Paul Donaldson, 67, a resident of Rio Rancho, died March 12th after a recent illness. Paul was born October 5th, 1958 in Mobile, Alabama and was preceded in death by his parents, James Melvin Sr. and Jean Marie Donaldson and his infant sister, Denise. Paul is survived by his husband, Keith Coffee, sisters Jamie McClure (Rusty), Rhonda Cooper (David) and brother James Melvin Jr. (Michael) along with his in-laws, Francis and Jo Ann Coffee, brothers-in-law Kevin (Jeannette) and Kent (Valerie) Coffee, 18 nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews along with numerous friends from the Mariposa Community, especially Christina and Michael Toll. Paul is also survived by his beloved Goldendoodle, Royal.

Paul, retired from hotel management, met Keith online and bravely relocated to the area from Florida 13 years ago. He and Keith were married at the Lucky Little Chapel in Las Vegas, Nevada, May 31st, 2018. Paul made friends wherever he went and embraced the New Mexican lifestyle, learning how to make red chile from his mother-in-law to adventuring on hikes to the Sandia and Jemez mountains. Paul and Keith moved to Mariposa 10 years ago and marveled in the beauty of the area and the love of close friends who welcomed them with open arms.

A celebration of Paul's life will be held at French Funerals-Cremations Rio Rancho location at 10:00 AM on Saturday, April 11th, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital.