It is with great sorrow that we announce the peaceful passing of Barry "Berardo" Gonzalez, 84, lifelong resident of Garfield, N.M., on July 14, at Sierra Health Care Center in Truth or Consequences, N.M. Barry, the youngest of eight children, was born on May 31, 1927 in Garfield, N.M. At an early age, he began to learn the farming and ranching life that would become his livelihood. He attended elementaryschool through high school in the Hatch Valley where he met his future wife Cuca Garcia. They eloped on New Year's Eve in 1949 and had 6 children. Barry and Cuca made their home in Garfield and raised their children in the same home in which he was born. Considered the eternal "cowboy" by his family and friends, Barry was most at home on a horse, feeding and branding his cattle, and tending to his crops on a John Deere tractor. He was in the fields on his Hesston swather until the age of 78 when his family begged him to finally pass the torch. Barry enjoyed fishing, hunting, matanzas and frequent trips to his papalote in Crow Canyon. Many in the Hatch Valley will remember him as a quick-witted and life of the party friend. He raised his children and grandchildren with a stern look, a wink and bullwhip to seal the deal. By the time his great grandchildren came along, the bullwhip mysteriously disappeared (thanks Sean!) and was replaced by hugs and kisses. He will be greatly missed and we will carry with us his legacy of family and pride in our heritage. Barry is preceded in death by his parents Tomás González, Rosa María Luchini González, his wife of 44 years, Cuca Garcia and his brothers and sisters: Adrian González, Jose González, Nestora Lozano, Estela Criswell, Reynaldo González, and Antonio González. He is survived by his sister Delia Sanchez de González of Albuquerque, N.M. Barry is also survived by his children: Nora Altamirano and husband Ramon of Albuquerque, N.M., Sandra Hinojos and husband Johnny of Garfield, N. M., Barry González Jr. and wife Vicki of Garfield, N.M., Richard González and wife Joanne of Garfield, N.M., Danny González and wife Eva of Garfield, N.M., Toni Aguirre and Frank Jr. of Garfield, N.M. He was the proud grandfather of 14 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. Pall Bearers for the services are: Johnny P. Hinojos, Frank Aguirre Jr., Sean Altamirano, Robert González, Jason González, and Marcus Moyers. Honorary pall bearers are: Ramon Altamirano, Joe Medina, Thomas González, Charles Chavez, Richard Moyers, Tim Benavidez, Efren Gilbert Baca, and Brad Colson. A rosary will be held on Sunday, July 17, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. at the San Isidro Catholic Church in Garfield, NM with visitation beginning at 6:00 p.m. A funeral mass will be held on Monday, July 18, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at the same church with Father Carlos Espinoza officiating. The rite of committal will follow at the Garfield cemetery. The family of Barry Gonzalez would like to thank Sierra Health Care Center for their loving care and support during his last days. We would also like to thank Getz Funeral Home for their professionalism, guidance and consideration.