Richard Newton Land

With great sadness, we announce that Richard Newton Land, 75, of Rio Rancho, NM passed away surrounded by family on August 5, 2024. Richard is preceded in death by his mother Clara June Land Sr., father Leon Herbert Land Sr., siblings Leon Herbert Land Jr., Clara June Land Jr., and John Roderick Land. He is survived by his sisters Therese Rose Land and Marion Rose Land; his children Elizabeth Garcia and her husband Jody Baca; Jennifer Beistel; and Kat Land; his grandchildren Danika Garcia; Amanda and her husband Travis Wyatt; Rob Garcia; Aunna and her husband Ian White; and Raven Land.

Richard was born in Douglas, AZ on September 2, 1948, and was raised in New Mexico. He and his siblings spent their early years in Rodeo, NM and Zuni, NM, and later settled in Tucumcari, NM where he and his five siblings completed primary school. Richard graduated from Tucumcari High School in 1966 and enlisted in the United States Army in 1967 to serve his country during the Vietnam War. Following basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri he was stationed at Fort Gordon, Georgia until his deployment to Camp Drake in Asaka, Japan in June 1968. Richard worked in communications for the Army Security Agency during his 3-year deployment. He was honorably discharged from the Army at the rank of Corporal and returned to the states in October 1971 . Richard attended the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, NM while raising the first of his three children, Elizabeth, who was born during his deployment in June 1971. Richard graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from UNM in 1975 and relocated to Gallup, NM where he welcomed Jenna into the world in May 1976 and Kat in April 1981. He raised all three of his children with love and tenderness. 

Richard retired in 2015 from his role as General Manager after over 30 years with Lowe’s Market Shop N’ Save Supercenter in Window Rock, AZ. He moved from Gallup, NM, to Rio Rancho, NM in 2016 to be close to family. 

Richard fostered a deep love of American and military history. Through his life, he compiled a vast array of historical books alongside a multitude of model military airplanes, ships, tanks, and cannons. Following his retirement and relocation to Rio Rancho, NM, he frequently visited the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History with daughter Jenna and granddaughter Aunna. During each visit, he lit up at every opportunity to share his intricate knowledge of the exhibits. 

Richard spent much of his life listening - he was often content to experience life through those around him. When he chose to share, though, he shared his passions in such a way that it was difficult not to fall in love with what he loved so ardently. It was beautiful to experience the world through his lens, to view his passions as one’s own. 

Richard was many wonderful things in his life, but most of all, he was kind and easy to love. He cared deeply for his family, and often put their needs above his own. He had a fighting spirit until the very end and will be missed dearly. 

The family will hold a private burial on August 13, 2024. An open reception will follow at 4 pm at his daughter Liz Garcia’s home at 9609 La Playa St. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111.