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Juan Sandoval Obituary
Juan Antonio Sandoval, Jr. passed away peacefully in his home in El Paso, Texas on January 3rd, 2021. He was born on January 7th, 1946 in Monte Vista, Colorado.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Juan A. Sandoval, Sr., and his mother, Isidora M. Sandoval (née Sanchez); and his sisters, Neva, Felima, Evila, Nora, and Rebecca. He is survived by his sisters Loni, Liz, and Gloria; his brothers Daniel and Carlos; and dozens of nieces and nephews.
Juan graduated from North Denver Public High School and earned his undergraduate degree from Adams State College in Alamosa, Colorado. He worked as a social worker travelling throughout the San Luis Valley before pursuing a career as a librarian, earning his Master of Library Science at the University of Denver. He moved to El Paso in the early 1980's and became a valued fixture at the University of Texas at El Paso library, guiding thousands of students throughout the years as he helped them expand their minds, and more importantly to him, their souls and spirits. One of the best indications of the impact he had on the lives of the students is that former students would send their children to look him up when they went to the university to help shepherd them into adulthood.
He was a passionate patron of the arts, amassing what many call the most extensive and important collection of Hispanic art in the Southwest. His artistic legacy lives on at the Mexic-Arte museum in Austin, Texas, where he generously donated his entire collection where it is currently being exhibited. His true legacy lives on in the hearts of those who were fortunate to know him.
Juan's ashes will be interred next to his parents in Monte Vista, Colorado.
Please visit the Juan Sandoval Memorial Facebook group page to share stories and pictures of Juan as we virtually celebrate his life. When it is safe to do so, probably this fall, the family will organize a memorial fiesta in El Paso where we will gather and laugh, cry, hug, dance, and sing in honor of this remarkable man who touched so many lives.
He would appreciate any donations in his name to the Mexic-Arte Museum in Austin.
Juan Antonio Sandoval, Jr. falleció pacíficamente en su hogar en El Paso, Texas el 3 de enero del 2021. Nació el 7 de enero de 1946 en Monte Vista, Colorado. Le precedieron en muerte sus padres, Juan A. Sandoval, Sr., y su madre Isidora M. Sandoval (de soltera Sánchez); y sus hermanas: Neva, Felima, Evila, Nora y Rebecca. Le sobreviven sus hermanas: Loni, Liz y Gloria; sus hermanos Daniel y Carlos y docenas de sobrinas y sobrinos. Juan se graduó de la Escuela Secundaria Pública del Norte de Denver y obtuvo su título universitario en Adams State College en Alamosa, Colorado. Trabajó como trabajador social viajando por todo el Valle de San Luis antes de seguir una carrera como bibliotecario, obteniendo su Maestría en Bibliotecología de la Universidad de Denver. Se mudó a El Paso a principios de la década de 1980 y se convirtió en un elemento valioso en la biblioteca de la Universidad de Texas en El Paso, guiando a miles de estudiantes a lo largo de los años mientras los ayudaba a expandir sus mentes y, lo que es más importante, para él, sus almas y espíritus. Uno de los mejores indicios del impacto que tuvo en la vida de los estudiantes es que los ex alumnos enviaban a sus hijos a buscarlo cuando iban a la universidad para ayudarlos a pastorearlos hasta la edad adulta. Él era un mecenas apasionado de las artes, acumulando lo que muchos llaman la colección más extensa e importante de arte hispano en el suroeste. Su legado artístico perdura en el museo Mexic-Arte en Austin, Texas, donde donó generosamente toda su colección donde se exhibe actualmente. Su verdadero legado vive en los corazones de quienes tuvieron la suerte de conocerlo. Las cenizas de Juan serán enterradas junto a sus padres en Monte Vista, Colorado. Por favor, visite la página del grupo de Facebook Memorial de Juan Sandoval para compartir historias y fotografías de Juan mientras virtualmente celebramos su vida. Cuando sea seguro hacerlo, probablemente este otoño, la familia organizará una fiesta conmemorativa en El Paso donde nos reuniremos y reiremos, lloraremos, abrazaremos, bailaremos y cantaremos en honor a este hombre extraordinario que tocó tantas vidas. Agradecemos cualquier donación en su nombre al Museo Mexic-Arte en Austin.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Juan Sandoval
Sponsored by ElPasoTimes.com.
4 Entries
Manuel Piñón
December 30, 2023
Juan mi gran amigo, extrañamos tus ocurrencias y alegría. Muy agradecido por tu amistad. Siempre tendré grandes recuerdos de tu amabilidad y cordialidad.
Robin Miller
February 26, 2021
Genuine, very committed, very unique, helpful, caring. I'm late in touching base with Juan after 35 years. I wish I could have that final conversation with him. Death seems so final, but is only an allusion. May God bless his soul. Juan appreciated misfits and made me (misfit that I am) feel welcome in his library.
Sylvia LOBATO
January 12, 2021
Juan was a very special person and a great influence on my sons, who still mention "Mr. Juan." HIs sense of humor was, as the kids say, "to die for." I want to cry at news of his death, but the joy overtakes me as I see him singing and dancing once more at a grand fiesta. There are so many stories and so much happiness that the sorrow that he's gone is a weak thread in the joy of a life well lived. It's ironic that he passed so close to his birthday. For years, I made sure to send a card that would be delivered by that day. One year, I forgot and my mother received a sympathy card. It said, in his calligraphic handwriting, "Condolences on the death of your daughter. I haven't heard from her, so she must be dead." That night, I called him and he replied, "You called and even though you're angry, I got what I wanted." Take that humor wherever you go. Peace and love, Sylvia
Harriett and Terry
January 7, 2021
Dear friend, it is impossible to think of this city without you. The years we were neighbors in Sunset Heights, and all your kindnesses to my students will live forever in our memories. You changed so many lives. God rest you, Juan.
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