“Lazybones”,
There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think of you. I still hear your voice, still feel your presence, and still wish I had just one more moment with you. You were more than my grandfather—you were my guide, my rock, and the man who shaped me into who I am today.
   You taught me what it means to be a man—to be kind, to be honest, to never cheat or cut corners, and to always keep my word. You showed me that family is everything, that hard work and integrity matter, and that life is meant to be lived with joy. I carry those lessons with me, Grandpa, and I always will.
   Some of my happiest memories are the times we spent just the two of us. Our fishing trips, those endless hours by the ocean, where nothing else mattered—just us, the waves, and our conversations. I’d give anything to go back, to hear one more story, to sit beside you as the tide rolled in, to feel the warmth of your presence just once more.
   In your 60 years of construction—you built a legacy, a family, and a name that stands for strength and honor. You taught me how to build something that lasts, how to work hard without cutting corners, how to earn trust, and how to lead with heart. As the next in line to the Nanez throne, I promise to carry our name with the same pride and dignity you did.
   But, Grandpa, no one will ever take your place. There will never be another like you. The world lost something irreplaceable when you left, and I miss you more than words can ever say. But I find comfort in knowing that everything you taught me, everything you stood for, lives on in me. And no matter where life takes me, I will always be your Mijo

I love you, always.
Christopher

One of our most cherished memories of Grandpa , is how he always made time for family, no matter how busy or tired he was. We remember watching him work tirelessly, often late into the night. But no matter how exhausted he was, he never missed a family gathering or an opportunity to spend time with us. He would sit with us, telling stories from his youth, sharing life lessons that felt simple but carried so much meaning. His words were always full of wisdom—things like, “Treat people with kindness, and hard work will always pay off,” and “Family comes first, always.” He lived those words every day.

Even when life was tough, Grandpa found joy in the little things—like teaching the boys how to fix things around the house. He believed in teaching us practical skills but also the deeper values of love, respect, and the importance of sticking together as a family. His hard work wasn’t just about making a living; it was about showing us what it meant to live with integrity and purpose.

I’ll never forget how proud he was of each of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren no matter how big or small the achievement. He was our biggest cheerleader, always there with a smile. Ready to remind us that we were capable of more than what we thought. His love for family was unwavering, and that’s a legacy that will always stay with us. Grandpa’s lessons continue to guide us every day, and I’m grateful for the time spent with him.

Love, 
Derrick Nanez & Family

This photo was taken in May of 2021 for my high school graduation.

I’m deeply saddened by the passing of my great-grandpa, Baltazar. At 95, he lived a long and meaningful life, leaving behind so many cherished memories. One of my favorites was from this past Thanksgiving when I asked him about his first car. He told me it was black, just like my first car, but his mom sold it while he wasn't home for just $20. I told him, “Dang, that’s messed up," and everyone at the dinner table started laughing. Moments like that remind me of his warmth, humor, and the love he shared with all of us.

Grandpa Balta was loved and will be missed by many, but his stories, kindness, and legacy will always live on.

Rest in peace, Grandpa Balta.

My Great Grandpa Balta knew me for 19 years of my life. My favorite child hood memory was  when would pick me up in his little white sedan. And right of the bat he’d  start drinking and smoking good thing he never got pulled over. Throughout the years of my childhood he always took care of me as a Great Grandpa should and taught me to become a man and take care of my own when I get older. Last but not least my Grandpa could not remember the name of the famous Dave’s restaurant and I remember he would call it “ the place with all the meat's”.

Balta and 2 of his Great Grandsons .  
Andre & Nazareth 

He once told Andre’s girlfriend ,  Mia she couldn’t marry Andre until she learned to Cook .  He was only looking out for Andre’s well being . Needless to say Mia is still on the cooking journey to honor his wishes. 
Nazareth always remembers Grandpa as a hard worker . Even when he was 93 yes he was  showing Naz how to do things in construction and mix stucco.

Leaving behind a family legacy.

ArielMae is the youngest great granddaughter out of 21 great grandchildren . She held a special place in his heart . 
She remembers that her great grandpa would always serve her a coke &  joke with her “ you’re pretty…pretty ugly “ and then they would laugh . 
 He used that same line for many decades on his grandkids . Many photos I have of them together he was always holding or hugging her . As a baby he would hold her and use her little legs to push a ball on the pool table . 


Silver lake 2021
New Mexico

My Grandpa would call all his grandchildren and great grandchildren “ Chango Gorillas “
Always young at heart . Every year he would say “I’m 21 years old I’m old enough to drink “
My son  Orion, has his special memory of always eating  pizza at Peter piper with him and visiting him at his house. 

This photo was taken at Christmas time 2022  with great grandson Orion .

My Grandfather was always ready to take a photo or videos.
If you asked him to make faces he would.  A young memory I have was he would show me his palm and say “we’re the same , we have the letter “ M “ on our palms.”
  My grandpa grew up in the Great Depression, he used to tell me stories of how hard it was and growing up sometimes he went without food . So if you ever saw him eat a plate of food , his plate was always clean .

April 2022 -
Juarez MX

My Grandfather always very special to me . When I was a kid I would see him every day after he got out of work .  I would run out of my and give him a good squeeze. As a family would go to Juarez Mx and eat flautas . He would take my brothers down there for haircuts as well. 
We did tent camping and lake adventures . About 12 years ago   we did our first adventure to The Mall of America . 
Once we were in San Diego, 
we ate at a Chinese restaurant he thought he was eating avocado, but it was wasabi  , he never expected it to be spicy . I will never forget that .
I believe he made my lungs stronger due to all the second hand smoke I breathed in while riding in his truck
as a kid. Some days  he never did roll down the window to let the smoke out . 
Later in life I moved away.  He got to see all my 4 children as newborns .  He was there to witness their baptisms and HS graduation. And we were there for him on a few birthdays.  I wasn’t 
going to miss his 90th birthday party . My Grandpa was there to help trim trees when I bought my house in Colorado. 
Anytime I would go back to visit him. He was always so happy to see us .  Sometimes he would get teary eyed . He really enjoyed hanging around all family , telling stores and going out to eat at restaurants were our past times .  He would always offer me a shot of seagrams 7 whiskey which was his favorite. Even if I was  700 miles away I always made sure to call and check on him and just say Hi
 
 
This is the last cherished  Thanksgiving (2024)   I got to spend with him.

Our deepest condolences to the Nanez Family on the loss of Granpa.  I have such fond memories of Granpa, his parents and all his siblings when they all lived on Lara  Road in Chamberino, NM. His siblings and my siblings as well as I would all walk together to Highway 28 everyday to catch the school bus. Granpa was such an amazing man with lots of stories of  him and his siblings growing up, so humble with a big heart that was made of gold. He will surely be missed by many. 
May he Rest in Eternal Peace 🙏🙏❤️

My condolences to the family. He was my neighbor i knew him for sometime.  It's  really sad news. May he rest in peace. 💐 🌹.

OBITUARY

Baltazar Vara Nanez

July 13, 1929 – January 27, 2025

Funeraria Del Angel Hillcrest West

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