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BORN
1949
DIED
2014
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Juan Contreras Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Juan Contreras
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Francisco Ortiz
December 25, 2014
I remember al profe Juan, back in 1973, en la Lydia. Mr. Contreras was our history teacher, I remember one day,as we entered the classroom, Mr. Contreras jumped up and was hidding above the classroom closet, like always, he started with one of his poems. I will always remember the young barrio profe.
November 3, 2014
My deepest condolences to the family. I met Mr. Contreras when I was a student at LPI and I still remember his enthusiasm while teaching, his dichos and stories and most of all that friendly smile that gave us confidence and trust in him. God Bless you and your family and Thanks for the teaching experiences. Yolie Balandran
michael sedano
October 31, 2014
QEPD, Juan. http://digitallibrary.usc.edu/cdm/singleitem/collection/p15799coll79/id/177/rec/1
Juan Sandoval
October 29, 2014
I was acquainted with Juan Contreras since 1981, more or less, when I came to live in El Paso. This dynamic man was always a ubiquitous presence who never ceased to amaze and entertain us with his poetry and fascinating conversation. A few years ago, after a literary event, he drove me home and I invited him to share some coffee with me. I ground an aromatic dark roast and prepared a cup of espresso which revived him. While we talked, chamber music was playing in the background and he was delighted by my library and art collection and was effusive in his praise of my home. I was complimented when he stated that he would pay to just come and sit within the environment I had created because he had found it to be intellectually, spiritually, and aesthetically refreshing. I told him he could come visit whenever he wanted and I regret that that was his last visit. El Paso has lost one of its most inspirational citizens; however, he will live on through his poetry and those whose lives he touched so generously with his essence. Juan Contreras, when you were born, the mold was broken and we who are left are the beneficiaries of your boundless energy and love. For this, we remain grateful.
--Juan A. Sandoval
Hermán García
October 28, 2014
Dear Contreras Family, I offer my sincere condolences for your loss. Juan was one of our doctoral students at New Mexico State. He was a kind, smart and compassionate person and educator. He always made a difference for the better wherever he worked. He will be missed. Please keep his memory alive.
Espie Delgado
October 27, 2014
Mr. Contreras was my TX History teacher best teacher I've ever had. Still remember him as if it where yesterday. It was an honor to have met him and be his student. RIP Mr. Contreras ????
October 27, 2014
Matthew 25:21 "Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master's joy."
Mr. Contreras was a scholar, gentleman, and leader in Chicano Studies at UTEP. I was only one of many students in Societal Issues in the Spring 2014. I learned so much from him as a returning student. I had lost touch with my heritage, however he was so inspirational, that I recaptured the essence of who I am. Goodbye for now My Brother in Christ. Barbara Herrera Stives
Robert Armendariz
October 27, 2014
Mr. "C."
You will be deeply missed. I learned a great deal from you during your tenure as AP at Rio Bravo MS. Your passion for teaching, guiding, and nurturing young minds with your knowledge will be missed as will the fulfillment that your smile and personality brought to our soul! My deepest sympathies and condolences to the Contreras Family. Rest in peace and till our paths cross once again. God Bless and Strength.
Ed Gutierrez
October 26, 2014
Juan you were member of the class of 1968 of LA Bowie. We will miss you. As a member myself, our paths crossed since the 1st grade at Roosevelt Elementary. In our later years we lost touch. Thank you for making a difference for all of us and I am saddened for you leaving us, but we will follow.....
My condolences to your family. Class of 1968 (Bowie)
October 26, 2014
Juan - A beautiful man who taught us much. Nuestro mas sentido pesame a toda la familia. Lo vamos a extra~nar.
Sus amigos Ana y Homero Silva (Project Mariposa/YISD)
lily Cuevas Martinez
October 26, 2014
Mr. Contreras, my history teacher in Ranchland you were always down to earth and taught us we can do anything . You will be missed dearly. RIP
October 25, 2014
My husband was one of your students and he has such amazing memories of you, God bless you and your loved ones.
Ellen Givens
October 25, 2014
To the Family:
My prayers and thoughts are with you during this time. I was a counselor at Ranchland Hills with Mr. Contreras.
Louisa Huerta
October 25, 2014
Juan I'm so sorry to hear about your father. He sounded like an awesome wonderful man that contributed so much in his life! My deepest condolences to you and your entire family! May our Lord give you peace and comfort!
Michelle Saucedo
October 25, 2014
I am so sorry for your lose. I did not know your father on a personal level, however my parents did David and Toni Escamilla. We Too lost our dad 2 years ago to cancer, I understand you sadness and joy all together in a mixed up emotion. Sadness because there will be no more new memories and joy because of the confidence we have that he is in the presence of our all mighty God. My family, and my church IUPC offer our deepest condolences to your family and we will be praying for your mother for what lies ahead for her. Be safe and god bless you all
Eduardo Najera
October 24, 2014
RIP Mr Contreras and our sincere condolences to your family.
Eduardo Najera and family (LPI)
Paul Haupt
October 24, 2014
Juan was such a good person, an honorable person. He cared about his friends and students in school. He has touched many lives throughout the years. I have always appreciated and admired his poetic talents and still have a couple of my Christmas cards he created. My sympathies to the family. I know you will miss him dearly.
