Hector V. Samaniego

Hector was born on July 28, 1933 in Carlsbad, New Mexico to Hazan Samaniego Sr. and Josefa (Valdez) Samaniego. The family lived briefly in Los Angeles during World War II but returned to New Mexico after the war. He graduated from Carlsbad High School where he played football, ran track and sang in the school’s madrigal group. He joined the United States Marine Corps in 1952 with intentions of making it his career. He changed those plans after meeting Dorris Cox, the love of his life, when he was on leave in Laguna Beach, CA. They married in 1956. He returned to New Mexico to get his teaching degree from New Mexico State University. He took a teaching position in Lompoc, California in 1962 and remained with the Lompoc Unified School District until his retirement. He was respected and loved by his students and well known in Lompoc, his home of over 60 years. Beyond his career duties he volunteered for youth football, baseball, basketball, the library, and he was a member of The Elks Lodge. He enjoyed vacationing at Lake Tahoe with his family and attending baseball spring training games in Florida, gardening and spending time with his grandsons. He loved music of all sorts, and classical and mariachi were among his favorites.

Hector is survived by his wife Dorris (Cox) Samaniego, sons Russell (Kim) Samaniego, G. Scott (Pamela) Samaniego, Grant Samaniego, and grandsons Matthew (Libby) Samaniego and Reid Samaniego. He is also survived by his sisters Maria Samaniego and Isis (Ignacio) Fonseca. Hector was preceded in death by his parents Hazan Sr. and Josefa, younger sister Isis and younger brother Hazan Jr.

A Celebration of Life is being planned and will be announced when confirmed.