Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Aaron Gonzales Obituary
Aaron Gonzales, 69, died on July 6 following a year-and-a-half battle with lung cancer. Aaron was born in Belen on September 29, 1948, the son of the late Fred and Clemmie Gonzales. He graduated from Rio Grande High School, attended the University of New Mexico and served in the New Mexico National Guard. Aaron is survived by two sisters, Rigina Wright of Corrales and Maria Thompson of Albuquerque; two brothers, Dan Gonzales of Abiquiu and Richard Gonzales of Albuquerque and a host of nieces and nephews.
Aaron exhibited precocious artistic talents as a child and was an acclaimed painter into his 40's, winning numerous prizes in juried competitions. His paintings were meticulously crafted oils, acrylics and water colors. His subject and themes were varied, ranging from landscapes to still lifes to portraits. Aaron read voraciously about painting and painters; he particularly enjoyed talking about techniques used by the great masters.
While in college, Aaron was diagnosed with schizophrenia, a disease that gradually robbed him of his powers of concentration to the point where he was unable to continue with his art. His later paintings were informed --often in unexpectedly magical ways -- by the voices that stalked him until his death. He did not touch a paint brush for the last 20 years of his life, but nevertheless leaves a legacy of beauty on the walls of family, friends and patrons. Aaron bravely battled the ravages of schizophrenia upon his remarkable mind; ultimately, however, it was cancer that claimed his body.
Aaron's family will be forever grateful to the UNM Hospital Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team, which provided psychiatric treatment and support for years. We also thank the UNM Cancer Center for their care over the past 18 months. Both are extraordinary examples of the medical resources available to our community. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to do so may make contributions to either of those organizations.
A memorial service for the family will be held at a later date to celebrate Aaron's life and art.
"I put my heart and soul into my work, and I have lost my mind in the process." Vincent van Gogh-
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Aaron Gonzales
5 Entries
Mary Theresa Sanchez Contreras
July 25, 2018
To Aaron's Siblings, My Cousin: : My Love, prayers and thoughts are with you. I know the feeling of loss you are going through for your brother, Aaron, because I too lost my brother, Edward, and sister Carolyn( (Bubbles). May you hold him in your hearts forever.
With Love, Mary Theresa. (Uncle Jim's daughter)
Rhea Gallegos
July 15, 2018
Aaron, you are now free of all illness! You are now reunited with Papa and Grama. You are now at peace and no longer suffering. You will never be forgotten, you will always be remembered by your extraordinary artistic talent. RIP , Love Rhea
Pattie Curran
July 15, 2018
Oh, Aaron! I remember when we were children at Lavaland, and you and I would sit on the curb in the front of your house - you would take chalk and draw amazing pictures on the sidewalk! You loved art all your life! You put your soul into your work! And such a beautiful and gentle soul you had. You were my friend and I loved you, loved your passion for art. The last time I saw you was when Roger passed. We shared a hug and some tears, but more than that, we shared a friendship. You're at peace now, my friend. You will be filling the heavens with your art, with your love. I'll be looking up at the sky to see what you do with the clouds! Thank you for being my friend, for touching the hearts of so many. Walk beside God, be at peace.
Aunt Maria Sanchez
July 15, 2018
In the arms of Jesus there is no more pain.
Katherine Sanchez-Laughlin
July 15, 2018
Dear cousins Dan, Dick, Regina, Maria and families,
My memories of Aaron are few, but memorable. He and I would sit on the steps leading down to your basement at your parents home and just talk. Not about anything in particular, but just quietly visit. He shared his love of painting and I shared my love of teaching. He was always kind to me.
My heart and my prayers go out to you all as a family, as I know Aunt Clemmie and Uncle Fred valued family above all else.
With love,
Your cousin
Kathy Sanchez
Teofilo and Maria Sanchez Farmington NM family
Teofilo was brother to Aunt Clemmie
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results
Make a Donation
in Aaron Gonzales's name
Memorial Events
for Aaron Gonzales
How to support Aaron's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Aaron Gonzales's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
