Albuquerque Journal from Albuquerque, New Mexico • Page 20

C4 ALBUQUERQUE JOURNAL THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015 Beloved TV weatherman, teacher dies at 92 UNM's duck pond gets a good cleaning CORTEZ 46.,7 ALAEIOSA DURAN. IS 70 "EAT AZTEC 1 0.:: A. Re, rri 7 ZE.C7AE erRATTE olee ,1 1 .4 4: 4 If A "Uncle George," and would often stop by the station after school to watch the show being filmed. "Even when he was in front of the camera it seemed like he was talking to you directly," said Bundy Brown, 54, now associate director of advancement for New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology. "He still had that one-on-one relationship with you." Fischbeck was also a regular visitor to the family's home.

"At the dinner table he talked mostly about science. He could find science in anything. But it didn't matter if he was talking about science or weather or life, he always had this big smile." Fischbeck didn't have just a casual interest in weather, he was a trained meteorologist. During the Korean War, he worked in the weather department for the New Mexico Air National Guard. So it was not a stretch when in 1970 Fischbeck was hired to be the 6 and 10 p.m.

weatherman on KOB-TV, Channel 4. Within weeks, the station's newscast moved from second to first in the ratings. There, he worked with news anchor Johnny Morris. "George was an amazing guy, an amazing personality," said Morris, 91, during a phone conversation Wednesday. "He had a lot of knowledge about a lot of things, and people just loved him.

He was basically a school science teacher, and while doing the weather he'd do things like have tarantulas running up Scientist worked on Duke City stations BY RICK NATHANSON JOURNAL STAFF WRITER Recognized nationally for his bushy mustache, dark eyeglasses, signature bow tie and a funny, frenetic delivery, George Fischbeck, well-known television weatherman and science teacher, died early Wednesday at age 92. "Dr. George," as he was known, had been living in the Motion Picture Television Fund retirement home in Woodland Hills, Calif. Fischbeck became a phenomenon in Albuquerque as a television science teacher and TV meteorologist in the 1960s and early '705, before being lured to Los Angeles where he continued as a top rated TV weatherman and celebrity. Fischbeck was born in New Jersey, where his exposure to immigrant workers from around the world on his family's farm, sparked his interest in cultures.

He moved to Albuquerque in 1946 to study anthropology and archaeology at the University of New Mexico, and then received his master's degree in education from UNM in 1955. He subsequently taught in the Albuquerque Public Schools for 23 years. In 1959, the station manager at local PBS station, KNMETV, Channel 5, asked Fisch-beck if he wanted to do a 30 minute TV science program for Albuquerque students. The breakdown of organic waste also produces ammonia and nitrites, both toxic to aquatic life. The nitrite is further broken down to release nitrate also toxic to aquatic life in large quantities.

In nature, the battle against nitrates and phosphates takes place primarily through the decay of the organic matter by aerobic bacteria, which requires certain amounts of dissolved oxygen in the water. At UNM, the dissolved oxygen level is kept high through an aeration system, which sprays water into the air to oxygenate it. When Smith first came to UNM 10 years ago, "huge clouds of goldfish, tens of thousands," populated the pond, he recalls. To control their number, bass were introduced. There are now about 100 of the larger fish in the water.

The pond is also home to koi, crayfish, and almost 100 red-earred sliders (turtles) and a dozen or so soft-shelled turtles. During this year's cleaning, Smith didn't notice any catfish, which was somewhat unusual. Nor did he see any frogs, which have lived there in the past. He misses them, he says, and hopes they return. The duck pond was built in 1975 on what had been a parking lot.

"People threw an absolute fit when they took away their parking spaces," Smith says. "Today it may be the most popular place in all of New Mexico. Not just for UNM folk, but people from all over the state." From PAGE Cl dous amount of bread that serves no nutritional value the ducks don't eat it. Others drop off domesticated ducks that cannot adapt to a life in the wild. They are particularly vulnerable to unleashed dogs.

About once a year, the former pets are rounded up and taken to the Eastside Animal Shelter, which adopts them out, Smith says. None are euthanized. "A pond this size can only take five ducks per surface-acre per year, before we start having problems," he says. Right now, about 150 wild ducks have taken up temporary residence. "There's nothing we can do about that," he adds.

