Herbert Brunell, Jr.

Herbert H. Brunell, Jr. of Ruidoso, N.M., passed away early Sunday morning, October 22, 2017 at the Lincoln County Medical Center in Ruidoso.

Born in Alamogordo, N.M. on January 21, 1933, Herb was the son of Herbert Brunell, Sr. and Nell Brunell. Raised in Alamogordo, Herb attended the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, graduating with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He worked for Hughes Aircraft living in Michigan and California for a short time before returning to New Mexico to step into the family business in Alamogordo and eventually taking over full operation of Brunell's Inc. in Ruidoso in 1964

A resident of Ruidoso for the past 53 years as well as an active business owner for 30 plus years, Herb was known as a mentor, leader and "influential man of integrity". An involved community leader, he led efforts in multiple organizations including White Mountain Search and Rescue, Ruidoso Lions Club, New Mexico Retail Association , Board of Directors of the Ruidoso State Bank, the Ruidoso Little Theater, Ruidoso Commission for the Arts, Hubbard Museum of the American West , and co-founded the Photographic Society of Lincoln County. He was also instrumental with the Main Street New Mexico project where he also received the Hn'Zuni award for building renovation of Brunell's.
Many in the Ruidoso area remember Herb as the village historian, using his photography to tell the story of the community. His personal work, along with an archive of old historic photos were featured in the publication Ruidoso Back Then, The Images of America, "Ruidoso and Ruidoso Downs" and New Mexico magazine.

His passion for photography inspired him to open Timber Trail Photography Studio where he continued his recordation of life in Ruidoso, including numerous community events, proms, weddings and family portraits.
His most proud and humble moment came on December 13, 2016, when the Village of Ruidoso proclaimed that this day, shall always be known as "HERB BRUNELL DAY IN RUIDOSO", as he was recognized for his years of service to the Village.
Herb is survived by his wife Anne Brunell; children, Susan Brunell of Houston, TX, Bert Brunell and wife Dixie of Ruidoso, NM, Ann Brunell Bitter and husband Kavin of Fort Mill, SC. , Kenneth Brunell and wife Kelly, of Issaquah , WA. He is also survived by 6 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

The family will host a reception for friends on Friday, October 27, 2017, from 3:00pm to 5:00pm at the Lagrone Funeral Chapel in Ruidoso, NM.

The family has requested memorials to Food for Kids Backpack Program. For more information go to ruidosofood4kids.org.

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