Anthony Gary Varela

Anthony Gary Varela, 64, of Santa Fe, New Mexico, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2026. He was the son of Virgil Varela and Irene Rougemont.

Gary was a devoted son who dedicated himself to helping his parents throughout their lives. Our family is eternally grateful for the loving kindness he showed in caring for our mother during her many years with dementia. Gary refused to place her in a facility, instead caring for her in his own home daily until her passing in 2022. He was a pillar of strength who held the family together through his selfless devotion.

A beloved son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, Gary was also a fun-loving uncle who never missed a family gathering. To his nieces, he was "one of a kind," always ready to spend time to share stories, tell jokes, and laugh. Highly creative and artistic including industrial sewing skills. Gary had a passion for fishing, hosting fish fries, mountain biking, and camping. He cherished his friendships particularly with his bros Joe Catanach and Matt Miller.

He is survived by his sisters, Sandra Catanach (husband Joe), Gloria Varela, brother, Victor Varela (wife Dyan Varela); nieces who adored him, Kayla Trujillo (husband Art and son Jarred), Gabrielle Miller, and Moriah Fitzpatrick (husband Jason and son Oaklee); and nephews, Eric Varela (wife Cindy and sons Alex and Ejijah) and Isaac Varela (wife Joy, son Lincoln and daughter Graecia). He was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Irene Varela, and his sister, Luella Varela, niece Kristian Catanach, niece Natalie Strano and great nephew Oliver Varela and his brother (cousin) Kenny Rougemont.

Gary will always be remembered for his love of the Pecos Wilderness, his humor, his booming laugh, and his immense patience. We will deeply miss our dear brother, uncle, cousin, and friend.

In celebration of his life and his love for Pecos, a picnic will be held up the Pecos canyon in June.