Arnold Ray Atkins

Arnold Ray Atkins, beloved father, grandfather, physician, and steward of the natural world, passed away peacefully at home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on April 16, 2026, at the age of 83. He was born on March 15, 1943, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Arnold had been courageously living with Alzheimer’s disease for the past seven years and ultimately died from complications following a stroke caused by a brain aneurysm. In his final moments, he was surrounded by his children, Clay and Marisol, his former wife, Prudence, and his beloved bird dog, Quiutito.

Arnold is survived by his children, Clay Atkins and Marisol Atkins; his former wife, Cecilia Prudence Atkins; his cherished granddaughters, Luz Thunder Tlanextli and Sinclaire Atkins; his nephew, Dimitri Kastritsis and his wife, Amanda; his niece, Elena Kastritsis and her husband, Ben Banayan; and his grandnephew, David Banayan. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray Atkins and Beatrice Arnold Atkins, and his sister, Patricia Atkins Kastritsis.

Arnold’s greatest joy in life was his family, especially his two granddaughters and grandnephew. He was deeply present in their lives, offering love, guidance, and steady support whenever he could. He also held a deep and enduring love for his former wife’s extended family—the Jaramillos, the Trujillos, and the Vigils—whom he embraced as his own throughout his life.

A 1960 graduate of Los Alamos High School, Arnold went on to earn his undergraduate degree from Rice University, his medical degree from Tulane University, and completed his residency at Oregon Health Sciences University. He served his country during the Vietnam War as a resident orthopedic surgeon stationed in Okinawa, Japan. Over the course of his career, Arnold practiced as a general surgeon and later as an emergency room physician, dedicating his life to healing others. He often described himself as a servant of God, carrying out his calling through medicine.

Drawn by both his profession and his passions, Arnold chose to practice in smaller communities where he could remain close to nature. He lived and worked in Prineville, Oregon, and Omak, Washington, before ultimately returning to New Mexico, the place he considered home.

Arnold was, at his core, a son of nature. He found deep peace and renewal in the outdoors, especially while fly fishing, hunting, and hiking. He delighted in sharing this love with others. His commitment to conservation and education was evident through his leadership as former president of the Trout Unlimited Truchas Chapter in Santa Fe. He remained actively involved until his passing and devoted many years to leading the “Trout in the Classroom” program, inspiring younger generations to appreciate and protect New Mexico’s native fish and waterways.

Arnold lived with a generous spirit and a profound sense of care—for his family, his patients, and the natural world. He loved deeply and gave freely, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew him.

He will be cremated in accordance with his wishes, and his ashes will be spread at one of his favorite fishing spots along the Rio Grande River. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date, when the waters of the Rio Grande subside.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Trout Unlimited Truchas Chapter at www.truchastu.org.

Arnold’s legacy lives on in the lives he healed, the family he cherished, and the wild places he so deeply loved.