Tony was born Oct. 6, 1929 in Scholle, New Mexico. He was a retired General Motors employee, served a full term in the army, but was first and foremost a rancher and loving husband.

He is survived by his wife of 30 years Mary (Hetherington), who grew up in Central Lake, an older brother John, a rancher living in Mountainare, New Mexico, a sister Theresa Trahan who lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico and a sister Eloisa Campbell from Belen, New Mexico.

Tony had three stepchildren as well: Leroy Pickard of Eaton Rapids, Christopher Pickard of Lansing and Melissa Fleck of Farmington Hills. Preceding Tony in death were his parents, Antonio and Marianita (Aragon) Sanchez, a sister Mary Armijo from Albuquerque, New Mexico; Jaynie Hargis of Datil, New Mexico and Melva Sanchez of Belen, New Mexico.

Mr. Sanchez waited for his family to arrive from New Mexico and Michigan last week before succumbing to a disease that crept across his body like a tentacled beast. ALS took his love of ranching and horseback riding but never was able to snatch his love for his wife, his memories, active intellect, his gentle eyes and expressive smile. In the end, having said his final goodbyes and receiving the well wishes from each family member, he died on his terms. Thursday night, his wife Mary rocked him in her arms. Tony looked at her and said, "I love you and sweet dreams." Mary said, "I love you too."

They had met 33 years prior in Los Angeles at the Santa Anita Race Track in Los Angeles, according to Mary. "We both had jumped to our feet in the stands, because a jockey had fallen from a horse," Mary said. "We talked about that, and exchanged pleasantries. A few days later, he came by my work. He walked in and the first thing I said to him was, ÔWhere'd you get those dimples, your mother or your father?' He said his mother, and I think I fell in love with him right then."

Tony is to be cremated, and Mary's plan is to fly with the ashes out to the ranch in New Mexico after Easter. Tony left instructions on exactly where he wanted his ashes to be placed. Goodbye old friend. You were a gentleman with a heart as big as a New Mexico night sky. Ride on.