glen Cove, New York on February 19, 1967, Quinn is survived by his wife of 22 years, Valerie, and their three teenage children Emma, Garrett, and Tristan; his parents, Robert Fatherley Jr. and Julie Fatherley of Westport, Connecticut; his brother, Christopher, and his family currently residing Read More

EGAN MCCORMICK April 21, 1955 — July 26, 2025

On July 26, 2025 Egan lost his long battle with COPD. 

Born in Omaha, Nebraska, he moved to Los Alamos at 3 months of age. He graduated from Los Alamos High School and went on to get his bachelors in Economics from the University of New Mexico. While working full time at LANL and raising his family he obtained his MBA from UNM-L A.

His pride and joy were his 4 children, Tyler (Lauren), Lacey, Chelsea, and Micaela (John) and his two grandsons Logan and Abel. He could never do enough for them, be it delivering Girl Scout cookies or Boy Scout popcorn. He was President Read More

DONALD JOSEPH ROKOP May 15, 1939 – July 25, 2025

Donald (Don) Joseph Rokop, a loving husband and father, passed away at the age of 86, July 25, 2025.

Don was born May 15, 1939, in Aurora, IL to Joseph Rokop and Margaret McLennan Rokop. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Physics and Mathematics from Lake Forest College in 1961 where he was an All-Conference wrestler. After graduating he accepted a position at Argonne National Laboratory, where he met his future wife, Sue. Their first date was to a White Sox double-header (although he and Sue were both Cub fans!) and a few short months later Read More

LINDA CAROL DOOLEN March 22, 1947 – July 22, 2025

Linda Carol Doolen, 78, of Los Alamos, beloved sister, aunt and friend, died the early evening of July 22, 2025, at BeeHive Homes of White Rock, N.M., where she had been since having a severe stroke in March.

Linda was born March 22, 1947, at the hospital in Salem, Illinois. She grew up in Kinmundy, Illinois, the youngest child of Gilbert Lowe Doolen and Mabel Lois Headley Doolen. She had a lifelong love of animals and nature. When she was young, she had a series of pet cats named for characters in popular TV shows. She had cat companions her entire Read More

BARBARA JEAN POLLOCK July 17, 2025

Barbara Jean Pollock passed away peacefully at home and surrounded by her family in Los Alamitos, California, on July 17, 2025, at the age of 93.

Barbara was the first of four children born to Howard and Rebecca Roepnack of Arvada, CO. While attending the University of Colorado in Boulder, she met and married Raymond Pollock, Jr. They moved to Santa Monica, CA, where they had two children, Clifford Raymond Pollock and Craig Howard Pollock.

In 1957, the family moved to Los Alamos, NM, where Barbara raised her family. Favorite memories of this time included the many Read More

CECILIA M. BARRONE – July 20, 2025

It is with profound reverence that we celebrate the life of our extraordinary mother, grandmother, sister and friend Cecilia M. Barrone, who ascended to eternal peace on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at her home in Taos, NM, with her loving husband by her side.

Cecilia grew up in Santa Fe, surrounded by a loving and supportive family that instilled in her a strong sense of values and compassion. As the eldest of nine siblings, she learned the importance of responsibility, leadership, and the value of close relationships.

Her educational journey began at Loretto Academy Read More

SHARON R. STEWART April 15, 1945 – July 19, 2025

On July 19, 2025, Sharon passed away surrounded by her three daughters.

Born in Hatch, NM, Sharon lived all over New Mexico until meeting and marrying Del in Belen. Settling down in Los Alamos, Sharon, along with raising her daughters, volunteered at the church library, sang in the choir, and let loose with some square dancing.

She enjoyed gardening, crafting with her grandchildren, and was also known for her great seamstress skills inherited from her mother.

Sharon is preceded in death by her father E.E. Williamson, mother Dorothy O. Williamson Read More

DAVID L. SMITH July 21, 1950 – July 15, 2025

David L. Smith, born on July 21, 1950, passed away at his home in the early morning of July 15, 2025. Surrounded by his devoted family, he received loving care in his final days. His wife, Leni, was supported by the entire family, with his beloved nephew Miguel Velasquez from Santa Fe among the first to assist.

