SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Utah officials reacted Saturday with expressions of respect and sadness to the death Friday night of Robert “Archie” Archuleta, a leader of the state’s Hispanic community and prominent civil rights activist. He was 88.
Archuleta was former president of the Utah Coalition of La Raza, which said in a statement that Archuleta was among the first Chicano activists in Utah.
Current UCLR President Richard Jaramillo said Archuleta’s death was “going to leave such a vacuum that he filled with his voice in this community.”
Congressman Ben McAdams said Archuleta “worked every day to ensure minority voices are heard” and Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski called Archuleta “a fierce advocate for equality.”
Survivors include Archuleta’s wife, Lois, their five children and six grandchildren.
