Nicolas Quinia Arango

Age 37, passed away on Wednesday, March 12, 2014. Nick brought happiness to everyone who knew him. In spite of his serious disabilities he was a joyful and loving member of his large extended family and a warm friend to all who met him. Nick loved movies and music. He was a special fan of Batman—in fact, he often told us he was Batman. And of Arnold as the good Terminator. And the Muppets. He enjoyed listening to the Beach Boys and James Taylor. Nick never complained about his disabilities, in spite of the fact that, over time, he lost his ability to drive his wheelchair, play the drums, feed himself, and speak. He enjoyed good health until a few days before his death. Nick was very close to his siblings; Carlos, and Maria Arango, and Francesca Wilson, and to his nieces and nephews; Sloan and Kellen Wilson (Rio Rancho); Conor, Lenore and Isabelle Arango (Ignacio, CO); and Gabrielle and Grace Arango (Algodones). Nick was very proud of the fact that he was an American Indian, and for that reason, was a dedicated fan of the Washington Redskins, much to the dismay of his late mother, Polly, who was raised in Green Bay. Nick’s experiences in school and in the healthcare system led to his parents becoming advocates for children with disabilities and chronic health conditions. Nick was the inspiration for many dedicated parents in every part of New Mexico to bring about such changes as lowering the school age for children with disabilities, successfully moving Carrie Tingley hospital to UNM, creating an adequately funded program to diagnose special health conditions, and ensuring that government agencies and health care providers recognize the role of families in their child’s healthcare. All of these efforts coalesced in the formation of Parents Reaching Out (PRO) in New Mexico and Family Voices, a national organization of parents of children with disabilities, now with chapters in every state. We are all grateful to Patty Jennings and to Senator Tim Jennings for their leadership of these, and many other efforts to improve the lives of children and families in NM. Special thanks are due to Elizabeth (Griego) Henrichsen, Nick’s care giver for 17 years, and to Diane Molina and Maria Favela, who also cared for Nick. Drs. Alan Firestone, Lance Chilton and Javier Aceves helped prolong Nick’s life, as did many therapists, especially Roene Fuller, Liz Thompson, Connie McGhee, and Tim Sleigh. Finally, our thanks to the New Mexico Medical Insurance Pool for helping cover the costs of keeping Nick at home and in good health. Nick’s many friends are invited to a memorial service to be held at the Hyatt Tamaya Hotel at 9:00 AM on Sunday, March 23, 2014. Instead of flowers, please consider making a donation to Family Voices or to PRO. Please visit our online guestbook for Nicolas at www.FrenchFunerals.com FRENCH – Rio Rancho 1950 Pine Rd NE Rio Rancho, NM 87144 (505)338-2000

Nicolas Quinia Arango

June 1, 1976 - March 12, 2014