LeRoy Alma Brimhall

LeRoy Alma Brimhall, born October 10, 1946 in Durango, CO, passed away Friday March 4, 2011 in Farmington at the age of 64. He is survived by his daughter Elizabeth, son Geoffrey, Geoff’s wife Robin, grandson Jade, cousin Anita Liston and special lady friend and housemate of recent years Bobbé Bluett. He will be missed by countless relatives, friends, and former students. Growing up in Farmington, Roy was the 4th child of Sherrell “Shake” Leo Brimhall and Marjorie Louise Owen Brimhall. As a young boy he loved riding horses at the family corral and visiting the family cabin near Durango with his sisters Sharon and Yvonne and brother Ronnie. He graduated from Farmington High School and received his Bachelor’s Degree from UNM where he met and married his wife, Joyce McCarter. He pursued graduate studies in Horticulture at NMSU and also in England. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Roy was a passionate and dedicated high school biology teacher. He taught at Farmington High School, Grants High School, the Navajo Prep School, and Sacred Heart Prep. He was a lifelong gardener and learner. Even though his training was in science, he read voraciously from all disciplines and loved studying philosophy, art, anthropology, and history. The only thing he loved more than reading a new book was discovering, preparing, and eating a new culinary delight. His children always enjoyed Dad’s home cooking, followed by a rousing game of bridge. During the summer, the family would gather at the family cabin near Durango’s Lemon Reservoir and enjoy nature walks with dad pointing out local flora and fauna or just sipping cool drinks and watching the humming birds zoom by their feeder. During his retirement, Roy was very active at the Bonnie Dallas Senior Center both as an employee and active volunteer. While there, he participated in and later taught Tai Chi. He was a wonderful whistler and shared his talents on numerous nature-inspired instruments in the Farmington Hillbilly Band. He loved his morning swim at Lion’s Pool and often participated (and medaled!) in the Senior Olympics. He was a member in good standing of the Order of Thistle of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry of Santa Fe, as well as the local Masonic Order. He was also a past member of the local Lion’s Club and Elk’s Club. LeRoy faithfully served as the Presiding Judge at Precinct 52 during local elections. To honor Roy’s memory, donations may be made to the Bonnie Dallas Senior Center, Farmington Hillbilly Band, Farmington Museum and Nature Center, or university of your choice. Cremation will take place and memorial services will be on Saturday March 12th, 2011 at 2 pm at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Church at 400 W Apache Street in Farmington with Bishop Bruce Goss conducting. Brewer, Lee, and Larkin Funeral Home 103 East Ute Street Farmington, NM 87401 (505) 325-8688