Peter Aguilar

My younger brother died today (Oct. 1), 2021.  It wasn't supposed to happen this suddenly; and isn't the younger sibling supposed to bury the older one?  Our mortality is the last thing we want to discuss in our younger days, but keeps creeping into our conversations as we grow older, especially with the passing of friends and family.  At the end all we have is our memories and our faith to get us through the reality.  Winston Churchill once said that, "...memories are even grander than dreams."  Memories of a childhood in a tiny little town named Pastura in the windswept llano of east-central New Mexico.  Pastura, whose only claim to fame is being a central location in the book by Rudolfo Anaya--Bless Me Ultima.  Memories of attending a one-room schoolhouse where Mrs. Rosa Sanchez somehow managed to teach 5 grade levels by herself.  And somehow teaching us how to read and write and learn the multiplication tables by the third grade.

Born on Sept. 23, 1944 in Ft. Sumner while his father was in the South Pacific serving in the U.S. Navy on a destroyer, he didn't meet his Dad until the war was over in 1945.  He started working  for the local weekly newspaper right after graduating from Carrizozo High School and the printer's ink syndrome hit him early and lasted until the day he died.  He climbed from doing menial tasks to being the proud owner and publisher of the Lincoln County News, providing a service to Carrizozo and Lincoln County that was not always appreciated.  Like him or not, he stuck to his principles and convictions and I think most people realize that what they saw is what they got---no sugar coating.  His main concern was his family and his work; and I've never seen a grandfather more loved and respected, revered really, by his grandkids.  He lived  and breathed for his Lobos, Cowboys and Dodgers and one of his proudest days was when LA won the World Series last year.  But I guess our Lord decided it was time for him to go visit his family and friends.  I heard this from Mike Ditka but not sure where he got it:  "Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery--but today is a gift--that's why they call it the Present."  Adios, Bro.  Rest in peace--you earned it--and be waiting for me.

Predeceased by his mother, Anna Bonney Aguilar; his father Jose P. Aguilar, Sr.; his brother Joe M. Aguilar and his sons, Baby Jon the 1st, Roderick Lee Aguilar and many uncles, aunts and cousins.  Survivors include Mother of his children Candie of Carrizozo; his son Jon Todd and wife Monica of Phoenix; his daughter, D'rese Arteche and David of Carrizozo and his brother, Patrick and Carmen of El Paso.  Other family and friends include  grandchildren Devon, Kara and daughter, Karson (expecting son Daxton, (Dak) nickname per gramps Peter,  in December)  and Deline Arteche of Carrizozo and Las Cruces, respectively; Matthew Jon Aguilar  and Anissa Aguilar and their mother, Cindy of Albuquerque; and great-grandson Jeremiah Joseph Bazan (JJ) of Albuquerque; and partner Anne Serna of Carrizozo.