David served the town of Los Alamos through his HVAC business, Sierra Enterprises, where he specialized in installing heating and cooling systems. His reputation for quality work was so strong that customers were often willing to wait months just to Read More

CHARLES (CHUCK) I FAIRCHILD Oct. 26, 1932 – July 4, 2025

Chuck was born in Marfa, Texas, to Leo and Anne (Koenig) Fairchild. He fondly spent his childhood in Fort Davis, where as a kid, his favorite hobby was chasing and riding wild donkeys with his three brothers. He later moved to Carlsbad, where he worked in his dad’s grocery store until graduation. There, he learned to speak Spanish fluently.

As an adult, he settled in Los Alamos, New Mexico. A small mountain town and builder of the atom bomb, it became his hometown, living most of his established life there, which in total, spanned 92 years.

His Read More

HAROLD (HAL) DAVIS June 30, 1941 – July 18, 2025

Harold (Hal) Davis, 84, of Los Alamos, NM, passed away on July 18, 2025 with his wife, son, and daughter at his side. Hal will be remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather, and an active member of his community.

Born on June 30, 1941 in Chicago, Illinois, Hal had a humble upbringing. He loved playing baseball with his friends and told stories of sneaking into Chicago Bears football games as a youngster. He was a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan and was overjoyed that he lived to see them win the World Series in his lifetime.

Hal was the first in his family Read More

ROBERT HOWARD SHERMAN Nov. 18, 1929 – July 18, 2025

Robert (Bob) Howard Sherman passed away peacefully on July 18, 2025, following a brief illness.

Bob lived a very full life and remained active and vigorous throughout his life. Born on November 18,  1929, Bob always had a keen interest in science and loved conducting chemistry experiments in the basement of his childhood home in Chicago. He spoke fondly of attending Lane Technical High School.

Bob graduated from the Illinois Institute of Technology and earned his PhD in Physical Chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley. Following Read More

DALE REINHOLD HAHN June 8, 1929 – July 15, 2025

Dale Reinhold Hahn passed away on July 15, 2025. Born June 8, 1929, in Twin Falls, Idaho, to Reinhold Hahn and Elsa (Platt) Hahn. Dale had a long and beautiful life of 96 years.

In 1932, Dale’s parents moved Dale and his younger brother, Wayne, to the family farm in Madison, Nebraska where Dale grew up and graduated from Madison High School.

In 1946 at the age of seventeen, Dale joined the army and proudly served with the First Cavalry Division in the Occupation of Japan. He was honorably discharged as a World War II  veteran.

In 1950 he married Erma Lintner Read More

DAVID THOMAS ‘DAVE’ BIBB II Jan. 28, 1942 – July 20, 2025

David Thomas (Dave) Bibb II passed away on July 20, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and service. Born in Las Vegas, New Mexico, to David Thomas (Dee) and Mabel Bibb, Dave lived a life filled with purpose, compassion, and creativity. After graduating from Robertson High School, he earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Music from New Mexico Highlands University.

On August 17, 1963, Dave married his soulmate, Mary Kay Bird, whom he had introduced himself to a year prior in the university swimming pool. Together, they had Read More

JERRY BEATTY Sept. 4, 1935 – June 25, 2025

Jerry Beatty was born September 4, 1935, in Fresno, California, and was the middle child of Warren and Ruby (Kincheloe) Beatty.

He passed away due to complications associated with cancer on June 25, 2025.

Jerry attended local schools and graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1953. After high school, he studied engineering at Fresno State College and upon graduation, he was employed at North America Aviation. He also worked at Aerojet Corporation and United Technologies before joining Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico, where he spent most Read More

JANET C. JONES – July 8, 2025

Janet C. Jones passed away peacefully on July 8, 2025, in her home, just 3 weeks short of her 83rd birthday.

She was preceded in death by her younger sister, Elizabeth Weig and her parents, Mr. and Mrs. C. Burt Wells.

She leaves behind her husband of 54 years and 3 months, Delbert M. Jones, her older brother Michael Wells of Oro Valley, AZ., her son Steven J. (Kira) Jones and her grandson Kilian R. Jones of Buena Vista, CO.

