Andrés Monroe Gomez

In the early morning hours of March 27th, 2026, Andrés Monroe Gomez released his last breath into the winds, and joined his God and many ancestors. He was the 5th of 6 children, born to Robert S. Gomez and Dolores Ramos Gomez, on August 16th, 1955 (Las Cruses, NM). They lived the farm life here till Andrés was about 6, moving g to Springer, NM. Little did he know then, that move would become the springboard for a most adventurous life in the United States and abroad.

In the summer of 1964 (8yro) , the Gomez family of 8 would leave family, friends and the small southern NM farm life, for international lands, travel exposure, and a military lifestyle afford by his father's service and work with the Inter American Geodesic Survey (ISGS/USGS). First moving to the Canel Zone of Panama, Central America to help with surveying, then two years later to Lima, Peru following another promotion. During his most formative school years, Andrés would learn to surf, play the piano, saxophone and guitar (with the help of his brother Ed), develop his love of exotic and tropical foods, fitness and a love of knowledge. While in high school at Franklin Delano Roosevelt the American School of Lima, Andrés belonged to a club called "The Braniff Meet" that would travel throughout South America competing with other schools in Olympic-style and intellectual games. Sophomore year was Buenos Aries, Junior year was Sao Paulo, and Senior year was Rio de Janiero. In addition to these school trips, he also went "mochilero-style" , long distance backpacking, with his older brother Richardand a couple of school mates during the school breaks and for another 3 years after graduating in 1973. His life in South America was filled with adventure, experiences, and a taste for life.

By 1976, the eldest siblings of the Gomez family had graduated school and moved back to the United States in pursuit of higher education. His parents and younger brother would move back upon their father's retirement from the U.S. Government. Andrés would land in San Diego, CA enrolling in San Diego State University. He would find himself exposed to and involved in as an activist during the Caesar Chavez movement, further deepening his love and pursuit of knowledge for his Spanish heritage. Following his heart in the thrill of tasting , what life has to offer, Andrés would travel from the chicano movement of San Diego State University to New Mexico State University of Las Cruces. Affirmative action in education would then take Andrés to Richmond College in Dallas, TX "pursuant of architecture bound studies coupled with construction management technology." After which fate would have it, he would return to Ruidoso and later to Doña Ana Community College of NMSU, to further his education and sharpen his skills as a carpenter.

Working his way up from laborer to carpenters helper to carpenter, Andrés helped to begin the development of many areas of Ruidoso including Lookout Estates, Upper Canyon, Carrizo Canyon, Grindstone Damn, amongst numerous houses and remodels throughout the decades and surrounding areas. Though he was passionate about his trade, anyone who knew Andrés knew his true love was skiing! One question would bring his adventurous, international lifestyle, and family together. "Hey Andrés do you want to become a ski instructor during the winter?... the newspaper ad for a 3-day hiring clinic stated a desire for bilingual needs..." With the hard work and determination Andrés was known for he went from an inexperienced ski instructor at Sierra Blanca to becoming a Level III PSIA member at Taos Ski Valley. Andrés would find love on the slopes not once but twice and be fortunate enough to share his passion with his growing family and extended family. At the peak of this career, Andrès worked with Copa Mexico Insured, along with (and couldn't be done without) so many others to bring about the Mexico Cup at Ski Apache. This would later be instrumental in forming the 1st Olympic Mexican Ski Team to go to tryouts! In his 47 years of skiing, Andrés, Andy, Gomey, Gomester, Cortez the killer, the legendary was a connoisseur of fine mountain powder. Slaying lines across the mountains of the Sudan Coulier, British Colombia; Chile, South America; the Rockies of Colorado, Taos Ski Valley, Sierra Blanca/Ski Apache, and paths only he knew of. "What started out a dream and aspiration, has now developed into manifest reality, in which I have my highest certification accreditation and have spent a mind bending 100+ days on the snow for 40 consecutive years."- AMG 6/12/20

Andrés is preceded in death by his parents Robert S and Dolores R Gomez; brothers Richard A. Gomez and Edmund Gomez; nephews Daron Gomez, Jeremy Gomez, Lonnie (Jr) LeFevre; the mother of his youngest son Lisa Farran; and enough ancestors to boggle the brain.

He is survived by his older siblings Hector S. Gomez (Charolett) and Olivia K. LeFevre (Lonnie Sr.) and younger brother Victor A. Gomez; Shelley Bryant and their 3 children Samuel T. Bryant, Victoria G. Samaniego (Jacob), and Moriah C. Gill (Ricky) and his and Lisa's son Joshua D. Farran-Gomez (Sharlie). Nieces Roslyn & family, Tiffany and Brittany & family, Shawn, Shannon and Shelley & family, LaQuista & family, and Ryen & family. Nephews Manny & family, Everett & family, and Wilton & family.

A celebration of life will be held on June 6th, 2026 in Ruidoso, location TBD. The family asks you to bring pictures, stories, a dish or drink that makes you think of Andrés!

THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH AND MY DEFENSE; HE HAS BECOME MY SALVATION. HE IS MY GOD, AND I WILL PRAISE HIM, MY FATHER'S GOD, AND I WILL EXALT HIM. - EXODUS 15:2