Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Harry Pastian Obituary
Harry George Pastian, 81, passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 8, 2021. Harry was the proud owner of Pastian's Bakery in Albuquerque, NM, for over 48 years. Harry was born in New Leipzig, North Dakota in 1939. He grew up in Missoula, Mt. with his father Edwin Pastian and Mother Hertha (Friesz) Pastian, both deceased, along with his brother Marvin Pastian, sisters Adeline Trowbridge and Mary Lou of Albuquerque.
Harry joined the air force in 1956. In 1957, he met Miriam Hopkins while stationed at Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina. They married after just 6 months, on June 14, 1958 at only 19 years of age. Shortly after, he was sent to Alaska where he served 13 months. He was proud of the fact, that he was in Alaska in 1959, when it became a state. Harry was honorably discharged in 1960 and worked as an electrician in South Carolina for 6 months until moving to Albuquerque in January 1961. His first job was with Jill's Bakery as a baker, foreman, then Vice President of Production. In July 1972 he bought Winrock Bakery with only 13 employees. In 1984, he bought his own building and land and moved operations to 3320 2nd Street NW, still having a retail store in Winrock Center. The name was changed to Pastian's Bakery, currently with 30 employees. Harry worked as a baker from 1955 to 2021, owning his own business for more than 49 years.
Miriam passed away in 2017, after 58 years of marriage. Together they had 2 daughters, Sheri Pastian of Albuquerque and Teri Paxton who lives in Austin, Texas, his son-in-law Chuck Paxton; grandchildren, Jaime, 28 of Ana, Texas and twins, Nikki and Natalie, 22, who attend Texas Tech University in Lubbock. His only 3 grandchildren were the light of his life.
Harry was a quiet, humble man, who worked 8-10 hours a day until the day he died. His customers were his priority and still lived by the motto, "the customer is always right". He loved to give tours of the bakery whenever friends stopped by, he was just so proud of it and it showed as he gave "the nickel tour". Besides his family, there was nothing he was prouder of than his bakery.
Harry loved his motor home, and wherever it would take him. He was the happiest behind the wheel, with his family in the back, headed to the next location.
He will be forever missed.
Services will be held Monday, January 25, 2021, 10:00 a.m., with a visitation from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., at Legacy Church, 4702 Wyoming Blvd. NE., Albuquerque 87109 with a reception to follow the service. A private graveside service will be held at Santa Fe National Cemetery for family only. Please visit our online guestbook for Harry at www.FrenchFunderals.com
Memories and Condolences
for Harry Pastian
JD Garcia
April 30, 2021
Harry, in the middle 60s my mom worked at Jill's bakery. On payday she'd take me with her, and you would give me a glazed donut. As a 4-5 yr old this is a cherished memory of mine. Rest in peace... signed JD
Ramon Perez
February 1, 2021
So sorry to hear this. A humble and personable man he was. RIP
Mel and Mary Jo Friesz
January 23, 2021
Harry's mother and my father William (Bill) Friesz were sister and brother. We all lived in and around New Leipzig, N.D. Harry and I always were very close in the early years.
We moved to Missoula, Mt. in 1951 and Harry and his family moved to
Missoula a year or so later.
Harry was a very kind and caring guy, always friendly, just a gentle
giant. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Theresa L Torrez
January 23, 2021
I wanted to say Thank You Harry for all he taught me while employed for the past five years. There were good days and some bad days and through it all, it was an honor to work for him. I will truly miss making him laugh and square dancing with him. He was one of the most hardest working & dedicated to his family man that God gave me the pleasure to meet and work for. My thoughts and prayers are with his daughters, son in law, and grandchildren. I Love you Harry and you will never be far from my heart and thoughts.
Theresa L Torrez
January 23, 2021
NM Manufacturing Extension Partnership
January 22, 2021
Our sincerest hopes for solace, calm, and strength to the families, who loved Harry Pastian. So many wonderful things to say about Harry. We wish the family better days and share the community's grief.
Kasey
January 21, 2021
Hi Sheri and Teri, I'm so sorry about your Dad; dads are the best. Sheri, the next time I'm in Albuquerque, I hope you won't mind if I give you a call. Take care, you guys; all my love. Maybe listen to some old 45s? : )
Kasey S
Karlos Ulibarri
January 18, 2021
I enjoyed going in to Pastians and talking with him... I loved hearing how he easily surpassed 10,000 steps per day, while I was trying to get to 5,000.
We had discussions on various subjects throughout the years but I always enjoyed seeing him and talking with him. He will be missed!!
Melanie Straube
January 17, 2021
Harry say hi to my mom who passed in September. Your family will miss you but have wonderful memories of you.
Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results
Make a Donation
in Harry Pastian's name
Memorial Events
for Harry Pastian
Funeral services provided by:
French Funerals & Cremations - Wyoming & San Antonio7121 Wyoming Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109
How to support Harry'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 Harry Pastian'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
