BLANCA — The children of Andrew Paul Bazar, aka Andy and Mr. B, are sad to announce his passing on Dec. 22, 2019 in El Paso, Texas, at the age of 91.

Andy was born in Los Angeles to Andrew Joseph Bazar and Elizabeth (Roche) Bazar, where he grew up as one of seven  children.

One sibling, sister, Catherine Marie Bazar; still resides in Fremont, Calif. 

After graduating from high school, Andy joined the U.S. Navy and served most of his 20 years stationed in San Diego.

While in the Navy, Andy met and married a young widow, Alice (Hannah) Johnson, and became a loving step-father to her three children, Jerry Lee Johnson, Alan Eugene Johnson and Melanie Sue (Johnson) Saracco.

Within a few years, Andy and Alice had two more sons, Andrew Michael Bazar and David Kevin Bazar. Mike and David currently live in El Paso,, Texas, where they have cared for both parents for a number of years.

After retiring from the Navy, Andy relocated the family to Blanca in 1966.  He returned to school to get his teaching credential and a master’s degree in Education while putting in a 40-hour work week as a social worker.

He began teaching at Sierra Grande Consolidated School and quickly moved into the position of principal.

While working at Sierra Grande, Andy also built a beautiful family home in Blanca and a family vacation cabin in Fort Garland.

Andy retired from Sierra Grande School in 1989 and ended up settling in El Paso where he got to spend time with David and his four grandchildren.

Andy spent almost every summer back in the San Luis Valley, making improvements and additions to the cabin, visiting old friends, reading and staying out of the El Paso summer heat.

Andy was always a devout Catholic and tried to live his life by God’s law.  He was truly a good man. He will be missed, not only by his five children, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, but by the countless lives he touched in his 91 years.  He will always be remembered as a kind and gentle soul with a quick smile, a heartfelt laugh, and really corny jokes. We’ll miss you dad.

The family will be holding a mass on Jan. 18 at noon  at St. Matthews Catholic Parish, 400 West Sunset, El Paso, Texas 79922. All are welcome.