Background
Tony Gabaldon was born in Belen, New Mexico, near Albuquerque, where his family has lived for hundreds of years.
Tony Gabaldon was born in Belen, New Mexico, near Albuquerque, where his family has lived for hundreds of years.
His Mexican-American family has lived in Belen, New Mexico for hundreds of years. Senator Gabaldon represented citizens of District 2 in Arizona, which includes Flagstaff, the largest city in northern Arizona, and Navajo and Apache counties. He is the father of marine scientist-turnedbest-selling time-travel author, Diana Gabaldon.
He moved to Arizona at the age of thirteen.
While still a high school student in Flagstaff, he distinguished himself as an exceptional athlete, all-state quarterback, and chef. He remained an enthusiastic supporter of athletic events in the community through his later service as a teacher, coach and principal.
Political career Elected to the Arizona senate in 1972, Gabaldon served for 16 years, being re-elected through that period. He served in other political offices, as well as being active in civic life.
He was elected as Coconino County supervisor, serving until his retirement in 1995.
Gabaldon died at his home from a heart attack on January 3, 1998 at the age of sixty-seven. After his death, the Arizona Senate passed a resolution celebrating the life of the Honorable Tony Gabaldon, which states: He served as a senator from Flagstaff for sixteen years, working diligently on behalf of education and public retirement issues and displaying a tremendous ability to garner the support and respect of his peers on both sides of the political aisle. He went on to serve as a Coconino County supervisor, a post he held until his retirement from public service in 1995.
A candidate for the United States Congress in 1976, Tony Gabaldon"s other career efforts included service as a staff director for former United States Senator Dennis DeConcini, a worker on Eddie Basha"s 1994 campaign for governor and a manager of personal rental properties.
He would frequently cook to raise funds to buy athletic shoes for children and each year he prepared a dinner for every senior citizens" center in his district.
