My story is about my dad Charley Jones. It was the primaries for the presidential election. My dad went down to the local (Edgewood) polling place. When he got in there the line was very long. He noticed a familiar face at the very back of the room. It was Bruce. No one was paying any attention to this New Mexico icon probably because they were too busy with their lives and also because they didn't recognize the governor from long ago.

My dad approached Bruce, shook his hand and began chatting about this and that. Bruce voiced his disappointment that he could no longer vote in his beloved Stanley. That there were just not enough people out there to open the polls so he had to travel to Edgewood. They finished their conversation and my dad, who cherished and respected Bruce King, stepped out from the long line and said, "Can I have your attention please. I don't know how many of you know this, but we are in the presence of a New Mexico icon. This is former Governor Bruce King."

He went on to tell the crowd about his terms as governor and other facts as well. He then said, "I would appreciate it if you all would give up your place in line and let this man come to the front to cast his vote." Dad said It was like the parting of the Red Sea. Bruce thanked my dad and walked to the front to cast his vote.

My dad called me in Texas immediately after he got home. He was proud of what he did for the former governor but even more proud that he got to visit with an old friend if only for a few minutes.

My dad, Charley Jones, passed on Oct. 22, 2008 not long after that chance meeting. Now, him and "Uncle Bruce" can chat about the Democratic party all they want to. No doubt Dad will be met with that famous Bruce King smile and handshake but now there will be no more waiting in line.

KRISTY (JONES) SPAINHOUR

Edgewood

I GREW UP AND LIVED in Moriarty for many years. I have since moved to California going on six years.

I remember Bruce King and have very fond memories. The first time I met Gov. King, I believe, I was in elementary school. Our class took a field trip to see the Capitol in Santa Fe and how it worked. I remember going into what I believe was Gov. King's office and was amazed and awe struck.

He was sitting at his desk with his feet propped up wearing the biggest pair of cowboy boots I had ever seen. His presence seemed overwhelming in that room and I could not believe I was standing in the presence of the most important person in the state of New Mexico. He was very friendly and had a big smile.

I have never forgotten that day. I saw him many more times after that and he always shook my hand and would always say those famous words, "fine, fine, good, good." He was a nice man, I will miss him.

MARGIE GURULE

Tehachapi, Calif.

BRUCE KING WAS BIGGER THAN LIFE we all knew that, but he never walked or talked above us. Bruce was always just Bruce. That was all he had to be to be one of the finest men we knew. He never looked beyond us to avoid speaking like many who have served their constituents from aloft. He always acknowledged us, no matter where he was or how important his destination was, he took time to do that. Yes, he remembered our names like he remembered our deeds, and he acknowledged those deeds as well, like they were very important and should be recognized even though they were mediocre in comparison to his.

His folksy charm was insatiable because it was a part of him just as the way he held his head and the John Wayne shuffle in his walk. He was one of us always, and yes President Clinton, he was real! Just as the roots he came from, he was securely planted and able to withstand the environment of both New Mexico and its politics. There are few of this stature still around and what worries me is how few of them are in the wings of our future.

One of my proudest moments was being appointed by Gov. King to the New Mexico Board of Cosmetology. It didn't matter to him that I was a Republican. I was elected chair of the board the second year, regional director and then secretary for the National Board of Cosmetology thereafter, but…

I disappointed Bruce by having to resign for personal reasons in my fifth year. That was one of my lowest moments and I never forgave myself for that. I felt he deserved better than I had given. He never said another word about it but one day when he and Alice were eating lunch in a restaurant, I sat down with them and confessed to him how sorry I was for that low point in my life. He was quick to make little of my regrettable actions and started a positive comeback for me. He was so good at that. That was Bruce.

We have some fine neighbors in the King family. They are one of the treasures of New Mexico. They are a part of us and always will be. For the most part they are hard working, deep rooted, good people who continue to contribute to our state as well as our community. I don't care if they are Democrats; I love them. So there.

SONJA BRITTON

Moriarty

I THINK OF BRUCE KING in two perspectives: political and personal. Politically, Bruce has been scrutinized up and down by many people from all walks of life. Bruce served his state for the longest of any governor to date, and he did it well. Bruce was a dyed-in-the-wool Democrat; but deep down he was for the person who he thought was sincere, honest, and trustworthy.

On a personal level, I followed Bruce's example of how he treated people. Regardless of ethnicity or biases, Bruce dealt with everyone with respect and sensitivity. Maybe Bruce didn't do any big outrageous things for New Mexico, but he didn't hurt anyone either. I'm sure Bruce made some mistakes. If he didn't, he wouldn't have been human.

Bruce was three months older than I. I will always feel that he was a secret mentor to me for the rest of my life. My hat is off to the entire King family. Thank God for you, Bruce. I'll miss you.

A friend,

HOWARD CALKINS

Edgewood

I REMEMBER MEETING HIM and shaking his hand when he flew into Mountainair in 1980.

I was in the fifth grade. We walked single file from the elementary school to the high school, singing Pink Floyd's "Another Brick in the Wall."

Being a kid, I didn't think it was that big of a deal until I went home and told my brother. He was like, "You shook the governor's hand? That's cool!"

DENNIS FULFER

Mountainair

Remembering Bruce King