Larry Mata

Larry Mata, 66, beloved brother, dad, grandpa and friend, passed away at his home on November 23, 2018.
Larry was born in Albuquerque on August 22, 1952.  He attended Alameda Elementary, Taylor Junior High, West Mesa High school, and NM State University in Las Cruces.  His professional career was spent in H-Vac and building maintenance around the city.
Larry is survived by his brother, Robert Mata; sister Sandra Martinez, and her husband Toby Martinez, all of Albuquerque, NM; his brother Jake Haskin and his wife Pamela of Portland, OR; nephew, Tobias Martinez; daughter Bonjean Thomson, of Salt Lake City, Utah; Devon Clowe of San Antonio, Texas; grandchildren, Vanessa, Jalen, Mariah, Elena, Nick, Conner, and Iain; great-granddaughters, Nevaeh, Ida, Aliyah, and Emma; ex-wife, Teresa Mata; and his girlfriend Andrea Zamora both from Albuquerque.  He had many cousins and countless friends whom Larry loved. He is also survived by his beloved dog and constant shadow, Buddy.
Larry was born and raised in Albuquerque.  He loved his North Valley, his land, and his home. He remained close friends with many of his school buddies from his youth. He had a big heart of gold and loved his family and friends.  Larry is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Martha Mata.
Larry was a good friend to everyone; he was the guy who would give you the shirt off his back.  He was always there to give a helping hand to anyone who needed anything.  He knew a little bit about everything; carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, sheetrock, tile, you name it and he would do it.  If you were remodeling or building, Larry would be right by your side helping you out.  If your car wouldn’t start, he’d be right over to help. Every morning, he would wake up, make a cup of coffee and complete his daily New York Times Crossword Puzzle, then he was ready to start his day.  He loved a good party with music and beer, but a special fondness for Crown Royal.  He attended many concerts to hear his favorite jazz groups, or old school rock and roll.  He had a passion for photography and loved taking serene pictures of the mountains, the beach, or the sun setting over the Mesa.  He loved his horses, and animals of all kinds, anything with four legs, feathers, or hooves were his to give his home to.
Larry was a blessing to us and all who knew him. We feel proud and blessed to have had him in our lives and to have called him our brother, husband, dad, grandpa, neighbor and friend. We will deeply miss him.

A Memorial Service will be conducted Saturday, December 8, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at Daniels Family Funeral Services - Alameda Mortuary, 9420 Fourth Street N.W, Albuquerque, NM.  A reception will follow at Larry’s home.
Larry's care has been entrusted to:  Daniels Family Funeral Services ~ Alameda Mortuary, (505) 898-3160