--Paul Haupt, retired YISD administrator
Ceci Tarin-Salado
October 24, 2014
Mr. Contreras was an awesome teacher, I had great experiences in his class when he worked at Ranchland Hills. Always smiling down the halls of our schools. My condolences to his family.
Jessica Delgado-Porras
October 24, 2014
My condolences, he was a great assistant principal always taught me great lessons that I still use in life. RIP Sir.
Juan Sanchez
October 24, 2014
My deepest sympathies to the Contreras and corderos families.Tocallo, I know you are now in heaven with your Jefita and your carnalitas.Juan,Thank you for always being a true friend to me and all of my family. We lost a great role-model. Juan Sanchez
Lauren Stallworth
October 24, 2014
I'm still in disbelief and still have no words to explain how saddened I am to know that you're no longer with us. I met you 2 years ago when I started attended Tejas & since then, you have become an inspiration to me. Even in your sickest days, that smile that lit up so many rooms never seemed to fade. You always made us laugh & you always kept up our school pride. You're one person I have to thank for me graduating and being where I am today as a college freshman. No matter what, you never gave up on me & always pushed me to go the distance. I thank God for giving me the chance to meet someone as amazing as you. Even if it was just 2 short years, it's 2 years I'll never forget. I will miss you terribly Mr. Contreras. May you R.I.P
A. Arias
October 24, 2014
34 years ago he wrote a well versed eulogy on his aunt's passing away and I still see him standing there with his voice strong and crystal clear showing the love and admiration he had for my mother. Always caring and an extremely intelligent man of God
A Contreras
October 24, 2014
My deepest and most heartfelt condolences to all of his family, loved ones, and friends...it was an honor to see him as a great educator and motivator. But most of all, it was such a privilege to be under his leadership. He will truly be missed...RIP
Sonia Villa
October 24, 2014
My deepest condolences to the Contreras family. I have such fond memories of Juan and he will forever be etched in my memory. He taught me to embrace my Chicanismo and always had such poignant things to share. He made me laugh, he made me cry, he made me see my raza in a much more beautiful and important manner. I know the minute he got to heaven, he jumped on a pedestal and started recited his poetry. RIP.
Tom Wilson
October 24, 2014
Juan, I met you at UTEP @ 1989. We were in Dr. Cotton's linguistic class together. You showed me your recently published "Morningsong/Mañanitas" book and I was instantly hooked. I still have the signed copy you gave me. Your "Despues te digo" stories are priceless--I've shared them with students I've had over these past 25 years teaching in this area and they never get old. I'm honored and blessed that you came to speak to my freshman English class here at Bowie High School earlier this year. They--and I--will never forget you. Que Dios te bendiga and may you dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
October 24, 2014
best teacher ever rip
Veronica Maldonado
October 24, 2014
He was the greatest teacher I ever had.. He will be missed ...
Charlie Corrales
October 24, 2014
Juan,I remember the poem you wrote back in 1972 for my brother Tury. I still have it saved with my important documents.I also remember when we were in the Chicano Movement. 'Gracias Carnal', Rest in Peace !
October 24, 2014
My deepest condolences to all your family. Mr. Contreras Thank you very much for all you did for my son Luis you encouraged and guided him along the way to finish his High School... and he DID IT. We will never forget you. Rest in Peace.
E.Gonzalez
El Paso TX
Blanca Mosby
October 24, 2014
My deepest symphaty and condolences to his family and friends. I was in Mr. Contreras history class at LPI. Thank you Mr. Contreras for all your teaching and memories. I liked the nickname you gave "Whitey". I will always remember your smile and your joy of teaching. You were an awesome teacher.I am a teacher too and every day I share joy to my students like you did. RIP Mr. Contreras. You are an angel watching over all your family, friends and your students that you loved you.
Richard Martinez
October 24, 2014
I will always have a place in my heart for this man. Mr. Contreras was my 7th grade Texas History teacher at Ranchland Hills Middle School. He had a great heart for his students and always made us feel welcomed. His enthusiasm really showed through in his teaching style. He had a great sense of humor, too. He definitely was one of a few select teachers who made a meaningful impact in my education and in my life. I extend my condolences and offer my prayers to Jesus Christ for your family. :o)
October 24, 2014
Rest in Peace, Mr. Contreras.
R Gomez
October 23, 2014
My condolences to his family and friends and to this earth blessing it is to say i had the privilege to be graced by his presence in my life may you be in the resplendent glory of God
Eddie Barron
October 23, 2014
My deepest condolences he was a great inspiration to me when I met him. I came from the same streets he did. By a tragic change of paths I ended up in Ranchland Middle taking his History class. I saw him as a person that I could relate to. I saw him as a teacher and thought I can do it too, now I'm a part time teacher at EPCC. You sir will be missed but never forgotten. Que dios lo bendiga.
