Epifanio Mares Jr.

Mares, Epifano Jr. (Epi) Mares, Epifano Jr. "Epi"Our Precious Dad, Grandpa, Uncle and Friend was called to his eternal home to be with Jesus, and Mom (Kate), James (son), Stan (son) and Celina (granddaughter). He was 91, born on June 29, 1922 in Cuba, NM, and raised in Guadalupe, NM and SW Albuquerque. Epi went to his eternal home on September 10, 2013, surrounded by his caring family in Rio Rancho, NM. He was also preceded to heaven by his parents Epifano Sr. and Bruna Valencia Mares. He met his beloved wife Kate Zamora in elementary school. They married in 1941 and shared their lives for 72 years with their six children. Survived by his daughters, which he adored, Tomasita and husband George Navarro, Patti Mares-Urioste, Elizabeth DeVargas, Kathy and Kevin Castillo, Elizabeth Mares, 15 grandchildren, 51 great grandchildren and four great great grandchildren. At the age of six he sold newspapers in front of the Liberty Hotel in Albuquerque. To provide for his large family he was a hard-working man as a Fireman (Kirtland AFB), iron worker, layed tile and other handyman duties, as well as maintained a farm in the Bosque of Bernalillo. Epi was a brilliant, generous, kind, loving friendly, humorous, giving, talented, faithful, carinoso, fun loving, God filled man. Due to his knowledge and wisdom he was a "teacher to all" and used "dichos" that helped us all grow spiritually and emotionally. He was an expert fisherman (including fly fishing), hunter and outdoors man. Many of his "students" have now become excellent fishermen and hunters. His entire life was a lesson of life. Anything he attempted he accomplished successfully, oil painting, tied flies, dancing (polka), singing, colorful story teller are some examples. He volunteered and helped his neighbors, driver for Palo Duro Senior Center, taught softball pitching to some of his granddaughters, sang in church choir, volunteer firefighter, etc. He was a dedicated father and always there to help his children. He loved to talk with others, he never met a stranger. He was certainly the "love of our life" and helped us to love life. Dad, grandpa you will live on in our hearts forever. We will miss you but we know you are celebrating your life now with Mom, James, Stan and Celina with great joy. Celebration of life services will be Wednesday, September 18, 2013 at 9:30 a.m. Rosary, 10:00 a.m. Mass and Reception following at Our Lady of Sorrows church in Bernalillo, NM. Interment will be at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. Celebrant, Monsignor Boleman. Pallbearers will be George Navarro, Kevin Castillo, Damien Navarro and Sean Vargas. Honorary Pall Bearers are all his 70 grandchildren. A heartfelt thank you to Kevin and Kathy Castillo for their loving hospitality as we visited with Epi in his final journey. Special thanks to Maria Anderson and Manny CNA with Compassus. Thank you to all who have given us comfort and support during this time. Thanks to God for giving us the opportunity to be a part of Epi's life and carino. Dad we will remember what you use to frequently say to us, "don't be upset, don't get mad because in fifty years from now you'll never know the difference." To view information or leave a condolence please visit www.danielsfuneral.com Daniels Family Funeral Services 3113 Carlisle Blvd NE Albuquerque, NM 87110 505-884-1188