Samuel Vigil Explained

Samuel Vigil
Birth Name:Samuel F. Vigil Jr.
Birth Date:20 November 1929
State House:New Mexico
District:70th
Term Start:1970
Term End:1998
Succeeded:Richard Vigil
Party:Democratic
Education:New Mexico Highlands University
Unit:New Mexico National Guard
Battles:Korean War

Samuel F. "Sam" Vigil Jr. (November 20, 1929[1] – December 7, 2019) was an American politician who served as member of the New Mexico House of Representatives for the 70th district from 1970 to 1998.[2]

Life and career

Vigil was the son of Maclovia Lujan and Samuel Vigil Sr.[3] He attended New Mexico Highlands University.

Vigil served in the United States Army as a medic during the Korean War. After being discharged, he served in the New Mexico National Guard.

In 1970, Vigil was elected to represent the 70th district of the New Mexico House of Representatives. He served until 1998 and was succeeded by Richard Vigil. During his tenure in the house, he served as chair of the Educational Committee.

Vigil established Luna Community College and served as its president until 1999.[4] He was appointed to the President's Commission of Excellence of Education for Hispanic American Students by President Bill Clinton.

Vigil died in December 2019 of natural causes, at the age of 90. He was buried in Santa Fe National Cemetery.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Obituary. Rogers Mortuary. October 21, 2022.
  2. Web site: Former Representatives for District 70. New Mexico Legislature. October 21, 2022.
  3. Web site: Samuel Vigil Obituary (2019). Las Vegas Optic. December 10, 2018. October 21, 2022.
  4. Web site: Longtime state Rep. Sam Vigil dies at age 90. Albuquerque Journal. Mark. Oswald. December 16, 2019. October 21, 2022.