October 23, 2014
My deepest sympathy and condolences to the family...I had the pleasure of being in Mr Contreras history class at Ranchland Hills Middle School I always remember him because of his radiant smile...may he rest in eternal peace telling his stories up in heaven...God Bless
Sandra Barron (Diaz)
October 23, 2014
Mr. Contreras was such an inspiration to us all. You were truly an amazing teacher and person who touched so many hearts. God has taken such a beautiful Angel into Heaven. My condolences to the Contreras family and may God bless them always.
October 23, 2014
Rest in peace Mr "C" . A true friend and mentor. Your legacy lives on with all the students & educators whose life you touched. Your lessons & guidance will be passed on. Thank you for making me a better educator,student & person.
Tommy Gutierrez
October 23, 2014
RIP Mr C., you were one of the handful of teachers that really stood out attending middle school and high school in El Paso, thank you for being a great educator and motivator! Sorry our paths didn't cross as adults but you left a lasting impression in that 7th grade history class at ranchland hills..my prayers are with the family during this difficult time
Isela Mendoza
October 23, 2014
My 7th History teacher at Ranchland...he one my eyes that we can do it, we are all equal. I be praying for his soul and his family.
Darlene Diaz
October 23, 2014
<3 Mr. C
Darlene Diaz
October 23, 2014
Mr. Contreras You will be sorely missed. Thank you for your guidance and trust in me and my work. I will remember you as the "Vato" that is/was well versed. I will miss your poerty, passion and your "dichos". "It is easier to ask for forgiveness than permission". I will pray for your beautiful familia. See you on the other side, Mr. Contreras. Darlene Diaz
Jorge Enciso
October 23, 2014
My condolences to the Contreras family, he was a really good teacher at Ranchland Middle School, one of the few teacher that I remember with such detail. May you rest in peace with the lord.
Yvonne Aranda
October 23, 2014
Many times I have thought of the moment in which I identified myself as a Chicana. The moment I embraced my Mexican heritage mixed with my American nationality. It was the first day of my first Chicano Studies course at Utep. Professor Contreras was introducing himself, sharing his life experiences and the course ahead. Halfway through his speech, he broke out into a poem in Spanish, my native tongue. It felt like a lightning bolt going thru my body and I was relinquished to fight back tears. That day I found my roots, my beginning and my end. Since then, I have honored and lived as I truly am. No masks, no pretending, no hoping or expecting, never again to deny my Mexican self to anyone. It is because of this remarkable man and his amazing flair to reach me, to teach me and guide me. He will forever be remembered; may he rest in peace.
Jackie Torres
October 23, 2014
Mr. Contreras you will always be remembered. Thank you for being such a great principal. My condolences to the Contreras family. May you rest in peace.
Elizabeth Garcia
October 23, 2014
Thank for Mr. Contreras for being such a great and encouraging person. You were one of the teacher's I will always remember. Blessings upon your family and may the Lord grant them peace and comfort during this sad time.
Jennifer Armendariz
October 23, 2014
My teacher in Ranchland Hills...I wish our paths would have crossed as an adult. I wish I had been able to tell him how much he influenced my life during my middle school years. I am not at all surprised by all his accomplishments in life. What a beautiful teacher & soul we have lost. My condolences to his family....
Oscar Candia
October 23, 2014
Great leader, talented teacher and more importantly a man of God. He leaves behind an important legacy, he invested and believed in people and his acts will touch current and forthcoming generations.
Maria Aguinaga
October 23, 2014
Rest In Peace Mr Contreras. Thank for sharing your poems my favorite "Mi Jefeto". My Condolences to the Contreras family. May the Beautiful Memories you have made help you though your pain.
October 23, 2014
Rest in peace, Mr. Contreras.
Rosa Piñon/YISD Payroll Dept
Lily Oaxaca
October 23, 2014
Thank you so much for being such a wonderful teacher and always willing to try something new for the students. May you rest in peace Mr. C.
Dr. Marisela Pineda
October 23, 2014
My deepest sympathy to the Contreras Family. Mr. Contreras rest in peace. You will be missed.
1 Thessalonians 4:14-17 For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.
October 23, 2014
My deepest sympathy to the Contreras family. Mr. Contreras rest in peace. You will be missed.
Irma Lomelí-Baca
October 23, 2014
My deepest sympathies to the family of Mr. Contreras. I had the pleasure of working with him at Tejas School of Choice and enjoyed our talks of faith in God's love and blessings. May God's light shine upon you, Mr. Contreras, and may he bring comfort to your family that you now rest in peace. ¡Hasta la vista!
Irma Lomelí-Baca
October 23, 2014
My deepest sympathies to the family of Mr. Contreras. I had the pleasure of working with him at Tejas School of Choice and I enjoyed our talks on our faith in God's blessings and His promises. May God's light shine upon you and may your family find comfort that you now rest in peace. ¡Hasta la vista!
Kenneth Hix
October 23, 2014
My condolences to the family. Rest in peace Mr. "C".
Maria m. FLORES
October 23, 2014
Sorry he passed away. He was always a happy, positive person. I met Mr. Contreras while working at Lydia Patterson Institute. Later on, while I was working at EPCC, we met at different school events. He gave me one of his published books. May God have mercy on his soul. May he rest in peace.
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