It is with great sadness that the family of Miles Baron announces his passing on March 13, 2019 at the age of 59 years after a hard fought eight-year battle with metastatic prostate cancer. Miles will be forever remembered by his wife of nearly 14 years Erica, his beloved son Rigel, and his brother Seth. Miles is preceded in death by his parents Leonard and Rita Baron.
Miles was born in Española, NM, but grew up in many different places around the country. He graduated from Boca Raton High School in Florida where he was a standout swimmer, cross-country runner, and student.
Miles went on to earn B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in physics from Auburn University in Alabama. He came to Los Alamos National Laboratory to complete his doctoral research, and remained at LANL for the rest of his career as a nuclear weapons designer and intelligence analyst. Highlights of his exemplary career include being appointed Joint Test Assemblies (JTA) flight test coordinator in 1999, earning both Individual and Small Team Distinguished Performance Awards in 2007, leading a Reliable Replacement Warhead design team, acting as the Special Adviser to the Deputy Director of the Laboratory, and serving on the Science Council for the Assistant Secretary for Defense Programs in the Department of Energy. Miles also worked as the chair of the Laboratory's Native American Working Group in the late 1990's.
In 2011, Miles was awarded the prestigious National Intelligence Medallion by James R. Clapper, director of National Intelligence, for his exceptional analytical contributions to the intelligence community.
Miles strove for excellence in his work, athletics, and hobbies; placing his love for family above all else. He was a national class athlete, narrowly missing the qualifying mark for the marathon Olympic trials. Throughout his running career, Miles won and placed in many marathons throughout the country, he also raced with Nike and American Olympic biathlon teams. During his free time, Miles was an avid R/C helicopter and plane enthusiast. Later on, his interests expanded to building 3-D printers, programming, and electronics.
A memorial open to all who wish to celebrate Miles' life will be held at the Fuller Lodge on Thursday, March 21st at 6 pm. A short tribute will be followed by an informal reception.
Miles strongly believed in investing in our youth and our local communities. In lieu of flowers, Miles would have appreciated donations in his name to the Los Alamos Public Schools Foundation or your favorite organization that benefits the youth of northern New Mexico.
The family of Miles Baron has entrusted his care to the Rivera Familly Funerals & Cremations of Los Alamos, 1627 A Central Ave, Los Alamos, NM 87544 (505) 663-6880 www.riverafamilyfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
March 14, 2021
Friend
Shirley Smith
Miles and Erica are forever in my memories, their deepest love for one another, radiant. May God bless Erica in her tragic loss, as Miles shall await her sweetest presence aside him in Heaven one day.
April 7, 2019
Kenny Bowman
This is really sad news, and I send respect and condolences to everybody close to Miles.
I met Miles when he had just started on at The Labs. He struck me immediately with his kind gestures, amazing intellect and never ending compassion for everything, a true gentleman, and amazing friend.
I of course knew he was a great runner, we used to talk about his lunchtime runs UP to the Lodge at the ski hill, to my amazement.
I had no idea he was close to making the Olympic team, but that was another key aspect to his amazing character, his modesty.
God Speed Mr Miles, and I have no doubt you are jogging the entire way to Heaven, with that never ending amazing smile on your face the entire way.
April 5, 2019
I'm sorry to hear of your loss. May the God of all comfort soothe your hearts and give you peace.(Psalm 94:15)
March 28, 2019
JF
So very sorry loss for your great in death. Death certainly leaves a deep void in our hearts. Please find hope and comfort knowing that our loving creator will reunite you soon again on a of a loved one Paradise Earth. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
March 23, 2019
S P
I did not know Miles, but I want to send sincere condolences to his family. God is our refuge and strength. May you find a measure of peace in the weeks and months to come.
March 21, 2019
Hanna Makaruk
Please accept my deepest sympathy,
Hanna
March 21, 2019
Shirley Smith
With love and blessings for Erica and Rigel and all of Miles' loved ones. He strived to make our nation, and our world, a better place. It was my distinct pleasure to have known a man of such courage and fortitude.
March 21, 2019
Nancy Doris
My husband and I are very sorry for your loss.
March 21, 2019
MJH
Dear Erica, Rigel and Seth,
My deepest sympathy to your family in this time of coping with the loss of your beloved husband, father and brother. May you find comfort from family and friends. May you find comfort from the words of Isaiah 51:12 where God tells us, I..I myself am the One comforting you.
March 18, 2019
Earnie Ray
My condolences to the family . May you find comfort in your treasured memories and promise to return your loved ones who passed away in death . 1 Thessalonians 4 : 13 14
March 18, 2019
Acquaintance
Monica Wood
I am very sorry for your loss. May you all have much peace and comfort from the God of love during this difficult time. Psalms 145:14. Deepest Sympathy
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