UNM officials have considered posting signs asking people to limit provisions to duck pellets, leafy greens, non-citrus fruits, cracked corn, barley, oats and the like. They also thought about installing feeding stations, like those found at the Albuquerque Bio Park, but decided against it because the stations would likely be emptied in a matter of minutes and might be subject to vandalism. Cleaning the pond is carried out every two years during UNM's spring break, to cause as little disruption as possible. It's a big, dirty, weeklong job that costs about $50,000, mostly for labor. It's needed because organic waste (from duck poop and food thrown in the pond) produce phosphates that cause algae blooms, especially in warm shallow water with adequate light penetration.

JOURNAL FILE George Fischbeck combines nature with a weather report during a 1970s local broadcast. The program, "Science 5," became so popular that the broadcast was picked up by schools in 25 cities around the country. Fischbeck commented during a 2011 interview with the Journal that his years as a teacher, both in the classroom and in the TV studio, were his most enjoyable. "Every day that I spent teaching was a day of happiness in my life," he said. "Teaching is not an occupation to me.

It's a lifetime dream, the most important thing you can do." Heidi Bundy Brown remembers Fischbeck well. Her father, E. Wayne Bundy, was the KNME station manager who came up with the idea for the science show. She and her five siblings called Fischbeck Former Santa Fe mayor dies at 77 No parole for man who killed officer all Mit 11 1 11 11 and down his arm." The theatrics, Morris said, often caused the weather segments to run long, "but nobody seemed to mind." Fischbeck moved to Los Angeles in 1972, after accepting a position as weatherman for KABC-TV. He retired in 1990, but returned to Los Angeles TV station KCBS in 1993 doing feature stories before retiring for good in 1997.

Fischbeck kept busy during his retirement, serving as a docent for the Los Angeles Zoo and helping raise funds for firefighter charities. The last time he was in Albuquerque was in 2013, during a book signing tour to promote his memoir, "Dr. George, My Life in Weather," which was published by the University of New Mexico Press. That same year Fischbeck was the inaugural inductee into the Wall of Fame, located Downtown in the Alvarado Transportation Center. "Dr.

George was more than just a New Mexico icon. He positively influenced the lives of thousands of New Mexicans through his classes, science show on public TV, and as a KOB-4 weatherman," said Albuquerque Mayor Richard J. Berry. "He made our city and state a better place to live, and for that we are eternally grateful." Fischbeck is survived by his wife of nearly 66 years, Susanne, daughter Nancy and a granddaughter. A son, George was killed in an accident in 1977 at age 22.

as a teenager, and he dedicated much of his life to helping to preserve traditional music. Later, he became a broadcaster, and I have fond memories of being interviewed by George and watching him at the microphone announcing birthdays and keeping everyone up to date on daily events that mattered to the community. Through music and radio, he strengthened our sense of community and tradition, and his voice will be greatly missed across Northern New Mexico." Gonzales attended the College of Santa Fe and served in the Army National Guard. He had been elected to two terms on Santa Fe County Commission before he became mayor at age 30 the city's youngest mayor ever. Last year, he served as campaign manager for his son Javier's successful mayoral bid.

There will be a public reception in his honor at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center on Friday, following his 10 a.m. funeral that day at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis and the burial afterward. 1 and Uriah. Also sur- viving are her siblings, Jose Lujan, Charolotte Chacon, June Anaya, Raphael and Donald Lujan; VI ra enlda iovt ehse ra nndufmr ieernoduss Mary will be greatly missed by all.

A Rosary will be re- cited Monday, March 30, 2015 at 8:00 a.m. at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, 9502 Fourth NW, followed by Funeral Services at 9:00 a.m. Inurnment will take place at a later date. Those who wish to sign Mary's online guest book may visit www.danielsfuneral.com Daniels Family Funeral Services ALAMEDA MORTUARY 9420 Fourth St. NW Albuquerque, NM 87114 (505) 898-3160 Martha was preceded in death by her parents, Jose Angel and Miquelita; son-n-law, Ronald Sandoval.

Services for Martha will be held on Friday March 27, 2015 at Mount Calvary Cemetery at 1:30 PM followed by a reception at 6101 Sequoia Rd. NE Alb, NM 87120. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Compassus Hospice for their support in these final days. To view information or leave a condolence please visit www.danielsfuneral.com Garcia Mortuary 717 Stover Ave. SW Albuquerque, NM 87102 505-243-5222 JOURNAL FILE Former Santa Fe Mayor George Gonzales, shown here broadcasting in 1997, died this week at age 77.

