In Memory of George Chacon

Friends, family, artists, musicians, community members, and those who have been impacted by the beauty and artistry of Taos, New Mexico: please help. On Saturday night April 1st, beloved Taos artist and musician George Chacon, 63, passed away suddenly from a massive heart attack. George was playing the congas at a community poetry event in Taos, celebrating National Poetry Month with friends and family. He passed quickly, surrounded by people who loved him very dearly, including his wife, Beverly.

George left us with one last work of art, written on the morning of the day he passed:

April 1st, 2017 haiku for the month of poetry April

Sparks of dew, glistens

In the morning light, to a

New rhythm and dance

George Chacon is well known and respected for his paintings, music, poems, and loving contributions to the community of Taos, which he loved so much. George is famous for his bright smile and unique laugh- infectious to everyone around him.

He leaves behind his wife of 33 years, Beverly, and his three loving daughters, Reg, Amber, and Sonja.  

Please give to help cover the unexpected funeral and memorial expenses, and to support the family of artist and musician George Chacon.

Arranging the for the death of a husband, father, and family member is an emotionally challenging task. George's death was so sudden there was no time to financially prepare. We can provide real help to the family by contributing to the costs associated with George's shocking death.

Beverly Chacon, George’s three daughters, and the entire Chacon family are grateful for your donation and continued prayers during this time.

I've been fortunate enough to know the Chacon family since 2012 when Sonja and I became great friends. I was always in awe of what a wonderful human, father, husband, and of course, artist, that George was. With a heavy heart, I ask for your help. Thank you in advance for any help you can offer in this difficult time.

With Love,

Leyla Sarper

Here are a few of the beautiful tributes that friends & family have posted online that speak volumes to the amazing person he was and how much he will be missed:

"This is my dear friend George Chacón who passed suddenly last night. Born on the Dia de los Muertos and died on April Fool's Day, he lived life by his own rules, created a lot of beauty and love and will be greatly missed. Much love to his loving wife, Beverly Chacon and their 3 daughters."
-Elizabeth Jose

"Goodbye to a great person, great husband, great father, great neighbor. An all around really wonderful person.
Love to family and friends of the great artist George Chacon."
-Kristen Vigard

"I’m shocked and heartbroken to read of George Chacon’s passing. He was a monumentally kind and humble man, who to me exemplified what it means to live well. There were many instances in my life here, where he seemed to magically show up and do or say just the right thing- words of encouragement about art, a well-timed joke or just a good conversation. I was always struck and inspired by the warm and graceful way he interacted with the world. He will be deeply missed, what a profound loss to the community."
-Aaron Garlick

"A friend said he was among people who admired him, doing a thing he loved to do when the end came. Taos artist George Chacón died of an apparent massive heart attack Saturday night (April 1) after his performance at the opening night for a poetry event at SOMOS."
-Rick Romancito

"I cannot describe how much this saddens me. George Chacón has been a mentor, an inspiration and most importantly a friend for most of my life. He pushed me to live my dream. I would not be half the artist I am today without George. You will forever live with me and with my art. I miss you already. My heart and prayers go out to Beverly, Regina and the rest of his family."
- Manuel Trujillo

"A dear friend who will be missed. It's comforting to know that he passed from this existence doing what he loved and being with the love of his life, Beverly Chacon. Sending my love and condolences to the George Chacón family."
-Christina Suarez

In an article, written by Rick Romancito for The Taos News, the love for his city, family, and art is beautifully explained: 

Chacón, 63, was born in Saguache, Colorado on the Mexican holiday, Dia de los Muertos, the third child of seven children. “As a young man fresh out of high school, I went to New York City to discover and explore the world of art which had always excited me,” he wrote in his online biography (georgechaconart.com). “While in NYC, I worked with the Boys Athletic League. After this exciting and enriching experience I went on to study at Colorado State University and Western Washington University.

“Culturally,” he said, "the traditions and the international connections that make Taos, New Mexico an important art center was enormously appealing to me as an artist. As my wife Beverly and I had maternal and paternal roots in the area we felt that it was also the place we wanted to raise a family, so we moved to Taos in 1983 to pursue our dreams.”

Known for his humility and dedication to preserving Hispanic cultural roots and identity, Chacón found most of his inspiration within the core of his family. “I enjoy the woven fabric of life’s mysteries and have observed them through the privilege of raising three daughters (Regina, Amber and Sonja),” he continued. “I know undoubtedly that luck and honest hard work has been the key to my happiness in life and being a parent and husband is the wellspring of my creative flow.”

Full article here: http://www.taosnews.com/stories/george-chacn-died-while-doing-what-he-loved,39640