Walter K. Lopez With heavy hearts, we announce the passing

Walter K. Lopez With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved brother, uncle, and friend, Walter K. Lopez. Walter left us suddenly on March 13, 2025, due to an unexpected illness, but he passed peacefully, surrounded by his loving family. Born on June 7, 1952, in Socorro, New Mexico, Walter moved to Santa Fe at the age of eight, where he built a life filled with discipline, storytelling and an unshakable love for sports. He attended St. Francis Cathedral School and graduated from Santa Fe High School before earning his Journalism degree from New Mexico State University. Walter's passion for writing and keen eye for detail led him to a distinguished career in journalism. He spent years as a sportswriter for The Santa Fe New Mexican newspaper before becoming managing editor at New Mexico Magazine, where his beloved column, One of Our Fifty is Missing, graced the final page of the publication. He later served as the editor for La Herencia magazine, preserving and sharing the rich cultural heritage of New Mexico. Walter also edited and wrote for the local horse racing publications Inside Racing and Southwest Inside Racing. An avid sports enthusiast, Walter found boundless joy in horse racing, particularly live events, and followed all sports with the enthusiasm of an ardent fan. His annual trips to Las Vegas, Nevada, were not just vacations but traditions, filled with excitement, wit, and his signature appreciation for the thrill of the moment. Walter was a man of keen observation, always taking in the world with a mix of curiosity, wisdom, and wry humor. His words carried weight, whether spoken in jest, in kindness, or with the stubborn conviction that made him who he was. He is preceded in death by his parents, Salomon and Angie Lopez, and his brother, Patrick. Walter is survived by his devoted sister, Linda (Ed) DeBruyn, his brother, Mark (Catherine), along with his nieces and nephews, Eddie and Krystl DeBruyn; Ariana, Dean, and Nina Lopez; Bosco Lopez and DeAnza Paredes, along with numerous relatives and dear friends who will cherish his memory. A Rosary and Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, March 28, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Santa Fe, NM. The burial will take place Friday, April 4, 2025 at 12:30 p.m. at Rosario Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Walter's memory to Scott's House, the community hospice and respite house where he spent his final days. Walter's legacy lives on in the stories he told, the laughter he inspired, and the unwavering love he had for his family and friends. Though his absence leaves a void that cannot be filled, the memories he created will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.