Preston Abeyta retired as a Soil Conservation Technician from the Department of Natural Resources on Tuesday, March 10 after clocking-in 38 years of service to the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. Abeyta was employed at the infancy of the Southern Ute Water Resources Division after it was acquired by the Tribe. Abeyta assisted in the Tribe’s irrigation and waterways maintenance, repair, rehabilitation and management of the Tribe’s water rights. Tribal Council members Marvin Pinnecoose and Linda Baker presented Abeyta with a blanket and Executive Officer Lindsay Box thanked Abeyta for his service to the Tribe.
A gathering of co-workers, friends and family gathered at the Southern Ute Multi-Purpose facility to celebrate Preston Abeyta’s retirement, held by the Water Resources Division. Pictured left to right: Joseph Bukosky, Soil and Water Conservationist, Pete Nylander, Water Resources Division Head, Preston Abeyta, Soil Conservation Technician, Betty Martinez, Water Resources Administrative Assistant, Garret Becker, Water Resources Technician and George Gavrielides, Water Resources Specialist.
Don Wickman, former Southern Ute Soil Conservationist, stopped by to wish Preston Abeyta a fond farewell. Wickman retired from the Southern Ute Water Resources Division in 2004. Wickman offered these words of wisdom to Abeyta, “Time goes by fast, enjoy it while you can.”
Adrian Abeyta, son of retiree Preston Abeyta, read three words that best describes his father in the workplace, in the community and within their family; Work Ethic, Integrity and Friendship.
Preston Abeyta and his family, celebrate with a family photo commemorating Preston’s retirement after 38 years of employment with the Southern Ute Tribe. Pictured left right are Adrian and wife Devra Abeyta, granddaughter Vesper, wife Angela and retiree, Preston, daughter Shonda Abeyta, grandsons Colt and Preston, and son Danny Abeyta. Abeyta said he’ll have more time now to spend with his family and grandchildren.
Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum
