Friend remembers Santa Fe murder victim as ‘gentle’ and a scholar
SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) – The community is reeling after an 83-year-old man was murdered in Santa Fe on Tuesday in what appears to be a random act of violence. Now we’re learning more about Gordon Wilson and how his friends are remembering him.
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“We just can’t believe it…something like this could happen to someone like that,” said Mark Michael, a longtime friend and colleague of Gordon Wilson. “Respected by everyone, liked by everyone., can’t imagine anyone wanting to hurt him.”
Mark Michael is still in shock over the murder of his colleague, 83-year-old Gordon Wilson. Police said Wilson was shot and killed in a Best Buy parking lot in Santa Fe on Tuesday. Police are still looking for the suspect who police said took off in Wilson’s 2020 blue Jeep Cherokee.
“It’s more shock but I’m sure the anger will come. I hope they catch this guy quickly before he kills somebody else,” said Michael.
Born in Illinois, Wilson had a career in finance. Michael said he moved to New Mexico when he retired to pursue his love for archeology. He served on the board of The Archaeological Conservancy for 20 years while Michael was president of the organization. Together they acquired and preserved historic sites across the country.
“Our feeling, Gordon’s and mine, these sites, if we didn’t preserve them they would be destroyed and go away, and we would lose that part of our heritage,” said Michael.
He remembers Wilson as a scholar and a kind, gentle man. “He was like a father figure to us all,” said Michael. Wilson spoke at Michael’s retirement celebration two weeks ago.
“I’m glad we had the opportunity to have that. Can’t imagine that’s gone,” said Michael. He said Wilson leaves behind a widow.
The Santa Fe Police Department is still searching for the suspect who the department described as a Hispanic male last seen in a blue shirt and white cap.
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