In Loving Memory of Bill Erwin

Long time Raton resident, Bill Erwin, passed away peacefully on December 12, 2017 in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. William Carl Erwin was born to Woody and Jane Erwin on May 18, 1943 in Raton. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Jenny, his sister, Jane, his parents, Jane and Woody Erwin, and his nephew, Ross Erwin. He is survived by Jackie Erwin, his daughter and son-in-law, Lura and Donny Amparan, his granddaughters, Breanne and Jordan Amparan, his brother,Ralph Erwin, and nephew, Rees Erwin, and many close friends.

Bill attended school in Raton and played football, basketball, tennis, and ran track for the Raton Tigers. After high school, Bill attended Texas Western University in El Paso, Texas. He worked on the railroad and as an announcer at the racetrack to put himself through college and law school. While attending UTEP, he met his future wife, Jackie Erwin. They moved to Denver while Bill attended law school and then on to Raton to raise their two daughters, Lura and Jenny. He started a law practice in Raton and soon after was elected the youngest president of the State Bar of New Mexico. He later went on to practice law in Angel Fire.

Bill was always an outdoorsman. He was an Eagle Scout and guide at the Philmont Boy scout Ranch during his youth. He loved to hike, mountain bike, ski, play tennis, and pilot his small plane. Bill had many opportunities to travel and hike all over the U.S. as well as Napal and Machu Picchu. His favorite thing to do was blend into a new place and visit with the locals over coffee while soaking up their culture.

He loved horse racing and working on his land in Yankee. He spent many years announcing the races at La Mesa Park in Raton. Bill was very involved in every community he lived in. He was generous with his advice and tried to help anyone achieve their dreams. Bill always believed in the power of education. He encouraged many people to attend college, and ensured that his own children and granddaughters were able to attend college and grad school.

He leaves us all with so many wonderful memories and will be missed dearly by many people. Per his wishes, an informal celebration of life will take place in Yankee Canyon in late Spring.Information about this will be provided at a later date. In lieu of flowers a memorial donation can be made to the the Amyloidosis Foundation in his name http://www.amyloidosis.org.