Pahrump, Nevada resident Eugene “Roy” Abila 66, died unexpectedly on November 14, 2022, in Las Vegas, Nevada from complications from undiagnosed cancer.

Eugene “Roy” Abila was born in Rangely, Colorado on February 19, 1956, the son of Joseph Eugene and Rosalie Abila. He was the oldest of 6, brother to two sisters and three brothers whom he loved dearly and was always there for them. He graduated from Alamosa High School in 1974 as a 3A 112 pound 4^th place state wrestling finalist. He enlisted in the Army shortly thereafter where he served from 1974 to 1981 earning numerous commendations, a National Defense Medal, Expert Badge with Hand Grenade Bar, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal-2^nd Award, Sharpshooter Badge with M-16 Rifle Bar and then being honorably discharged. He had a true love and passion for culinary arts taking classes in Germany and throughout the United States earning many certificates, ultimately sharing his love as a chef through his career as an instructor through Walla Walla Community College, offering courses to inmates at the Washington State Penitentiary as a means to offer them a vocation upon release from prison.

He loved wrestling, a passion he shared with his only son Alan, and then with his grandsons, Alan Brian, Anthony and Jeremiah. He wrestled all through high school receiving many honors, ribbons, and medals. He even earned a few in track and post high school a few first places in a chess club. He followed Alamosa High School wrestling close throughout the years, and was always excited when a title was won.

He enjoyed his life, especially his family who meant so much to him. As a single father he raised three children, Lisa, Alan and Cheri, whom he loved and adored and even sometimes was annoyed with. He was not only a proud father, he was a proud grandfather and would take great joy in hearing of all the mischief his grandchildren would cause, he took great relief in knowing they were doing just what they needed to be.

He enjoyed working on cars, riding his Goldwing when he had a chance and watching football, a lot of football. If the game was not competitive, he’d find the next one that was. He was an avid Raiders fan and was thrilled when the team relocated to Las Vegas, he just knew it was meant for him. He was never at a loss to offer cooking advice, shake his head at the lack of cooking skills his children had or in complete shock you didn’t own a good knife or much needed cooking utensil. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, but mostly being on the go especially on his Goldwing. He was a free soul and a wandered often, but was never lost, he simply knew right where he needed to be, when he needed to be there.

Roy had a real love for people. He wanted to connect with people in meaningful ways, from miles away, from years ago. He was intentional in his connections and always sought a connection that was deep, thoughtful, honest and compassionate. He was blunt, funny and to the point, but he was loyal and loving above all.

He is survived by his mother Rosalie Abila of Delta, Colorado; his children, daughter, Lisa Abila and her children with Alfie Garcia, Alyssa, Alessandra and Alisson Garcia of Walla Walla, Washington, son Alan Abila and child with Elizabeth Dupont, Alan Brian and children, Natasha and Kendrix Abila and Giovanni Ortega of Alamosa and Denver, Colorado and daughter Cheri Meder and her children with Jeremy, Anthony, Jeremiah and Cadence Meder, of Alamosa,

Colorado; his significant other Ronde Servita, Pahrump, Nevada; his five siblings Brenda (Sam) Salcedo of Clifton, Colorado, Ed (Nancy) Abila of Delta, Colorado, Lorraine (Blaine) Griffith of Delta, Colorado, Eric (Kimberly) Abila of San Antonio, Texas, and Paul (Jennifer) Abila of Delta, Colorado. Great Grandchildren, Louis Vigil II and Ivan Drako Vigil; as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. He will be sorely missed by all.

 He was preceded in death by his father Joseph Eugene Abila.

 A Rosary will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 26, 2022, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Alamosa, Colorado followed by a Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 10 a.m.  Interment will follow in the Alamosa Cemetery.

Rogers Family Mortuary is in care of the arrangements. To leave online words of comfort, remembrances and tributes for Roy’s family, please visit www.RogersFunerals.com