Donaciano "Don" Manuel "Junior" Vigil

Born May 10, 1930, passed into our Lord’s care October 5, 2014 after an extended illness. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Donaciano Vigil and Clara Maria Quintana Vigil; his sisters, Margaret Wakefield and Dorothy Solano; and his brother, Raymond Vigil. He is survived by his wife, Etsuko Miki Vigil; his children, Rita Wiltberger and her fiancée, David Sole; Veronica (Richard) Gaugler; Gloria (Steve) Blacketer; Teresa (Vern) Reineking; and Donaciano (Mary) Vigil; sisters, Josephine Kinard and Rose Johnston; and brothers, Floyd (Hyocha) Vigil and Dale (Chaning) Vigil; many nephews, nieces, great nephews and nieces and grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Don grew up in Springer, NM and joined the AT&SF railroad at an early age. He then enlisted in the army in 1950 and became part of the occupation army of Japan, where he met his wife, Etsuko, prior to being relocated to fight in the Korean War. Don was in the 1st Calvary, and part of the Pusan Perimeter in the winter of 1950, where he received one of many Purple Heart citations. He left the army in 1955, and promptly reenlisted, where he became part of the 101st Airborne and became one of the first Green Berets (Special Operations Group). He served four tours of duty in Vietnam with distinction and retired with the rank of Master Sergeant. Upon retirement, graduted from El Camino College with a degree in Criminal Justice. He worked for the DMV, and then head of security for Northrup Electronics Divison, US Post Office in Los Angeles as head of the Northern Division until he retired a second time, this time to Albuquerque, NM, where he and Etsuko had a house built. It was there they lived until a few years ago, when medical issues brought them back to Torrance, CA, where he passed. Don loved the outdoors; hunting, fishing, motorcycling, camping and hiking. He especially loved hunting in Mills Canyon and fishing, camping and bear watching at the Gravel Pit in Cimarron Canyon. He always loved his home state, but mostly, he loved his family. He was proud of each and every relative and he gave his all to take care of everyone. In California a viewing for Don will occur in Torrance at Rice Mortuary on Saturday, October 11, 2014, 2:00 p.m. In Albuquerque a Rosary will be recited Sunday, October 19, 2014, 5:00 p.m. at FRENCH – Lomas with Visitation one hour prior. A Funeral Mass for Don will be Monday, October 20, 2014, 9:00 a.m. at The Shrine of St. Bernadette, 11401 Indian School Road NE. Interment to follow at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at 12:45 p.m. Donations in his honor may be made to the David Westphall Veterans Foundation, in support of the NM Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park, www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org, of which he was a frequent visitor.

Donaciano "Don" Manuel "Junior" Vigil

May 10, 1930 - October 5, 2014