Everyone who visited the JF Thamm Gallery in Bisbee remembers meeting Albert Lucero and talking with him about Arizona, rodeo and New Mexico-his three favorite topics. I met Albert in the mid eighties through a mutual friend, Tom Davis, a poet and a writer. Albert was living in Vinegar Flats and I was living in Peaceful Valley-two neighborhoods along the Spokane River in Spokane, Washington. Albert had also lived in Tensed, Idaho near St. Maries Idaho, where I grew up as a kid. We lost track of each other in the early 90’s and then one day I ran into him in Bisbee, Arizona. He had his small yellow school bus and at the time was painting flag poles for federal installations in this area. He was a stoic, tough guy with endless stories and looked like the real cowboy. His signature black hat will always live in my mind.
Here is the formal obituary that was in “The Bisbee Observer” this past week. Our hearts are heavy but those who knew Albert will never forget him.
Respectfully, John
Alberto (Albert) Lucero January 23, 1938 - May 24, 202
Alberto (Albert) Lucero, 82 of Bisbee, Arizona passed away on Saturday, May 24, 2020 at the Copper Queen Hospital.
Albert was born in Carrizozo, New Mexico on January 23, 1938 to Santiago “Jimmie” Lucero Sr. and Juanita Baros Lucero. He joined the Army in 1960 and served in Alaska, Canada and western Washington. He was married in1968 to artist Ruth Womach, later divorced, and lived in Tensed, Idaho and Spokane, Washington. Albert picked up bull riding in his late 30s, pretty old to start such a rugged sport. He competed for years before he suffered a badly broken leg at a rodeo in Tensed, Idaho in 1979. After the broken leg, his competitive days became fewer. Still, he loved the sport and the camaraderie behind the chutes and could be found cheering on his riding buddies long after he quit competing. In addition to riding, Albert braided bull ropes. He made the rope he rode with and braided ropes for other riders.
Albert came to Bisbee in the late 1990’s. He was a skilled horse handler and worked for several area ranches and did odd jobs including flag pole painting for federal installations. He had a short stint as an actor in Tombstone and as an extra for films. He recently appeared in the film, “Bisbee 17.”
Visitors and locals were drawn to Albert as he sat in various places in Bisbee with his black hat and bolo tie and told many stories about Bisbee and his own life growing up in New Mexico. In 2006 Albert published his book, “Lucero’s New Mexico”, stories and recollections from New Mexico in the 1940’s. “The people of the village in the mountains where I am from were cowboys, sheepherders, miners and trappers. We all grew up taking care of animals and chopping wood…”
Albert enjoyed the company of writers, musicians and visual artists and was a good friend to John Thamm helping him at the studio in Bisbee. Art patrons loved to visit with Albert and listen to his stories. Albert was a proud veteran who looked out for those who were less fortunate than himself.
Albert is survived by his brothers, James Lucero and wife, Helen, Tularosa, NM, Gilbert Lucero and wife Sue, Radium Springs NM, Alfonso Lucero Carrizozo NM, sister Mary Ann Cooker and husband Bob, Alamogordo, NM, nieces and nephews, Lou Ann Mares, Billy Lucero, Nichole Lucero, Eric Lucero, Alfonso Lucero Jr. and Christopher Lucero. He was preceded in death by his parents, Juanita and Jimmie Lucero, brother Orlando Lucero, sister Geneva Lucero and nephew Lattimer Lucero.
Albert’s ashes will be given to his family in New Mexico. A memorial service will be held in Bisbee some time in the future.
