Ruben Ezechiel Gonzales

Ruben E. Gonzales was born near Trinidad, Colorado in 1939.  Ruben grew up in Trinidad, graduated from Trinidad High School, and earned an associate degree at Trinidad State College.  He continued his education at Adams State in Alamosa, earning BS and MS degrees in education.  Ruben married Mona Gay Swift and they moved to the Farmington area in 1963.  Ruben, also known as “Mr. G,” worked in the Farmington Public Schools and San Juan College from 1963-2005.  

Ruben is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mona Gay Gonzales, five children – Gregory, Monica Ruth, Deborah, Darin, and Mitchell.  Ruben and Mona Gay have been blessed with ten grandchildren and four great grandchildren. 

Ruben was a family man.  He was selfless, giving, kind, and quick of wit and whimsey.  He has been known to play “Traveling Sneakers” with various family members for decades.  As a FHS Counselor, he would hand a random student the handset for the pay phone in the hall and say, “It’s for you” and walk away leaving the confused student with a dial tone and a smile. 

Ruben was the recipient of the 1989 Outstanding Adult Basic Education Teacher of the Year award.  He was proud of his contributions to people’s lives, giving them second chances.  You had to plan ahead to get milk at Smith’s.  As he walked the aisles, he would run into people he knew, kids he taught, and eventually children of children that he had taught.  A simple trip to Smiths took 30 minutes.  He took time to talk to everyone.  Grandpa Ruben always left you with the knowledge that you had been listened to and heard. 

Ruben was an avid photographer.  He enjoyed the creative process.  He took photos, developed the prints, he taught photography at the college.  He also gave away millions of cameras to friends and family.  He was always helping.  He collected backpacks that he bought at local garage sales and donated them to homeless shelters.  He loved the hunt for bargains and the high stakes negotiations for 25 cent treasures.

Ruben was active at Saint Mary’s Church and was involved in several ministries there. 

Ruben, all of us who were blessed to know you want you to know we love you and will miss you.