Anaya’s niece, Belinda Henry, told KOB 4 that her uncle had had health problems and died early Sunday morning at his home in Albuquerque, where he was surrounded by close relatives. She was 82 years old.
“He loved his family more than any achievement,” said Henry. “He was an exceptionally intelligent and talented author and arguably one of the most generous people of his time. His influence has been felt throughout the world. “
Anaya was born in New Mexico in 1937. She graduated from Albuquerque High School and earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of New Mexico. Later she would go back to college to teach creative writing until her retirement.
Anaya received the 2015 National Humanities Medal from President Obama for “pioneering stories from the American Southwest.”
A public memorial will be announced at a future date.
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham made the following statement upon learning of Anaya’s death:
“I am deeply saddened today to hear the death of Rudolfo Anaya, one of the best artists in New Mexico, a key figure in our state’s rich literary history. Through his indelible stories, Rudolfo Anaya, perhaps better than any other author, really captured what it means to be a new Mexican, what it means to be born here, grow up here, and live here. His life’s work amounts to an incredible contribution to the great culture and fabric of our state, not only through his prodigious literary contributions, but through his decades as an educator at the University of New Mexico.
“I am especially grateful to have had the opportunity to sign legislation creating” Rudolfo Anaya Day, I love to read, “highlighting children’s literary education, and to have been able to celebrate that commemoration with their family. Although his death is A great loss to New Mexico, his life and work were an incredible gift, not only for New Mexico but for the world. His words and stories will be treasured forever. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones. “
Deeply sad that NM has lost our legendary storyteller. A while ago, I received a kind note from Rudolfo. He was very attentive and timely. Even in the current context, it is still a powerful message:
“Let’s continue helping the less fortunate among us. We are all a family. “Pic.twitter.com/KM5YhEUnmL
– Mayor Tim Keller (@MayorKeller) June 30, 2020
Rudolfo Anaya Elementary School posted the following message on its website:
It is with sadness that the school community of Rudolfo Anaya mourns the death of Mr. Anaya. He was a great advocate for our students and was proud of his accomplishments. Our students and staff have benefited from your generosity of books, artifacts, and donations in support of our school. Mr. Anaya valued New Mexico literacy, education, and culture and was the epitome of goodness. He will be missed. Our school community will work to ensure that its legacy lives on through our students. Our deepest condolences to Mr. Anaya’s family and friends during this time.
