Gabriel Pasos Encinas

He was the son of Ramon and Maria del Carmen Encinas. He had an older sister Rosa Tovar and an older brother named Ramon. After graduating from Tucson High School, he joined the Army. In 1959 he was joined in marriage to Maria Figueroa and stayed devoted to her – in sickness and in health – until she passed away in 1982.

Several years later he married again, to Josie Montiel who also preceded him in death in 2006.

Gabriel shared a great and happy life with his children, Monica (John) Romero, Veronica (Ernie) Olivas, Anna Encinas, and Ruben (Maritza) Encinas as well as his stepson Robert and his other stepchildren. He enjoyed teasing his grandchildren, Rico & Vanessa (Mauro) Romero, Markie (David) Encinas, Leticia (Luke) Gomez, Ramon Olivas, Marisela Encinas and Santana Encinas. And as the years passed, began sharing his love of the guitar and accordion with his great grandchildren, Gabriel Encinas, Davina Romero-Wilson, Mauro Wilson Jr., Naima Gomez, Derrick Romero, and Raymond Encinas.

Throughout his life he held many jobs, some for short a short time and others for many years. Early on he worked at the University of Arizona. When his family began to grow, he got a job with the mines driving the big dump trucks with Anamax (then Anaconda). After around 20 years with the mines, they downsized and he took his leave from there and was given the opportunity to take classes in refrigerator repair. Not too much time passed before he began his next long stint driving the big trucks, this for City of Tucson Streets. He was comfortable with the big trucks and enjoyed the many friends he met along the way. He retired from the City after many good years of service.

He was loved and will be missed by many, many relatives and close friends. He always took time to visit and talk with friends and family far and near. His close relationship with his congregation at St. Margaret’s church flourished in his later life and brought him much joy.

Thank you for joining us in the celebration of his long and beautiful life.