Janet was a tall attractive blonde lady who loved kids and teaching. She was a highly regarded elementary school teacher for most of her life. She enjoyed traveling, Read More

JUANITA (JANE) A. LOPEZ – July 11, 2025

With heavy hearts and profound gratitude for her life, we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved Juanita (Jane) Lopez. Her Heavenly Father, lead one of his angels back home. Juanita was ready to meet her creator.

Juanita would remind anyone that was around her that it was always God’s will about what happens in life. Juanita never wavered from her faith that God was and is always in control.

On Wednesday afternoon, June 18 Juanita was able to enjoy her 100th birthday with loved ones, while she sang happy birthday to herself with all her loved ones.

Juanita’s Read More

GLORIA KRINARD Sept. 11, 1934 – April 8, 2025.

Gloria Gay Krinard was born Sept. 11, 1934, in Alton, Illinois, to Albert Roger Krinard and Mamie McDanel Krinard. From a young age, Gloria embraced life with joy, curiosity, and determination—a spirit that carried her through a remarkable and adventure-filled journey.

After graduating from Alton High School, she pursued her love of physical movement and wellness at Christian College in Columbia, Missouri, where she studied Physical Education and swimming. Her passion for active living would become a lifelong hallmark. Following college, Read More

RAYMOND HAROLD VOOS July 6, 2025

Raymond Harold Voos died peacefully in his home in Rio Rancho, NM on July 6, 2025. He dedicated 25 years of his career to Los Alamos National Laboratory as a prototype machinist before retiring in 1993. After retirement, he and his wife moved to Rutheron, NM, where they spent their winter months “snowbirding” throughout the US before settling down in Rio Rancho, NM.

A polio survivor, Ray wasn’t one to let disability keep him down. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, skeet shooting, waterskiing, and bowling.

He volunteered Read More

DOROTHY QUARTIERI Aug. 23, 1935 – June 29, 2025

Dorothy Quartieri passed away peacefully at home in Los Alamos, New Mexico on June 29, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.

Dorothy was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Nothing in this world meant more to her than family. Her love ran deep, and she made sure everyone felt it—every single day.

Born in Dawson, New Mexico on August 23, 1935, she was the daughter of Harry and Fay Pompeo. Dorothy was the middle child, lovingly nestled between her older sisters, Emma Weaver and Viola Peterson, and her younger brothers, Harry Pompeo Read More

DR. MUDUNDI RAMAKRISHNA RAJU June 24, 2025

Dr. Mudundi Ramakrishna Raju, retired scientist and Fellow of Los Alamos National Laboratory, passed away on June 24, 2025, in his hometown in India. His funeral was conducted with full state honors in the presence of family, friends and community leaders.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mrs. Subhadra Devi Raju, whom he loved and admired deeply. Dr. Raju leaves behind a lasting legacy of pioneering research on radiation cancer treatment as well as an impressive record of humanitarian work.

Dr. M.R. Raju graduated with a PhD in nuclear physics from Read More

DAMON GIOVANIELLI May 8, 1943 – July 6, 2025

Sunday, July 6, 2025, our community lost Damon Giovanielli, a happy, loving man, who “always had a sparkle in his eyes” and a longing to interact with those around him.

Damon was born in Teaneck, NJ, May 8, 1943, and stuck close to home for college, attending Princeton University. He went on to earn his PhD in physics from Dartmouth College and spent the majority of his scientific career at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Damon loved his time at the lab, eventually becoming leader of the Physics Division.

As a member of numerous boards and committees in Los Read More

LEE HALL STAPP March 10, 1954 – June 23, 2025

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Lee Hall Stapp, a beloved father, brother, and friend, who departed this life on June 23, 2025, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, at the age of 71. Born on March 10, 1954, in Clovis, New Mexico, Lee touched the lives of many with his kindness, intellect, and unwavering spirit.

