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Tony Patrick Lay down my dear Brother, lay down and take your rest I want to lay your head upon your Savior's breast I love you, but Jesus loves you best I bid you goodnight, goodnight, goodnight I bid you goodnight, goodnight, goodnight. Bahamian Gospel (sung best by Aaron Neville) Tony left this earth shortly after midnight, Friday, August 4, 2006, at the University Medical Center, Tucson, AZ, where he was being evaluated for heart transplantation surgery. Always quick to smile, laugh and share his incredible wisdom and easy personality, and always, with his eyes twinkling, he practiced his dazzling charm on the doctors, nurses, technicians and aides providing his care at the UMC and Presbyterian Hospital until his heart could beat no longer. His family is extremely grateful for the excellent care Tony received, including AirCare which flew him to Tucson. Born on October 9, 1951, at the old Albuquerque Indian Hospital, to Peggy B. and Juan Antonio Jojola (late), Tony grew up in Albuquerque, graduating from Manzano High School in 1970. Tony described himself as one-half Isleta Indian and one-half east Texas/Louisiana cowboy and was deeply proud, knowledgeable and influenced by his diverse background. Tony earned his Associate's and Bachelor's Degrees from the University of New Mexico and had been pursuing graduate studies in special education until his health began deteriorating in 2005. Tony was employed by the Albuquerque Public Schools at Taylor Middle School, but it was in 1975, in his position as Indian Home School Liaison/Indian Education Department, where his life made its most significant turn. Tony came into the Counseling Office at Albuquerque High School where he recognized April, from their UNM days, a young, red-haired woman working there. April and Tony celebrated their 28th wedding anniversary on July 21st. Tony had an incredible ability to engage anyone with whom he shared a conversation. Extremely quick on his toes, a sharp wit, Tony was a forgiving, calm and contented man. He had peace and that allowed him to be fully present and focused in the now. He was also a humble man; never needing to prove himself. Tony knew where he belonged in God's universe and he knew he was deeply loved. More than anything on earth, Tony loved April and his beautiful children, Cole and Brynne. He wanted to see Cole receive his Associate's Degree in Liberal Arts this December and then pursue his passion for art. Tony knew that Brynne could accomplish whatever she wanted, and if that was being President of the United States, well, "she could do it." Tony's family knows that his spirit is still with them, watching, guiding and protecting them. His family is strong, well-grounded and will learn and grow from this, always cherishing his essence. They thank God for Tony and thank his mother, Peggy, for raising such a wonderful man; a husband and father they will hold forever in their hearts. Tony is survived by his wife, April; children, Cole and Brynne; and by his special sister-in-law, Valerie Bargas. Also surviving him: his mother, Peggy; brother, Jon and sister, Teri; mother-in-law, Frances Bargas; Marie Ashby; Roger and Cathy Bargas; nieces and nephews: Miki, Jacqi, Danyelle, Spencer, Ryan, and Natasha; and all his aunts, uncles, and cousins originating from Isleta and Texas/Louisiana. A celebration of Tony's life will be held on Sunday, August 13, 2006, 3:00 p.m., at one of his favorite places, the Ladera Golf Course, Notah Begay Room. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to New Mexico Donor Services, or the American Heart Association. Tony was an organ donor and his family encourages others to do the same by making your wishes known on your NM driver licenses. Tony, I love you, but Jesus loves you best I bid you goodnight, goodnight, goodnight I bid you goodnight, goodnight, goodnight.
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