A MEMORIAL

EXPRESSING THE LEGISLATURE'S SINCERE CONDOLENCES AND SYMPATHY UPON THE DEATH OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SERGEANT AT ARMS, GILBERT LORENZO BACA.

WHEREAS, the legislature was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Gilbert Lorenzo Baca, long-time house of representatives sergeant at arms, on October 2, 2003; and

WHEREAS, Gilbert, who was also affectionately known by his boyhood nickname "Cow", had been the house sergeant at arms since 1989; and

WHEREAS, Gilbert was born and raised in Santa Fe, was graduated from St. Michael's high school and attended the college of Santa Fe; and

WHEREAS, he began his career with the state highway department in 1956, retiring from the state after twenty-six years of service; he then served as former Congressman Bill Richardson's district director, handling constituent services for the congressman; and

WHEREAS, Gilbert was elected to his position as sergeant at arms in 1989, and he always served the house of representatives with dignity, honor and humor; and

WHEREAS, legislators and staff will miss seeing Cow walking through the halls of the capitol or standing guard at the door of a caucus meeting or hearing his voice booming out over the chambers as he announced the governor, senators or other dignitaries into the house of representatives; and

WHEREAS, Gilbert leaves a legacy of service to the legislature and the state that will not be forgotten or easily replaced; and

WHEREAS, Gilbert was a loving and devoted family man, who along with his wife of forty-six years, "My Lovely" Marie, as he called her, raised three sons, Gilbert Jr., Donald and Michael, and three daughters, Lydia, Joann and Teresa, who presented him with twelve grandchildren and three great-grandchildren;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that it express its deep sorrow and regret to the family of Gilbert Lorenzo "Cow" Baca; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to Marie Baca and her family.