Edwin G. Christilaw

Edwin G. Christilaw, MMC US Navy (retired), passed peacefully surrounded by his family on July 29th, 2024. Ed was a New Mexico Native born in Cuba, son of Albertina Chavez and Gilbert Carabajal. Raised in San Ysidro by parents Prisciliana Chavez and Richard Christilaw. He attended High School at Jemez Valley, then College at Eastern Arizona University, where he met the love of his life, Bernice Saucedo of Clifton Arizona.

After getting married he joined the US Navy as a Machinist Mate. Chief Christilaw survived three combat tours in Vietnam and retired after 20 years of honorable service. He then returned to his home state of New Mexico, settling in Belen, where he worked another 20 years with Sandia National Laboratories at Kirtland AFB.

Ed was a devoted husband and loving father of his children Nicholas, Philip and Ariana. He was even more proud to be Grandpa to Skylar, Nico Jr., Gilbert, Marisol, Sophia, Mateo, John, Hugo, Desiree, Brianna and Antonio. Ed was predeceased by his wife of over 50 years Bernice Christilaw on December 29th, 2021. Daughter Gloriana Christilaw. Parents Albertina Chavez, Preciliana Chavez, Gilbert Carabajal and Richard Christilaw. Siblings Ernesto Carabajal, Lawrence Carabajal, Dennis Carabajal

Edwin was an active member of VFW Post 401, never missing a pool tournament and volunteered as an Honor Escort for the local Patriot Guard Riders. He was an avid outdoorsman, loved shooting hoops, riding his motorcycle, spending time with family and was always willing to help others.

"Pops" was a kind and loving man, loved air guitaring a nice polka and dancing cumbias.

He used his experience and compassion to train thousands of Sailor's, raise children and lived a selfless life, touching people's lives all over the world. Lastly, he gave his loving wife a wonderful life they shared together to the end.

Edwin is survived by siblings Carmela Carabajal, Ben & Tilla Baca, Lawrence & Yolanda Chavez, Ray Carabajal, Geraldine Carabajal, Barbara Christilaw, Yvonne Carabajal. Children, Nicholas & Marisol Christilaw, Philip & Juanita Christilaw, Daniel & Ariana Stange. Grandchildren Skylar Hoogerhuis, Nico Christilaw, Gilbert Christilaw, Sophia Christilaw, Marisol Christilaw, Mateo Christilaw, Antonio Christilaw. Great grand children Cielo Hoogerhuis, Iyza Labrador, Liliana Hoogerhuis.

Services for Edwin will be held on August 20th at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Cuba, NM. The Rosary will begin at 9 AM with Mass at 10 AM. The family will be laying Chief Machinist Mate Edwin G. Christilaw to rest at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at 2 PM that afternoon.