I am writing today to announce the closure of the New Mexico Independent. After three and a half years of operation in New Mexico, the board of the American Independent News Network, has decided to shift publication of its news…
While environmental activists played their part yesterday during demonstrations at the capitol building, going so far as to dress up as solar panels and to sing the tune of “You Are My Sunshine,” their counterparts, the anti-cap-and-trade contingency who has…
Roughly one quarter of University of New Mexico students are unimpressed with the state’s flagship public school, according to a survey that questioned college students about their higher education experiences.
Alice King, the wife of former Gov. Bruce King and a tireless advocate on behalf of children, died Sunday night after suffering a massive stroke on Thursday. She was 78.
Her death was announced in a news release from her son, state Attorney General Gary King.
“On behalf of the entire family, I want to thank the many people who have been so supportive and for all their prayers,” Gary King said in the release. “We will let everyone know about public funeral arrangements as soon as possible. No one could have cared more for all New Mexico children and all of our citizens. We will all miss her dearly.”
Gov. Bill Richardson immediately ordered that state flags be lowered in memory of the former first lady.
“This is a sad day for all New Mexicans because we lost a true friend in Alice King,” Richardson said in a release. “Alice’s impact on the state she loved will always be felt, particularly for the vulnerable children who are better off as a result of her compassion and tireless advocacy. Barbara and I will miss Alice dearly, and our prayers are with the King family.”
Alice King founded the New Mexico Girls Ranch and the New Mexico Children’s Foundation. According to Gary King’s release, his mother was the driving force behind the creation of the state’s Children, Youth and Families Department, “and her dream was that all state services that support children could be coordinated in such a way as to improve all of their lives.” She was also chair of the New Mexico Children’s Trust Fund and a major supporter of Carrie Tingley Children’s Hospital in Albuquerque.
Lt. Gov. Diane Denish, in a statement released by her office, said Alice King “led the fight for our most vulnerable children, dedicating her life to bringing much-needed services and programs to victims of domestic abuse.”
“Through her incredible career in public service, she has left a legacy of responsibility and care for New Mexico’s families,” Denish said. “Her work will continue through the New Mexico Children’s Foundation and the Children, Youth and Families Department.”
Alice King, according to Gary King’s news release, was surrounded tonight by her husband and two sons (the other being Bill King) and their families, and she passed away peacefully. She was being treated at an Albuquerque hospital.
Alice and Bruce King, according to The Santa Fe New Mexican, married in 1947. Bruce King served as governor for three separate terms in the 1970s, ‘80s and ‘90s.
