Neal King

Neal King, died peacefully in his sleep on August 22, 2022, from a lengthy illness at the age of 80.  He was the beloved Mayor of the Village of Taos Ski Valley, 25-year retired EMT, retired Fire Chief and fire fighter, longtime Ski Instructor and a dedicated Public Servant.

Neal is survived by his Wife of 40 years, Kathleen Bennett, and stepsons Scott Bennett (wife, Muriel, two grandchildren Emma and Tim, France) and Paul Bennett (St. Joseph, MO).

Neal was born in Swindon, England and was raised in the County of Dorset.  After nine years in the Royal Air Force, King went to work for IBM as a computer programmer, a skill that kept him working remotely up until just three days before he died.   He became an American Citizen prior to being elected Mayor of the Village of Taos Ski Valley.  He served as Mayor for 20 years.

He was well known for his popular monthly summer “Moonlight Hikes to Williams Lake.”  It was a free hike with the Mayor during a full moon.

A celebration of Neal’s life will be held on Saturday, October 1, 2022, from 1:00 p.m., to 5:00 p.m., in the tent on Thunderbird Road in the Ski Valley.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Taos Mountain Home Health Care and Hospice.  It is a non-profit organization at 630 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Suite 180, Taos, NM 87571 or reach them at www.mtnhomehealth.org.  Please note that the donation is in Neal King’s name.
The family of Neal King has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home of Taos.  866-657-4019 www.devargastaos.com