Floyd Orlando Prando

Floyd passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones in the evening hours of  Tuesday, May 7, 2019 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Floyd was born and raised in Valdez, New Mexico. Early in his life Floyd worked in agriculture, surveying and road construction. He then served as Probate Judge in Taos County.  Floyd then worked at the New Mexico State Land Office starting in 1959 and served under ten Land Commissioners. He had a 35-year career and upon retirement was serving as the Director of the Oil, Gas and Minerals Division.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Pablo Prando and Rebecca Lucero Prando; and his sister, Maria Refugio Prando Sanchez and her husband, Rudolfo Sanchez; parents-in-law, Jose M. Salazar and Teodora M. Salazar; brother-in-law, Salomon Salazar; sister-in-law, Cleo Lopez and her husband, Margarito Lopez; sister-in-law, Angelina Garcia and her husband, Manuel Garcia, sister-in-law, Virginia Gonzales and her husband, Celestino Gonzales. He is survived by his wife Laura S. Prando; son Pablo Prando; his daughter, Carla Prando Domenici and her husband, Pete V. Domenici, Jr.; grand-daughters, Audrey L. Domenici and Liliana B. Domenici; sister-in-law, Flora Salazar sister-in-law, Sadie Salazar and her husband, Pat Salazar, sister-in-law, Elizabeth Vigil and her husband, John Vigil, sister-in-law, Emily Maestas and her husband, Pete Maestas; and his close friend and cousin Jose Martinez of Questa; as well as many cousins; nieces; and nephews.

Floyd was a very devoted and caring Son, Husband, Father and Grandfather. It was important for him to build and maintain a strong family unit. Floyd was also a good friend. He had many friends and cousins that he enjoyed. His work ethic, ability to see good in every person and skill in finding common ground were all traits that he worked to instill in Carla and Pablo. He was a devout Catholic who acknowledged his faults and worked to live his Catholic faith.

Floyd enjoyed his work at the New Mexico State Land Office tremendously. He worked in almost every unit at the Land Office over the years and developed a deep understanding of the statutory and regulatory framework that oversees oil, gas and minerals in New Mexico. He understood how important the State’s Permanent Fund was to education and children statewide and he worked to help protect the Fund and expand it. Each year, NMOGA presents its Pete Porter Award to individuals who have distinguished themselves as "outstanding citizens of New Mexico who have made significant contributions to the state.". The New Mexico Oil and Gas Association acknowledged his contributions when they awarded him the Pete Porter Award in 1995.

Honorary pallbearers are New Mexico State Land Commissioners Jim Baca, Bill Humphries, Ray Powell, Patrick Lyons and Aubrey Dunn; Clare Domenici, Richard Lavadie, Jose Martinez, Miguel Salazar and Jacobo Salazar.

The family wishes to thank all of those who cared for Floyd during his last days especially Kelli, Melissa, Roland and Adam. We also want to thank Nancy Domenici and Darlene Armijo for the love and support they gave our father Floyd.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation at 1333 South Mayflower Avenue, Suite 400, Monrovia, CA 91016 in his name.