He's the father of current Mayor Javier Gonzales. U.S. Sen. Tom Udall commented Wednesday on Gonzales' legacy. "He was a true Santa Fean who cared deeply about his family, his community, and his culture," said Udall.

"He was generous in heart and spirit, and leaves behind a legacy of dignity and community service. "George started performing From PAGE Cl from Compton's sister, who for the first time spoke out publicly about the case. She also opposed Compton's release. The parole board's deliberations are private, but the board publicly released a reasons-for-denial form and other materials explaining its decision. Those documents suggest Compton was denied parole because of his history of violent crimes, the nature of the crime, and the board's lack of faith that Compton would adhere to conditions of his release.

Yolanda Cline, Gerald Cline's widow, emailed a statement signed by her husband's family, friends and Wilder, Robert Robert Wilder, age 54, beloved son, brother, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully, Thursday, March 19, 2015, of cancer He was born in Albuquerque, NM on June 6, 1960, to Charles and Mary Wilder; and was a lifelong resident of Albuquerque and Alameda. Bob was a graduate of Cibola High School, and was a mechanic, handyman and a grounds keeper, (a jack-of-all-trades). Bob's hobbies and interests included, motorcycle riding, old car enthusiast, original music rock-n-roll drummer. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Wilder. Bob is survived by his loving mother, Mary Wilder; his siblings, Charles Wilder, Mary Wilder, Kathleen Underwood, and Bradley Wilder; his daughter, Tiffa Lacer, Mary Melecia Radio man father of current mayor BY MARK OSWALD JOURNAL NORTH SANTA FE Former Santa Fe Mayor George A.

Gonzales, who lived to see his son follow in his footsteps at City Hall, died on Tuesday. Gonzales, who was 77 and the father of current Santa Fe Mayor Javier Gonzales, headed the City Different from 1968-72. "Tonight my father, Mayor George Gonzales, lifelong Santa Fean, family man, musician, businessman and inspiration, has passed away," Javier Gonzales announced in a statement Tuesday night. George Gonzales, a native of Santa Fe, was well known for his work in radio, where he promoted traditional music and local culture, and he was a singer and musician himself. His professional broadcast career began in 1955 at station KTRC, still on the air in Santa Fe, and he soon went to work at KDCE, based in Espaflola, which Gonzales later bought from John Burroughs, New Street, John John Richard Street, known always by his family and friends as "Richard," passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, March 21, 2015.

Richard was born I September 7, 1930 to Gordon and Gladwys tfi)i (Dunakin) Street in Santa Fe, NM. He grew up in Santa Fe, attended public schools there, and graduated from Santa Fe High School. He attended the University of Colorado and the University of New Mexico where he received both a BA and an MA in History and Education. He served in the US Air Force for four years during the Korean War but spent most of that time in Germany. He taught in the Albuquerque Public Schools for 35 years, 22 of those years at Eldorado High School.

He was on an award-winning humanities team at Eldorado and was teacher of the year at both Eldorado and West Mesa High Schools. He received a Fulbright grant and studied Asian history at the University of Singapore and spent several summers leading student tours to Europe. After retirement, he was a docent at the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History and was active at the Church of the Good Shepherd United Church of Christ. He was preceded in death by 1.,,1 1 .0 s. IC' 1 -guy, tite co-workers that celebrated the board's decision.

She has said she is uncomfortable referring to Cline by name, and the statement refers to him as "inmate 31753" "The attitude of prisoner 31753 has not changed since his trial in September, 1983," the statement reads. "The prisoner continues to deny all evidence of the events on February 24, 1983, and his murder of Cline. There is no way to restore the life that was taken, there is no way to change the course the lives of the Survivors have been forced to walk. But keeping prisoner 31753 incarcerated does prevent him from bringing harm to innocent victims should he be released." "Bob" James fly Meyers; grandchildren, Elijah, Juliette, Leah Johnson, and Jocelyn Jones; numerous nieces, nephews and friends, too many to mention. Bob will be greatly missed by his loving family and by those whose hearts he touched.

