d. Jan. 21, 2026
Published by Legacy Remembers on Feb. 10, 2026.
Orlando Francis “Brother O” Rael, age 62, passed away on January 21, 2026, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Born on September 14, 1963, in Embudo, New Mexico. He lived in Questa, NM for the first couple of years of his life. Born to Bernie Gomez Rael and the late Orlando F. Rael Sr., originally from Questa. Orlando lived a vibrant and adventurous life that touched many across the country.
A proud graduate of Norman High School in Norman, Oklahoma, Class of 1981, Orlando went on to take college courses at the University of Oklahoma. However, his most cherished educational accomplishments were earning his Commercial Driver’s License certifications from Pima College and Swift
Driving Academy in Arizona-credentials that launched him into a career he truly loved.
Known affectionately as “Brother O,” Orlando found his calling on the open road. As a long-haul truck driver during his self-proclaimed days as a “Highway Man”-he traveled extensively throughout the lower 48 states. Along the way, he encountered countless friendly faces and collected stories from diners and truck stops across America. He had an insatiable curiosity for regional cuisines and never missed an opportunity to try something new at any restaurant he came across.
When not behind the wheel of his big rig, Orlando enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He was known for his gourmet cooking skills and often treated loved ones to delicious meals during visits. His kitchen creations were matched only by his infectious humor-he delighted in telling silly stories and playfully teasing those around him. His laughter filled every room he entered.
Orlando’s hobbies reflected his fun-loving spirit: listening to music, playing video games, experimenting with recipes in the kitchen, and simply being an all-around silly guy. His generous heart and joyful presence left lasting impressions on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
He is survived by his mother Bernie Rael; sisters Yolanda Rael and Renee McSwigan; brother Jonathan Rael and his wife Monica; two nieces; and a large extended family of cousins, aunts, uncles, and dear friends who will miss him deeply. He was preceded in death by his father, Orlando F. Rael Sr., who passed away in July 2021.
Orlando treasured his friends and family above all else. His legacy lives on through the laughter he inspired, the meals he shared, and the miles he traveled with purpose and joy.
May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him.
The family of Amalia Lucia Rael (Lucy) entrusted the care of their loved one to the caring staff of DeVargas Funeral Home of Taos.
lla Grove Fellowship; his attorney John Holland; his guardian, Natalie DeVille of Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains; his home health aides, Michell Gallegos, Leslie Rousseau and Brenda Long; his medical providers at Heart of the Rockies, the Saguache Clinic and the Northern Saguache County Ambulance District; and the employees at Saguache County and at Saguache and Salida businesses. His artwork was intensively documented by the photographer Fred Scruton, whose visits with his wife, Cheryl, gave Roy tremendous joy.
Roy was deeply appreciative of the efforts of Sue Fox, Tony Jennings, Lyn Miles, Darryl Reinsel, Trisha Atkins, Gaby Wolodarski, Life Stebbins, Michael Briley, Sheri and Vince Fuca, Lori Coe, Tammy Gruebbel, Loren and Janice Aldrich, Greg Harvester, Eleanor Dewey, Sarah Stoit, the Crestone End of Life Project, Hospice de Valle and Saguache Works in supporting his desire to live a full and independent life in his home through his last days.
“He makes all things beautiful in his time” – Ecclesiastes 3:11.
