Lt. Col. Enrique “QuiQue” Amador Saa

October 25, 1952 - September 5, 2022

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Rock City Church

Lubbock, TX 79416

Saturday 10/1, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and pilot, Lt. Col. Enrique “QuiQue” Amador Saa’, USAF (Ret.) went on his final flight and gained his wings on September 5th, 2022. He was surrounded by loved ones when he passed over and entered the Kingdom of Heaven.

Born October 25th, 1952, in Quito, Ecuador, Quique had a love for adventure and flying since early childhood. As a teenager, Quique followed his mother to California as she was pursuing the American Dream. With many obstacles to overcome such as language barriers and economic hardships, Quique persevered and attended the USAF Preparatory School. From there, he gained admission to the United States Air Force Academy, where he graduated with an Engineering degree in the class of the Spirit of ‘76. He served as class president, and was dubbed “El Presidente”. He met his true love, Delphine, while flying B-52s at K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base near Gwinn, Michigan.

Quique and Delphine went on to have many adventures and moves to various places and countries during his 22 years of service in the Air Force. During his tenure he flew the B-52 bomber, T-37 and T-38 aircraft. His assignment to Reese Air Force base in 1994 as an instructor pilot on the T-38 is what brought him and Delphine to the West Texas area. Upon the closure of Reese AFB, Quique had the pleasure of flying the last jet off the runway and soon retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in June of 1998. He proudly served his country, and treasured the lifelong military family they built along the way.

Post retirement, he continued to fly private for a few endearing families in this area. He also continued his passion for aviation through his company, Condor Avionics. He established himself as a soccer coach for his daughter’s teams growing up, and even coached his wife’s indoor soccer team in the 2000s. He continued his pilot legacy with his son, Erick, who is an amazing pilot like his father. Quique was the life of the party and never shy of the dance floor.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Ligia Andrullo; father, Enrique Amador Saa; step-father, Pasquale Andrullo, and his admired family-friend Marvin Cook. Survivors include his wife of nearly 40 years, Delphine Saa and their 3 children. Daughter, Lia, and husband Casey Irvin with granddaughters, Sloane, Brixtyn, Brylee and Payton. Daughter, Larissa, and husband Brandon Adkins, granddaughter Scarlett. Son, Erick Saa and wife Vanessa. Siblings Rita (Carlos) Moran, Napolean Saa, Carlos (America) Saa, Sophia Bucheli (Walid Abdul-Rahim), and Patrick Bucheli. He is also survived by many cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins.

His Celebration of Life ceremony will be held on Saturday, October 1st at 11am, at Rock City Church located at 5833 4th street Lubbock, TX 79416. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Quique’s favorite causes: the USAFA Wrestling program or the Tunnel to Towers initiative.

His interment details will be announced. They will take place with military honors at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO.

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Rock City Church

Lubbock, TX 79416

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Saturday 10/1, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

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QuiQue, my Brother in Arms. I will always remember the adventures we had in Panama as close friends and CLOSER neighbors. I will never forget sharing hospital beds as Diana and Delphine were in their side-by-side delivery rooms. What a memory! God Speed, my friend. I'll see you on the other side! Blessings on you and your awesome family, Delphine.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. QuiQue always had an encouraging and welcoming spirit and will be missed.

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Lt. Col. Enrique "QuiQue" Saa . Plant a Tree

From the USAF Academy Sailplane Racing Team. We just wanted to add our complete heartbreak to our dear friend and mentor, El Presidente' Delphine, Enrique and the whole family opened up their hearts and their home to our cadets and officers for years and years. Great times, many laughs, too many bottles of white Stagg and grilled jalapeños. Thanks for always being there for us. You will be sorely missed!! Coach Mark Matty Matticola and the USAFA SRT.

Un abrazo y mis sentidas condolencias por esta perdida..que el Señor lo tenga junto a El. Siempre te recordaremos con como el ser cariñoso..padre ejemplar y buen amigo..Te recordaremos siempre...

