“As a kid, I think dealing with adversity made me a dreamer and optimist. A friend of mine would later write in a band bio that I looked at the world through rose colored glasses, with amazement and wonder. Stating for posterity, that is most of the time.”

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Photograph courtesy of Nick Berard Photography and The Radio Gunners

Thank you so much to the friends and family from all over who came to Pete’s services on January 26. As we work to close out Pete’s apartment here in Abilene, there are several items that we thought friends and family might want to have, either as a memento of their friendship with Pete, or just because they are cool, which was definitely Pete. Most of the musical instruments and keyboards are being donated to the New Mexico School for the Visually Impaired in Alamogordo. Then there is the matter of his collection of hats and caps of all kinds. And several people have asked about the mention in the obituary below about Pete’s autobiography, which he had just completed in December. All of this is to say it would be good to have a way to stay in touch through this Web site. For right now, send an email to bill@mintermedia.com. If we don’t know you, please tell a little but about how you knew Pete. That way we can let you know when we have an update for this site. If you knew Pete, you know how much he loved adding a little bit of historic military or panache artistique to the occasion. So let’s keep the dialog going.

View the hats

Pete’s obituary
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Louie Pierre (Pete) Nalda

Pete Nalda, a beloved musician, raconteur, and student of all things relating to aviation and the military, was the offspring of two historic Texas and New Mexico ranching families. Pete died peacefully in the early morning hours of January 15, 2023 in Abilene after an unexpected illness. A memorial service was held Thursday, January 26 at First Central Presbyterian Church, Abilene.

He was born in Abilene on November 11, 1960 to parents Judy Laughter Nalda, a granddaughter of West Texas ranchers Arthur and May Sears, and Louie Nalda, son of the Basque-born rancher Michel Nalda Sr. and Marie Nalda. Most of Pete’s childhood was spent on the Nalda Ranch near Quemado and Pie Town, in southern New Mexico near the Continental Divide.

Pete was an early striver to overcome the challenges of undiagnosed blindness virtually from birth. He taught himself guitar and keyboards, encouraged by the talents of his father, who was a noted Flamenco guitarist and singer. He honed his natural talents as a session musician in Los Angeles and for many years in Austin, where he was active in as many as three bands. Whether it was a gig at the Poodle Dog Lounge or a party for Texas Monthly, Pete always gave his all.

He attended Judson Preparatory School, Eastern New Mexico State, New Mexico Military Institute, McMurry University and Texas Tech University. In his 50s, still playing in Austin bands, he received his Associate’s degree in Computer Information Technology with a specialty in Local Area Network Systems Security from Austin Community College.

In addition to his father Louie, Pete was preceded in death by an infant sister, Lucy Melinda Nalda, and a younger sister, Julie Marie Nalda. He is survived by his mother, Judy Laughter Parker of Abilene and many cousins.

Pete’s background in the high country of New Mexico with its freedom led not only to an inquisitive mind, but a wide range of experiences. As he wrote in the forward to his recently completed autobiography, “How many visually impaired people have driven Caterpillars, a Bobcat, punched cattle, piloted a plane, (albeit with supervision), or even attempted military school? And how many would even dress in character, even to this day? Talk about eccentricity!”

About his memoir, he said, “It makes sense to do it while I have the time and remember everything. And when I say remember everything, I mean I have a photographic memory of everything I could possibly see. So that’s why.”

Naturally gregarious, Pete could light up a room of people with conversation, especially if his guide dog, Hawthorne, was along. He has played keyboards, often an accordion, on the streets of Austin and and was a member of The Radio Gunners and Rumbullion. Said one of his bandmates: “in the world of Austin music, he can play with the very best.”

“As a kid, I think dealing with adversity made me a dreamer and optimist. A friend of mine would later write in a band bio that I ‘looked at the world through rose-colored glasses, with amazement and wonder.’ Stating for posterity, that is most of the time.”

Hawthorne is safe at home with a big yard and some dog-loving cousins in Abilene. Sections of Pete’s memoir will be available in the near future here at www.PeteNalda.com.

A memorial service was held in Abilene at First Central Presbyterian Church, 400 Orange Street. Officiants were Rev. Dr. Clifford Stewart, The Rev. Tommy Bye, Rector at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church at Cypress Mill, and The Rev. Chase Skorburg, Associate Rector at Church of the Incarnation, Dallas. Funeral services were under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to donate in Pete’s memory may address Guide Dogs for the Blind, guidedogs.com, or P.O. Box 151200, San Rafael, CA 94915.