This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marcenath158 Surnames: Solano, Ellis Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newmexico.counties.donaana/5332/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Joseph Amelio Solano, Born to Rufelio and Lusita Solano on June 25, 1936 died Match 25, 2011. He was the middle child of three, raised on a farm in Canon City, Colorado where hard labor and discipline were appreciated at an early age. Joe, as many of us knew him, was always intrigued by knowledge, information, history, and the higher knowing. He graduated high school at Canon City in 1956, started college, and then felt a responsibility to enlist in the United States Air Force. Most of his stint was in Hawaii and he fondly reminisced about the beaches of Waikiki. He returned to Colorado after 4 years to complete his college education, though he did go on to achieve a Masters degree later. Thus began Joe's true calling. To his family, he was affectionately, "Amelio," to many friends he was "Jose", to others he was just "Joe" or "Solano". But to thousands of fortunate students over the course of 4 decades, he was respectfully "Mr. Solano". Joe lived a life devoted to others, primarily his students, who he went above and beyond to instill a foundation and a thirst for more. He dedicated most of his life to education, whether it be with the State Department in Santa Fe, as a grad assistant in Eastern New Mexico, a teacher in a maximum security prison in Southern Colorado, or in several schools in the Las Cruces school district. He remained always modest. None of us really ever could appreciate the magnitude if his good, silent, and ceaseless giving. He was a friend to so many and never hesitated to lend a hand. He involved himself in Las Cruces sister cities organization and was instrumental in strengthening the relationship we have with Lardo, Mexico. He pursued interests in the Dona Ana Coun! ty Geneological Society, and volunteered at the Brannigan Library. He never stopped giving. If there is one thing to remember Joe for, it is his ability to be a friend, a giver, a teacher, a genuinely good person. He leaves behind one sister, Maria Ellis, of Canon City, and numerous nieces and nephews he was openly fond of. he is preceded in death by his parents and his older brother, Roman. We who knew and loved Joe will have a celebration of his life on Monday, April 11, from 4-7 P.M., at 4035 Cholla Road. For questions please call Brenda, at 640-1123. Please come and remember with us the beautiful imprint he left on our lives. Published in Las Cruces Sun-News on April 7, 2011 Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.