A Rosary will be recited Friday, March 27, 2015 at 8:00 a.m. at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, 9502 Fourth NW, followed by a Funeral Service at 9:00 a.m. Inurnment will be at a later date. Those who wish to sign Bob's online guest book may visit www.danielsfuneral.com Daniels Family Funeral Services ALAMEDA MORTUARY 9420 Fourth St. NW Albuquerque, NM 87114 (505) 898-3160 Jacelynn, Tyson, Nathalia and Mathias; siblings, Ramo' na, Ezequiel, Carmen and Martha Almeida.

0 He was preceded in death by his parents, Santana Almeida and Manuela Chavira; siblings, Maria Ele na, Anita, Juanita, Jose, Rosita, Luis and Lolita Almeida. A Rosary will be recited on Saturday, March 28, 2015 at 8:15 a.m. with a Mass to follow at 9:00 a.m. at St. Anne's Catholic Church, 1400 Arenal Rd.

SW. To view information or leave a condolence please visit www.danielsfuneral.com Garcia Mortuary 717 Stover Ave. SW Albuquerque, NM 87102 505-243-5222 Mexico governor for 1959-60. Among other radio ventures, in 1991 Gonzales created his family-owned station KSWV-AM known as "Que Suave" and which remains an emphatically local community voice in Santa Fe where he continued to do sales and announce on the air along with three of his sons. Richard his parents, his wife Mary McReynolds Street and his broth4 er Gordon Street, Jr.

He is survived by his children Steven (Julia) Street of Bethel, Alaska, Barbara (Ross) Coleman of buquerque, Gregg McReynolds of Greenwood Village, CO, Zach (Alexandra) McReynolds of Ross, CA, his sister Carolyn Austin of Ann Arbor, MI, ten grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. The family would like to recognize the devoted service of AmberCare hospice staff, especially Jessica and Natalie, during Richard's illness over the last few years. Richard's remains will be inurned with his wife Mary at Santa Fe National Cemetery. A memorial service will be held at a later date at the Church of the Good Shepherd, 7834 Tennyson NE, Albuquerque. Memorials may be made to the Albuquerque Museum Foundation, P.O.

Box 7006, Albuquerque 87194, or to the Church of the Good Shepherd. Please visit our online guestbook for Richard at www.FrenchFunerals.com. FRENCH Wyoming 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400 Mary Melecia Lujan Gallegos Lucero, age 68, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, was embraced by the Lord and taken to Eternal Life, Friday, March 20, 2015. She was born in Frederick, CO on September 28, 1946, and was At a resident of Albuquerque.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Adonias and Stella Lujan. Mary is survived by her loving husband of 43 years, Laurencio Lucero; her children, Naomi Gallegos, Ernest Gallegos and wife Jeanette, Paul Gallegos and wife Deevon, and Eric Perez; her precious grandchildren, Ernest, Rachel, Daniel, Adam, Dominic, Chamar, Amanda, Christian, Jordan and Michael Perez; great-grandchildren, Andrew Almeida, Oscar Chavira Gar ley, Martha S. 1 2 110 s5 I I. 4 Age 60, a resident of Albuquerque for over 30 years, passed away on March 22, 2015. Oscar was a very hard worker and would do anything to help out his friends and family.

.11 His four grandchildren were the light of his life. He made his family his top priority and was the rock of the family. He had a nickname for everyone and was always cracking jokes. He loved Baseball whether he was watching or playing. But most importantly he loved life and was always smiling.

Oscar is survived by his wife, Ana; children, Erika AlmeidaTrujillo and husband, Tim, Adriana, Jeanette and Oscar Almeida grandchildren, elt 11 Martha "Sesaria" Gar ley, 76, passed peacefully in her sleep on March 22, 2015. Martha was born in Albuquerque, NM to Jose Angel and Miquelita Garcia. She graduated from Albuquerque High School and went on to the Army. She was a semi-professional wrestler and a "Gogo" dancer. A loving wife, mother, grandmother and matriarch to this family; she loved to dance and play slots at the casino.

She is survived by her loving husband, Joe "Willie" Gar ley; son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Angela, daughter, Venessa; grandchildren, Angel, Adriana, Cassandra, and Joseph; great-grandchildren, Serenity, Antonio and of course her baby, Peaches. Hulls, Jim In Loving Memory I take a walk down memory lane with tears upon my cheeks, because missing you is a heartache that never goes away. My heart is torn in two: one filled with heartache, the other died with you. It hurts when you have someone in your heart, but you can't have them in your arms. 13 years and I still miss you.

Your wife, Yvonne.