Art Rattanapote

On January 5, 2024, Art Rattanapote of Rio Rancho, NM, passed away at the age of 76 years.

Art is survived by daughter Melody and her husband Chris; son Arthur, his wife Marlayna, and their three children; two brothers and their families in Thailand; and numerous friends and colleagues.

He was preceded in death by his wife Vickie, his mother, and his father.

Art was born in Bangkok, Thailand, as the oldest of three boys. He graduated with his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Thammasat University in Bangkok. While in college, he met his future wife, Vickie, in the music department, and they became members in a band that performed at weddings and special events. When Art’s mother, Tommie, emigrated to the US in 1975, he followed her. Art returned to Thailand and married Vickie in 1976, and they moved permanently to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where they remained in the same home for over 40 years. Art worked as an accountant, controller, and comptroller over the years to support his family, while also completing his MBA from Webster University. Art worked hard to provide for his family but also find ways to afford extracurricular activities and vacations.

Art was a talented self-taught musician, starting with the guitar and then keyboard-based instruments.  Art and Vickie paid for weekly piano lessons for both kids from a young age and through high school. The family was introduced to the Organ Club where he and the kids would play music for fun along side other members during rotating monthly gatherings. Their home was filled with music, including Art playing instruments while Vickie sang along. Christmas was a favorite time; the kids would play on the piano, Vickie would sing, and Art would accompany on the keyboard or organ. There were many laughs from the many mistakes with all these elements.

Art loved soccer and made a profound impact on the community as a founding member of the Rio Rancho Soccer Club, where he coached many kids, including his own. He coached a number of competitive teams that required traveling to tournaments around the Southwest. Over the years, many players and parents have recalled Art’s fairness while teaching soccer and life skills. He did not tolerate poor sportsmanship, fighting, or swearing. Art played in a recreational adult soccer league for many years. He was also known for setting up multiple TVs and VCRs during World Cup years, so he didn’t miss a single game. 

Art knew people everywhere he went. He had many long-standing relationships. Whether professionally or socially, Art was heavily connected and went out of his way to help people and show that he cared. This includes his time caring for Vickie in her final two years.

Art was well-loved and will be missed, but the fond memories of him will live in our hearts.

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A Celebration of Life will be held for both Art and Vickie on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at Rio Rancho High School's cafeteria from 12-2pm. Rio Rancho High School is located at 301 Loma Colorado Blvd NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124. All are welcome to join us for a little food and a lot of memories. Please email RememberArtVickie2024@gmail.com if you are planning to attend or have any further questions. 

If you wish to assist the family with expenses, please access the following link: 

https://gofund.me/f1394b12