Paul C. Roybal, 75, passed away peacefully in the beautiful Santa Fe home that he designed, surrounded by his loving family on July 25, 2021.
Paul was born in Santa Fe, the eldest son of Basilio (B.V.) and Josephine (Varela) Roybal. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister, Lindy, his daughter, Nina, his brother-in-law and nephew, Lloyd and Arthur Martinez, and his in-laws, Rafael, Ernestine (Nettie), and Rudy Yzaguirre, and Robert and Kay McKenna. Paul will be deeply missed by his daughter, Yvette McKenna, his son-in-law, Doug, his grandchildren, Amaya and Anthony, his fiancé Gloria (Romero) Gurule and her family, his sisters Irene Martinez, Donna Saiz Soley (David), Geraldine Chavez (Donald), Roxanne Roybal de Diaz (Helly), brother Melvin, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, dear friends, and his precious dog, Ginger. Paul was a patient, supportive and loving father and grandfather (the best!), and the 'rock' and 'best friend' of his sisters and brother.
Paul was a true northern New Mexican, with roots in Las Vegas, Pecos and Santa Fe giving him extensive knowledge of the regional history, geography and watersheds. He graduated from Santa Fe High School in 1963, received a B.S. in Civil Engineering from New Mexico State University in 1969, and became a registered Professional Engineer in 1974, crediting his former wife, Marcia, and God for aiding in this accomplishment. During his 30-year career, Paul supported water resource planning and management efforts, dam safety inspections, and water rights administration while with the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission and the Office of the State Engineer. He served as a project manager and led design teams for the New Mexico State Highway and Transportation Department where he gained extensive traffic engineering and road design experience on rural, urban and interstate highway projects. Paul successfully coordinated road rehabilitation and reconstruction designs and reviews, including those needed for State Road 4 and the new Otowi Bridge across the Rio Grande, with multiple Federal, state and local agencies, and Pueblos and Tribes. He was also a project manager for Holmes & Narver on several complex, multi-disciplinary roadway and facility projects for various clients. He was a member of the American Public Works Association, the National Society of Professional Engineers, and the Elks Lodge of Santa Fe.
Paul was kind, helpful, extremely generous, ever curious, and had a youthful spirit of adventure, always choosing the scenic route. He made people feel special and welcome, and didn't hold back when teasing, laughing, enjoying a good meal, and giving his giant hugs or much-needed pep talks. If oldies and Mariachi music, quality New Mexican food, wildlife sightings and a monsoon storm become part of our future 'shortcuts,' we will be graced by Paul's presence and guided by his spirit.
Paul's services were presided over by Father Frank Pretto at Rosario Chapel and cemetery where he was interred. The Roybal and Gurule/Romero families would like to thank the Christus St. Vincent medical team, Ambercare, Father Larry Brito, Rivera Family Funeral Home, and La Cofradia del Rosario for their care and services, and all those who have given their condolences and support.