Lee was the cherished son of James W. Stapp and Suzanne H. Stapp, both of whom preceded him in death. He is survived by his devoted daughter, Shoshana Stapp; his stepdaughter, Sarah Ball; his sister, Lynne Stapp; his caring foster brother, Read More

AUDREY ELIZABETH KENYON June 29, 2025

Audrey Elizabeth Kenyon peacefully passed onward and upward while surrounded by family on June 29, 2025 at the age of 91.

Audrey was born in Casper, Wyoming, in January of 1934, to her parents Harold Jefferson Masters and Hildegarde Agnes Waechter.

Her Father died unexpectedly two years later and her mother moved her family to Glendale, California to be closer to her brother Carl Waechter. Audrey grew up in Glendale. She graduated from Hoover High and went on to receive a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of California Los Angeles Read More

JOHN (BUCK) DALE ROBERTSON March 18, 1948 – June 26, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of John (Buck) Dale Robertson, a beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend. John passed away on June 26, 2025, in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.

Born in Lincoln, Illinois, John spent his youth in Mason City, Illinois, where he built the foundations of a life filled with curiosity and kindness. He spent most of his adult life in the unique community of Los Alamos, New Mexico, before moving to Albuquerque approximately nine years ago.

John was a man of many passions. He had a sharp and inquisitive Read More

A Life Tribute Service will be held on July 12 for Ann Beyer, shown here with her dogs. Courtesy photo

Community News:

On Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 1 p.m. there will be a Life Tribute Service for Ann Beyer at the Unitarian Church of Los Alamos.

There will be a light hors d’oeuvres reception afterward.

Ann Beyer passed away 3 years ago on July 9, 2022 (link). She passed 5 days shy of her 93rd birthday.

Tom Beyer, her son, and the Unitarian Church of Los Alamos want to honor Ann’s remarkable life in a Life Tribute Service.

Ann signed the membership book at the Unitarian Church in 1959.

She was a docent for the Read More

JENNIFER HANSON BARTRAM Sept. 10, 1957 – June 21, 2025

Jennifer Hanson Bartram, fondly known as “Jenn”, was born on September 10, 1957, and passed away unexpectedly on June 21, 2025.

Raised in the Midwest, Jenn moved to New Mexico for a fresh start. She would fondly talk about the many careers she pursued while living in Northern New Mexico. A broken-down car led her to meet her best friend, who eventually became her husband, Brian, landing her in Los Alamos where she left a lasting impact through the many programs she founded or volunteered with.

Her early programs focused on supporting teens and Read More

TIMOTHY GENE LAMKIN May 24, 1952 – May 11, 2025

Timothy Gene Lamkin was born on May 24, 1952, in Whittier, California. He died May 11, 2025, in Albuquerque, New Mexico after a long illness.

Knowing Tim meant that you understood his passion for life and adventures. The time between those dates mattered most to him. Tim loved the outdoors and spent his childhood building forts in the canyons of Los Alamos, playing outside and camping. He began riding bicycles at 8 years old appropriating his sister’s bike until he got his own. He loved cycling and spent time participating in various road races Read More

MARK DAVID BJORKLUND May 31, 1954 – June 6, 2025

Mark David Bjorklund, born on May 31, 1954, in Los Alamos, NM, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2025, following a heroic struggle with pancreatic cancer. 

Mark was the son of Carl and Marilyn Bjorklund. Carl came to Los Alamos National Laboratory as a Chemist. Marilyn was a botanist and ornithologist. Mark inherited scholarly pursuits from Carl and a love of nature from Marilyn. Growing up in a neighborhood of runners near Aspen Elementary School, he trained for cross country and track on the many mountain trails that surround Los Alamos. A Read More

CLYDE ‘HERBIE’ HERBERT BALL Oct. 8, 1942 – June 13, 2025

Clyde “Herbie” Herbert Ball, 82, of Louisburg, NC, passed away on Friday, June 13, 2025. He was born on October 8, 1942, to the late William Everett Ball and Frances Juanita Smith Ball in South Shore, Kentucky.

In addition to his parents, Herbie is preceded in death by his brother, William Frederick Ball; his sister, Carolyn Grey (Claude); niece Alex McKinney; brothers-in-law Dalton Gray and David McKinney III and his faithful canine companion Harley Ball.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Kelly Thompson, Jaki Swisher and Julia Read More