Aaron Gonzales

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 nephews and nieces.

Aaron exhibited precocious artistic skills 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 subjects 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 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.

His family will be forever grateful to the UNM Hospital Assertive Community

Treatment (ACT) team, which for years provided psychiatric treatment and

support. 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 to celebrate Aaron’s life and art at a

later date.

"I put my heart and soul into my work, and I have lost my mind in the process."

Vincent Van Gogh