Donald (Don) A. Fernandez, 88

Longtime Alamosa resident, Donald A Fernandez, passed away January 4, 2016 due to complications from Parkinson’s disease and kidney failure. He was born in Velarde, New Mexico on February 27, 1927 to Jose and Dora Fernandez. He attended college in Washington where he met and married Nancy Barrow. They moved to Alamosa, and together founded Fernandez Chile Company in 1958. Don’s other business ventures included “The Chile Pod” restaurant and “Alamosa Sporting Goods”. Don loved being outdoors and fishing and hunting with his friends. Not only did he fish and hunt all over Colorado, he also enjoyed fishing and hunting trips in Alaska, Costa Rica and Canada. Don was also honored to be a commissioner for the Colorado Parks and Wildlife for two terms.

As the chile company flourished, Don and his wife were free to pursue other adventures. They built a beautiful home in Rincodada, New Mexico. There, they spent several years building amazing Southwest furniture and improving their property by planting fruit trees, vegetables and flowers.

Don loved to socialize with his many friends. He especially enjoyed fishing and visiting with his friend, Karl Stoeber.

Don is survived by his wife Nancy Fernandez, daughter Shannon (Jim) McCumber of Casper, Wyoming, Patti (Dave) Skoglund of Durango, CO, Dawn Williams, of Denver, CO. Leslie (Mark) Beatty, of Phoenix, AZ. And Blair (Sam) Haynie of Alamosa as well as a sister Aimee Perdue and one bother, Bruce Fernandez and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His son preceded him in death.

Cremation was chosen. At his request, no service will be held. A celebration of life will be scheduled for a later date.