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

I remember Enrique very friendly, funny. when we visited him he spoke to me in spanish and always made funny faces at me Enrique made jokes with me because I did not understand English and he translated jokes that other people said to me and said things to them that I had not said as a joke! I miss him!!

I was deeply moved by Enrique - “El Presidente” - sharing his testimony with a group of prayer-supportive USAFA classmates in the months prior to his unexpected passing. To know how supportive his family and friends were as Enrique’s illness progressed bolsters my own faith in dear family and friends. We have and will continue to pray for the Saa family.

I am so grateful we all got together one last time at the 45th reunion. The 50th will not be the same without El Presidente. He was a great friend and an amazing pilot. I will miss him dearly.

Enrique was a beloved member of the Spirit of '76. His enthusiasm, dedication, and love of life endeared him to all of us. His legacy as El Presidente will live long in our grateful memories. Kathy and I send our deepest condolences and sincerest prayers for his soul and for Delphine and his family.

Vaya con Dios, El Presidente!!!!!! Enrique was always a great guy to be around , he had a real zest for life!!

I met Quique at Virgil Jr. High School in 1966. We are attending classes for No-English speaking students. We soon became good friends since we were born on the same city, Quito, Ecuador. He always showed a deep desired to fly, to become a pilot and emulate a condor. In our senior year in High School, he bought a kit to build a plane. It was a spitfire model and he needed a place to assemble it. He asked my Dad if he could use our garage to put it together. He promised him that he would clean after the project was completed. We both worked at the same place for a couple of years flipping burgers at A&W Root beer stand in downtown LA. After work, we would spend many a night trying to complete it in the time he promised my Dad. I saw him fly the model with a great sense of accomplishment just as I saw him do his first solo flying a plane. He went to the Air Force Academy while I stayed back to complete my engineering degree. We always stayed in touch and no matter how much time passed, when we got together, time had not passed. We would pick up wherever we were at that time in our lives. He has taken his last flight much to soon for all of us who knew him and cherished him. You will be dearly missed by all his loved ones.

Au revoir, mon ami.

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Lt. Col. Enrique "QuiQue" Saa . Plant a Tree

Although this has happened so quick, I have only happy memories of QuiQue. Only a few really good friends in life and QueQue was the BEST! Scrap

Florist’s Choice Bouquet was purchased for the family of Lt. Col. Enrique "QuiQue" Saa by Brother from another mother. Send Flowers

Primazo QuiQue you always will be in our hearts! Delphine and kids our thoughts and prayers are with you. With love and hugs,

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Lt. Col. Enrique "QuiQue" Saa . Plant a Tree

I never hear the song "LaBamba" that I have not thought of Him. A joy to be around him, always so up beat - even though it had been awhile since we visited. My sympathy to the loving family.

Our Nation has lost a great hero, patriot, and friend who made a real difference for all that knew him. He truly embodied the great Spirit of 76!! God Bless! Niners

Very sad, my brother from another mother has departed. My sincere condolences to Delphine and the entire Saa family. Till we meet again QuiQue. Scrap

Que en paz descanse querido primo Quique y a toda la familia De Nelson Rivadeneira. Quito Ecuador

My condolences to my cousin Quique From Quito-Ecuador

He will be missed by all of us who knew him! He always was so much fun to be around.. I shell always miss him st the ballgames and family get to gathers! Love to all the family and praying for you all

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

So sorry for your loss… what a fun time we have over the years ! May God give peace in this time of great loss . 🙏🏻♥️

To my beloved brother. Till we meet again.

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Lt. Col. Enrique "QuiQue" Saa . Plant a Tree

Delphine and family, I am so sorry for your loss.

The world will be slowing down just a little bit with the loss of such fast paced, fun loving, always smiling, saying big baby to his friends QuiQue. Miss you my Brother and those bear hugs you give. My sincere condolences to the Saa family.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.