Carlos Guillermo Vigil

Carlos G. Vigil, 91, beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle and friend, was called to be with Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday afternoon, December 15, 2024. Carlos left this life peacefully in his home, surrounded by his beloved family. He was born on September 25, 1933 in Cundiyó, New Mexico to Pedro Vigil and Petronila Vigil, and grew up in a large family that helped shape all his future values and qualities of helping, giving, caring, sharing, and especially loving. These qualities in turn, were adopted and carried on by his wife, children and grandchildren.

He graduated from Menaul High School, UNM, Bachelor of Arts; and Highlands University, Master of Arts, both in Industrial Arts, and taught Building Trades for the Santa Fe and the Espanola Public School districts for a total of 31 years. He was drafted in with the US Army, and served in Manheim, Germany as First Class in Communications (Wire Team Chief), with rank ending as a PFC along with reserve duty, proudly serving his country. He became a General Building Contractor and it was named Charlie’s Building Company, which built many family homes in the surrounding areas.

He was a volunteer fire fighter with the Cundiyó Fire department and in the summertime, he worked with the Santa Fe National Forest managing their Youth Conservation Corp., as well as, a wilderness fire fighter. He was very active in both the Cundiyó and Chimayó communities as President of the Santo Domingo de Cundiyó Land Grant, Mayordomo of the Acequia de los Cuarteles in Cundiyó and Commissioner of the Acequia de la Cañada Ancha in Chimayo. 

He was an amazing man who loved even the most simple things like a good cup of coffee, conversation, and of course, a good meal. But most importantly, he truly loved his wife Lydia of 66 years, his family, friends and pets. He was not only a husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle; he was also a best friend, had a deep belief in Our Lord, a mentor, advisor, and a pillar in the community. He consistently helped any person in need and provided not only for his family, but also friends, neighbors, strangers and animals. His generosity had no boundaries. His knowledge in all aspects of life as a teacher, parent, builder, rancher, agriculturist, and forestry conservationist were exceptional.

He enjoyed all aspects of life with his large extended family and he especially loved the wilderness. He spent a great deal of time riding his horses in the nearby mountains camping, fishing and rounding up his cattle. He spent a great deal of time with his nephew Jake Vigil tending to community needs, visiting, and working together, but most importantly being together was the best part. His favorite entertainer was Willie Nelson and he loved to dance at any opportunity with Lydia, his daughters and sisters.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Pedro and Petronila Vigil; infant son, Charles Vigil, Jr.; Father and Mother-in-law Genaro and Sofia Trujillo; grandson Carlos Steven Vigil, Siblings, Rebecca Vigil (Emiliano), Roberto Vigil (Pulita), Rosina Martinez (Blas), Carmelita Romero (Carpio), Susie Herrera (Ramon), Stella Roybal (Amos), Benina Trujillo (Cornelio), Bertha Vigil, Floy Vigil; Ermelinda Vigil, Elvira Vigil: In-laws; Leroy Trujillo (Amelia), Harry Drake, and Larry Lesperance. 

He is survived by his wife, Lydia Vigil, 5 children; Debbie Vigil-Madrid (James), Pete Vigil, Geraldine Garcia (Ben), Sandra Vigil, Sharon Ramirez (Carlos); 7 grandchildren, Robert Vigil (Micaela), Monica Valero, Carmelina Martinez (Bobby), Gregorio Garcia (Krista), Cristobal Garcia, Sofia Ramirez and Tristan Ramirez; 11 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, his sisters Floy Drake and Florence Lesperance, his pets and several Finctive kinships.

The family would like to thank Father John Platt, Holy Family Church, Los Hermanos, Manny Chavez, Española Presbyterian Hospital staff, Amber Care staff, DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory, family and friends who visited and prayed for Carlos.

Viewing will be at 9:00 am, Rosary at 10:00 am, with Funeral Mass at 11:00 am, all at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Chimayo, on Monday, December 30, 2024. Burial will take place after Mass at the Cundiyó Cemetery. 

Serving as pallbearers will be: Robert Vigil, Tristan Ramirez, Ronald Vigil, Marcus Valero, Randy Valero, and Aaron Trujillo.

The family of Carlos Vigil has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Espanola Valley. 505-747-7477, www.devargasfuneral.com