Eugene “Shino” Lara Nuñez, of Santa Clara, NM, born March 21, 1941 passed away November 18, 2020 in Silver City. Born in March, his spirit often renewed and sought out the dew of a brand-new morning like the spring from which he came. Uncle Gene was our father and our mother when we had neither; he was our uncle and brother long before we knew each other. He was a tenacious and talented man who was as adept at tinkering with engines and other mechanical things as he was at cooking sopita.

We wish to remember him for his incessant singing, - “corn flakes, corn flakes, taste great!” and for being absolutely strange at times, a great comedian, overwhelmingly generous, and genuinely unique.

We cherish the lessons he taught us about life, love, and the illimitable spirit, but most importantly about being true to ourselves. 

As a younger man Eugene volunteered at the Central Fire Department where he courageously rescued a young girl from a mineshaft during his time there. Eugene attended Western New Mexico University and soon after received his Certificate in Diesel Mechanics from Tallahassee, Florida.  Ever an ambitious man of style and charisma, Eugene served as a maintenance supervisor in a high rise in Beverly Hills, CA where he met many a movie star who he fondly retold stories of their interactions and exchanges. Eugene loved Banda music, especially Little Joe, and classic muscle cars. He was a loyal friend and a style icon long before his time. 

We must mourn our Uncle Gene from afar and know that he is resting alongside our most beloved grandfather Celestino and our grandmothers some of us never had the opportunities to meet and love, Esther and Venserla. We remember him best as an uncle who we loved and admired. We await the day to meet him again in fields of tall grass and juniper trees like the ones we would visit together as children in Fort Bayard.  

Eugene is survived by two daughters; Jolene from Chicago, IL, and Cynthia from Atresia, NM; his brother David Nuñez; his sisters; Amanda J Medel, and Diane Nuñez; his Nephews; Rodney Rivera, Steve Nuñez, Kevin Nuñez, and Felix Nuñez Jr.; 9 grand nephews and 5 grand nieces and many great grand nephews and nieces. Eugene is preceded in death by his parents; Celestino R. Nuñez, and Venserla Lara; his brother Felix Nuñez and his sister Esther Nuñez. Eugene will be fondly remembered always as our Uncle Gene and the Shino Man. 

No service will be held per his wishes. Cremation will take place at Terrazas Crematory. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory “Trusted care for the ones you love” ~ 575-537-0777.  To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.