Contact: Erika Martinez
(505) 986-4819
Erika.Martinez@nmlegis.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 3, 2014
UPDATED
Senate Mourns the Passing of Attendant Tommy Sanchez
Santa Fe, NM – It’s a sad day at the State Legislature following the news that one of its own has passed. Tommy Sanchez, 46, worked as an attendant for the Senate Sergeant at Arms Office since 2006. Many that knew him at the Legislature say they will miss his friendly smile, especially during the hustle and bustle during each session.
“Tommy was professional, polite and a joy to work with. Even when times were stressful in the Senate, he always made himself available and offered his assistance with a smile,” said Senate Majority Leader Michael S. Sanchez (D-29-Bernalillo & Valencia). “Our hearts are broken and our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family as they go through this difficult time. We hope that his loved ones know that they have a lot of support here at the Legislature and that he will be missed. This upcoming session will surely not be the same without him.”
“He was a valuable asset to the Senate, and especially to the Office of the President Pro Tempore, to which he was assigned,” added Senate Chief Clerk Lenore Naranjo. “We will miss him.”
Learning of the death of a trusted and beloved staff member, Senate President Pro Tempore Mary Kay Papen (D-32-Dona Ana) expressed her deep felt grief, “Seldom in life does one find a job that also equates to a close family. Such a family exists in our office. We are knit together by the love and respect of individuals that share life’s experiences, tragedies, successes, hopes and fears. We lost a wonderful part of our family this weekend. No job was too small or too big for him. Tommy Sanchez, with his laugh and enthusiasm to serve, exemplified a generous spirit. He leaves a great gap and will be profoundly missed by all.”
Tommy Sanchez served three Senate Presidents: Senator Ben Altamirano, Senator Timothy Jennings and Senator Papen – an unmatched precedent. “He was there to softly and kindly assist and help navigate new members of the legislature. He will never know how much he helped me,” Sen. Papen added. “My sympathy and love go out to his son, his parents and family.”
Jennings echoed Sen. Papen saying Sanchez, who he worked closely with for 10 years, was very knowledgeable and was happy to complete any task given to him. “He was very dedicated and enjoyed his work. He was a wonderful employee and public servant to the people of New Mexico. He always went out of his way to make sure the public was taken care of and the people’s work was taken care of. He was a pleasure to be around …he was a good guy,” Jennings said.
Sanchez was a resident of Santa Fe and had one son, Jaziah, who is eight years old. He also held a job as a bartender in Santa Fe. Service details have not yet been released.
###