NM Adult Education Honors Chris Abeyta
(From Cia Padilla)

It is with a sad heart that I inform you that our friend and colleague Chris Abeyta​ passed away on Tuesday.  I grew up with Chris and his family on Canyon Road and attended school with his younger sister at Cristo Rey Parochial School.  He was my first guitar instructor.  When I was in the 5th grade, I had a brand-new pair of GoGo boots that I had to beg my mom and dad for, and while swinging in the playground and dragging my feet, the heel came off of one of my boots.  You can imagine how upset I was and scared to go home and tell my dad.  I went to the Abeyta’s seeking solace, and Chris fixed my boot up like new. 

Many of you remember Chris as the individual that opened up our Annual Adult Education conferences with “La Ceremonia de la Tierra.”  

He always spoke about how sacred the earth is and encouraged us to speak about the dirt we bought and what it meant to us.  He was a strong advocate for Adult Education.  He was a long-time instructor at SFCC and was also very involved in the Santa Fe Fiestas, was a part time DJ for KSWV radio, and was active in many other civic organizations in Santa Fe.  Chris was also a big part of the Northern New Mexico music scene with his infamous band “Lumbre del Sol.”  He played at my wedding, my daughter’s wedding and both of my sisters’ weddings.  It just was not a wedding without “Lumbre del Sol.”  His sons carry on that tradition with their band “Sol Fire.”

We will honor Chris at the upcoming Adult Education Conference.