Wally Herrera

Wally Herrera from the Curucú (South Side Alamosa) passed on September 15, 2022. He was born on October 31, 1947. He is survived by his high school sweetheart of 56 years, his wife, Peggy Vigil Herrera. Wally is also survived by his three sons: Wally (Kendra Carrera), Fernando (Ana Vanegas), and Julio (Melva Espinosa), his five grandsons; Giani, Rome, Juan, Maximus, Tizoc, and great-nephew Vincent. His brothers; Robert (Regina), Noel (Jill), Geno, and Roland (Alicia). He also leaves an abundance of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Wally was preceded in death by his parents, Bernie and Olivia, his sister Olivia, his brothers Zeke and Manuel Herrera, and his mother-in-law Genevieve Vigil. A young Wally attended Adams State University as a budding scholar, earning a Bachelor's Degree in 1971 with a major in secondary education specializing in Spanish. Soon after Wally was drafted into the Army and stationed in Worms, Germany, alongside his wife and son. He was honorably discharged in 1973, earning a National Defense Service Medal Marksmanship. In addition, he received expert badges with the M16 and hand Grenade qualification. Wally added to the 85 years of service between him and his brothers and the 225 years of military experience from his direct ancestors of New Mexico. Furthermore, he was a lifetime member of the American Legion and The Elks Lodge. After his service, Wally used his GI Bill to continue his scholarly path and earned two Master's degrees in Special Education and Administration. Wally worked in the Alamosa School District for 30 years as a lifelong educator, mentor, and principal. Wally was a Special Education teacher, a Vice Principal of Alamosa High School, a Principal of Ortega Middle School (Named after his cousin), and his delight, Evans Elementary. After retirement, he continued his mentorship with Adams State University’s students. Wally loved being around his family and would travel far and wide to be with them. If he wasn’t traveling to be with his family, Wally could be seen on the steps of Machu Picchu, the beaches of Santorini or some far off corner of the world. Mainly, he was in his “Gloria” with the hustle and bustle of his sons, grandsons, stacked enchiladas, a cold beer and a Bronco or Yankee game. Moreover, logging over 62,000 miles of running over the years, you probably received a wave or two as he ran the loop or ran from Antonito to Alamosa. He was a lifelong athletic phenom, Wally had four no-hitters with the Alamosa High School baseball team and was scouted by the Detroit Tigers. Also, he loved baseball so much that he wrote a pitching book. Lastly, he was a coach of the Alamosa High School baseball team and helped coach one of his grandson's baseball teams in Temecula, CA. In addition, Wally loved camping and fishing with his brothers, sons, extended family, and friends. He kept them in stitches with his quick witted, dry, and gallows humor. He loved putting a wildflower in his cap and doing some tight lining on the creek. Also, you would find him enjoying the San Luis Valley sunshine with the latest book on his lap; he was an avid reader who constantly visited the Alamosa Public Library. Wally loved being a Principal; he was always available to neighborhood kids and opened his garage so they could lift weights. Often at times, he would pay for struggling students’ basketball shoes in exchange for good grades. Wally enjoyed watching his students grow up, achieve, move on, and sometimes come back. He always greeted them with a smile and supporting words of encouragement. Wally broke many barriers but what shines most is that he possessed a friendly, quiet strength that flowed out. This touched his family and community. Please join us to celebrate his life at the Alamosa Presbyterian Church, 330 San Juan Ave, Alamosa, CO 81101, September 22, at 10 AM. Burial immediately following the service and a reception luncheon at the American Legion Hall in Alamosa.

Wally Herrera

October 31, 1947 - September 15, 2022