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Aaron E. Duran, revered father, grandfather, and selfless Sandoval County educator for 35 years, passed from this mortal coil on Tuesday, February 22, 2005. Affectionately called "Papa", Aaron had joyously celebrated his 90th birthday this past Christmas Day. Born in Dixon, NM December 25, 1914, Aaron's mother Cruzita and father Leonides passed sometime before his 8th year. Through his singular determination to better his life Aaron found his way to Menaul School, where he graduated in 1934. At Menaul he found the love of his life, Dolores Montoya, originally from Cuba, NM who preceded him in death on February 23, 2003. They shared their lives in marriage for 68 years. Aaron went on to UNM where he was a Border Conference champion athlete in both track and boxing. He finished his Bachelor's Degree work at UNM in 1954. His initial teaching job was located in Holman, NM in a one-room schoolhouse. He was also the superintendent of schools in La Jara, NM and taught at Alameda Junior High before finally moving to the Bernalillo Public School System where he taught science, coached basketball and at one time was the playground director for the Sandoval County Schools. "Papa" was an expert fisherman who, if you had a fish in your back pocket, could land it quite easily. He always said his secret was "talking to this fish." Papa always made time to take his sons, nephews, nieces, grandchildren, really any youngster who wanted to go fishing, tobogganing or hunting. The natural, high ethical and moral standards he lived by were self-effacing and without any doubt totally honest and sincere. He will be held in the hearts of those who he touched in his life as: a gentleman's gentleman who could never raise his voice at anyone for any reason. If there really is a heaven, Papa Aaron gets in first! Besides his parents, Papa Aaron had four siblings preceding him in death; brothers, Levi, Gerson and Julian; and sister, Abby. His most loving survivors include: his remaining son, Randy and wife, Jere of Rifle, CO; their children, Stacy Golden and husband, Chris of Valley Village, CA, Sean Duran of Albuquerque, John Aaron Duran of Los Angeles, CA, Ingrid Sophia Bollman of West Hollywood, CA, and Joshua Bollman of Denver, CO. Eldest son Aaron LeRoy Duran, who in 1998 preceded Papa Aaron in passing, has three children, they are: Dean Aaron Duran and daughter, Laurie of Denver, CO, Darin Raymond Duran and wife, Leslie of Englewood, CO, and Denise Barby and husband, Gary; their three sons, Corey, Codey and Casey of Cold Spring, MN; sisters, Hevila (100 years old) and Marcelina (93 years old), both of Denver, CO. His most able assistant caregivers: Lety Tristan, Rosario Carreon and Nohemi Najera. There are of course many caring and loving nieces and nephews. Pallbearers are Darin Duran, Sean Duran, John Aaron Duran, Emilio Romero, Robert Romero, and Clarence Griego. Honorary pallbearers are Chris Golden, Jerry Olguin, Dennis Lowder, Tomas Duran, and Julian Duran. Viewing will occur on Monday, February 28, 2005 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at French Mortuary, University Blvd. Chapel with church services at 2:00 p.m., on Tuesday, March 1st at the Second Presbyterian Church, 812 Edith Blvd. NE with Rev. Jaime Quinones officiating. Interment, next to his beloved Dolores, will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd. NE. Gene Elliott, long time close neighbor and pal will offer Papa Aaron's eulogy. There will be a gathering for all family and friends at the Second Presbyterian Church following interment. The family requests that in lieu of flowers that donations may be offered to any needy organization you support in Papa Aaron's name. Papa Aaron's family also wishes to recognize the kind folks at the Lovelace Sandia Hospice for all their support. French Mortuary 1111 University Blvd. NE 843-6333
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