Aaron Rael

Arón Enrique Rael (Buddy) age 55, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 6th 2012. Surrounded by his family, he faced his death with optimism, courage and faith. Arón was loved and admired by everyone he met because he was kind-hearted, humble, generous, insightful and funny. He loved being a Nuevo Mexicano. Many refer to him as teacher and mentor; everyone called him friend and bro. Although he chose to live in Questa most of his life, he attended UNM and received his BUS in 1982 and an MA in Curriculum Development in the Dept. of Ed. in 1988. He worked for the National Council of La Raza in Los Angeles, California and then in Santa Fe for Western Network but his heart was always in Questa where he taught high school, was a co-founder of Artesanos de Questa, and served as president of the board of Singing River Field Center. Buddy loved being a park ranger for the BLM at Wild Rivers, a job he described as the best job anyone could imagine, especially because it brought him close to what he loved, being in nature. He is preceded in death by his father, Aaron Rael Sr. He is survived by his mother, Ruth Rael; wife, Maggie Evans Rael; his beloved children, Moises Enriquez Rael and Eleanor Tamaya Lucia Rael, and his sisters, Cynthia Rael-Vigil (Armando) and Roberta Rael as well as his primo hermanos, Kelly James Rael (Rocio) and Richard Rael (Rose); nieces and nephews, Armando Vigil, Enriquetta Vigil (Robert III) (who is also his goddaughter), Esperanza Vigil, Javier Vigil, Lucia Martinez, Robert Robinson IV, Sofia Isabella Vigil, Isabella Evans, Stephen Evans; godson, Ian Haimowitz, father-in-law, Tom Evans and several Tios, Tias y Primos and a community that loved him. In his humble manner Arón never sought recognition nor attention for all of the wonderful contributions he made. Arón/Bode was one of a kind and will be missed tremendously by family and friends. The goodness he inspired in others will be his legacy. Rosary was held on July 10, 2012. Funeral mass was held on July 11, 2012. Both services were held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Taos with interment following at El Pueblito Cemetery in Questa. In lieu of flowers, donations are being accepted at the Questa Credit Union for the Restoration of St. Anthony Church.