My dear NEW MEXICO ACEQUIA COMMISSIONERS & ACEQUIA LEADERS in New Mexico:  

I have been wanting to write the following message for a while. It is with deep sadness that I send the news to so many people who knew & worked with our Dear Ralph Vigil from Pecos & our Dear Joseph Padilla from Las Vegas. We can’t believe we will not see them or hear their informative voices in person. Ralph served our state as chairman of our commission for several years. Joseph served as commissioner representing Las Vegas also for many years. The former members of the commission including myself worked together with them to make sure we always found ways to help acequia matters. They were great leaders and never forgot to represent their people and support what was dear to their hearts.

La herencia de su gente, la convivencia de todos, la amistad entre sus amigos/as, y el cuidado del agua y las acequias para poder producir comida al estilo de nuestros padres y abuelos, usando los terrenos para mejorar la vida de los vecinos, todo esto y más estaba en el corazón de estas personas llamada RALPH VIGIL y JOSEPH PADILLA. Todos pensamos que tenemos mucho tiempo para platicar, para reír, y para visitar. Pero la vida se pasa como una paloma blanca. Hoy la vemos, mañana no sabemos. Mi corazón queda entristecido al oír estas noticias.

At this time all I can do is ask each one of you to keep the memory of these dedicated men close to your hearts and offer prayers for their souls as they pass on to their eternal home. Also remember to keep in mind their families who are left torn with their departure. REST IN PEACE QUERIDO RALPH Y QUERIDO JOSEPH.