CORN MOQUINO Oct. 26, 1929 – Dec. 14, 2016Corn Moquino, 87, a resident of Santa Clara Pueblo passed away on December 14, 2016.
Corn was born on October 26, 1929 in Zia Pueblo, New Mexico. He was preceded in death by his parents Augustine Moquino and Benina Shije; brothers- Willie, Ignacio and Lee Moquino, sisters- Reyes Homer and Lucy Antone and Son James Moquino.
Corn is survived by his wife of 54 years, Christine Herrera Moquino; children Michael Shije, Christopher, Mark, Marvin, Melvin, Martin, Bernice, Michael, and Matthew Moquino; grandchildren Camille, James, Lee, Lawrence, Angelo, Jon, Travis, David, Awenita, Samantha, Mariah, Ty, Zian, Thunder Cloud and Lillian Moquino, great grandchildren Mario Thomas, Andre & Darwin Yazzie Jr, Amara Skye, Kayla Jade and Kaydin Moquino, and Zamara Moquino-Tafoya; brother Bob Moquino and Moquino family of Tesuque Pueblo, sister, Esther Tallas and Family of Moenkopi, Az.
And Veronica Baca and family of Zia Pueblo, NM; brother in lawm Jose Lucero and Family, sisters in law, Pauline Martinez and Johanna Herrera and families; extended Moquino Families of San Juan, San Ildefonso, Cochiti, Santo Domingo, Jemez, Isleta, Laguna, Hopi, Mescalero and the Navajo Nation. And numerous other relative and friends.
Corn lived and extraordinary life. Having survived the forced removal from his family as a child by the United States Government in an attempt to assimilate Native Children during the boarding school era. At the age of 12 he escaped boarding school and became a sheep herder and ranch hand. Through his teen years he traveled to many parts of the United States and discovered new talents and careers along the way. Corn was most proud of his years he spent singing with Hank Williams Sr. and many other western singers who are now legends.
In the early 1960s Corn met the love of his life, Christine and relocated to Santa Clara Pueblo. It was then that he became intrigued with black Santa Clara pottery- he became a self-taught potter. He is one of the earliest potters to employ sgraffito style carving. Corn quickly developed a passion for creating beautiful works of art and through the years evolved into a master. Corn presented pots at the venerable Sid Deutsch Gallery in New York City. Corn received numerous awards, recognitions, prizes and ribbons from various prestigious exhibitions such as the Santa Fe Indian Market, Eight Northern Indian Pueblo Council arts and craft show, New Mexico State Fair, Gallup Ceremonial, Phoenix Heard Museum Indian Market and countless other shows and art expos throughout the United Sates.
Corn was a Jokester and brought a smile to everyone he met. He loved his family and shared his gifts, stories and talents with anyone who was willing to listen and learn. He had an immeasurable love for the Lord and his Holy Word, he spent countless hours studying and interpreting sacred scripture.
Corn will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him his passing leaves a void in our hearts.
“Corn is the name you will never forget. You will always remember me every time you’re eating corn. Corn is sweet, nice and always smiling.”
Services for Corn Moquino will be at 9 a.m., Saturday December 17, 2016 at the First Indian Baptist Church Located at 1442 E Fairview Ln. Espanola, NM with a reception to follow at the church.
The Family of Corn Moqunio has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Espanola Valley. 505-747-7477-www.devargasfuneral.com
