In Memoriam
Bill Richardson
1947-2023
Native New Mexican and former Governor of New Mexico, Bill Richardson led a distinguished public-service career for more than 30 years as a U.S. Congressman (1982-1996), U. S. Ambassador to the United Nations (1997-1998), and Secretary of Energy under President Bill Clinton (1998-2000). When Bill Richardson was asked, as he often was, how to talk to dictators, he would talk about the importance of making a personal connection, of showing respect, of ""getting into their culture."" “He lived his entire life in the service of others – including both his time in government and his subsequent career helping to free people held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad. There was no person that Governor Richardson would not speak with if it held the promise of returning a person to freedom,” Mickey Bergman, vice president of the Richardson Center, said in a statement.
John Paul Taylor
1920 - 2023
Paul Taylor was born in Chamberino, to parents of Hispanic and Irish ancestry. Mr. Taylor spent more than three decades as a teacher, principal, and associate superintendent in the Las Cruces Public School system. After he retired, he served as a Representative for District 33 in the New Mexico legislature for nine consecutive terms (18 years). During his tenure he was known for his support of educational programs including bilingual education to help marginalized members of our New Mexican communities, including the disabled Mr. Taylor has been called “the conscience of the New Mexico legislature.”
Nicholas Zakon-Bourke
1953-2023
Nick was a relentless optimist who loved openly, laughed loudly, and squeezed life for all it was worth. He was an avid cyclist and skier, world traveler, and lover of wine who always had a bottle to share for every occasion, a new adventure to tell, or a new toy or piece of technology that was the “greatest thing in the world.” He treated everyone, even complete strangers, like they were the most important people in his life. He battled ALS with dignity and grace. Even when he couldn’t speak, eat, or move his upper body, he never stopped smiling and filling the room with joy. From his days as a Peace Corps volunteer in Honduras from 1977-1980, he exhibited a relentless drive to help others.
John Paul Taylor
1920 - 2023
Paul Taylor was born in Chamberino, to parents of Hispanic and Irish ancestry. Mr. Taylor spent more than three decades as a teacher, principal, and associate superintendent in the Las Cruces Public School system. After he retired, he served as a Representative for District 33 in the New Mexico legislature for nine consecutive terms (18 years). During his tenure he was known for his support of educational programs including bilingual education to help marginalized members of our New Mexican communities, including the disabled Mr. Taylor has been called “the conscience of the New Mexico legislature.”