Larquin Thomas Anthony Abeyta

Larquin Thomas Anthony Abeyta, age 65, of Albuquerque, died at Presbyterian Hospital on Saturday June 10that 12:47pm of complications following a stroke.

Larquin was born December 31, 1957 in Albuquerque, NM to Nicolas Pantaleon Abeyta and Mary Grace Gomez.  He is survived by his three siblings, Nick, Terry and Marla. He was an energetic and daring boy.  His siblings shared stories of playing together as kids, many of which ended with him getting injured.  This pattern didn’t seem to change much as he aged.  Larquin survived many accidents in adulthood as well, including motorcycle wrecks and an incident at work where he almost lost his right thumb.

Larquin graduated from Valley High School and was a part of the Albuquerque workforce until he was no longer physically able to work.  Many remember his job at Village Inn where he met his former wife, Jeanne Marie Johnson.  Larquin and Jeanne were married on March 8, 1980 and had four children together.  In that time, they lived in a few different states before settling back down in Albuquerque to raise their children.  A large part of Larquin’s adult work life was spent at Rainbo Bakery.  He was a hard worker and, though diagnosed as a teenager with Type I diabetes, he was determined to get to work and church consistently, even if he did not feel well. Larquin was a complex person.  He was funny, energetic, spontaneous and adventurous.  His children remember many road trips, most memorably to Disneyland, but often to nearby destinations like Carlsbad Caverns and Los Ojos.  He was intelligent and would help with homework, explain how things worked and share his views on life and death.  His work ethic, faith, charisma and the importance of family loyalty are attributes his children respected most about him.

Larquin and Jeanne separated in 1998, after which Larquin spent time in northern NM with his Los Ojos family.  Though he always struggled with his diabetes maintenance, the addition of a heart attack and renal failure required him to be closer to medical facilities and he eventually moved back to Albuquerque.  Larquin was a part of many churches over his lifetime and was often very involved—sang in choir, participated in men’s ministries, was a parking attendant, etc.  He looked forward to seeing his church friends and shared his faith in God often.  Larquin was endeared by all who were blessed to see the good nature, tenderness and vulnerability he had in him.  He liked to socialize (especially around food), he loved cars and motorcycles, enjoyed musicand jewelry, and took pride in how he looked.  He will be remembered by all who love him for these things especially.  

Larquin is survived by his four children; Nichole Renee Gassner, Marisha Victoria Pohl and husband Andrew, Valerie Grace Oliver and husband Brandon, and Ivan Larquin Hilario Abeyta and wife Laura; as well as sixgrandchildren—Mella Grace Chavez, Payton Rosemarie Oliver, Elliott Lynn Oliver, Max Cole Gassner, Duke Earl Oliver, and Vivianne Marie Abeyta.  

A rosary and mass will be held Tuesday, June 27th at 10am at Aquinas Newman Center for all who wish to attend.  Larquin will be laid to rest alongside his parents at a later date though we know his soul is already reunited with them.

Larquin’s family would like to recognize the Presbyterian Adult ICU staff for three weeks of aggressive care aimed at healing and rehabilitation.  The compassion, hope and kindness they demonstrated throughout his stay and in his passing allowed our family to be involved, informed, and most of all to say goodbye in a dignified way when the time came.  He was blessed to be surrounded by family in his last hours, ending a life spent with the most persistent will to live.