Juan Velasco, October 22, 1942 – July 28, 2024. Juan is seen here (right) at work, teaching a course to launch potential entrepreneurs with the skills they need to start businesses.
written by Helena Myers
It is with great sorrow that we announce the death of Juan Velasco. Juan was a dear friend to Border Partners and his many friends in Palomas, Mexico, in Bolivia and in the US. Juan gave his time, talents and encouragement to many individuals. He also served as a mentor for the handicapped school in Palomas where he built garden beds and provided financial support for many years.
Peter Edmunds, a founder of Border Partners, said one of Juan’s best contributions to our organization was the business class he taught in the Education Center to small business owners. The classes began in 2014 and continued until 2024.
Juan Rascon, Remembered
Juan Rascon, Border Partners General Manager wrote this tribute to Juan Velasco. We wish to share it with you:
I met Juan Velasco and Suzanne Dulle eleven years ago. He was a dear friend to me and many people in Palomas. He had a deep love for this community and its inhabitants. He made a difference in the lives of many.
He taught a business class for free the last several years. In addition, he helped some business students with a personal loan so they could start to expand their own business. One of his students, Eduardo Madrid was able to expand his ice cream business. He’s since become a successful business owner.
I have applied some of the things I learned from his classes. This has really helped in the way I handle finances. And it is making a great difference in my life.
Juan and Suzanne have always been very supportive of Border Partners projects and have made regular donations to our meals on wheels and food baskets programs. He had hoped one day to move to Palomas permanently. He looked forward to spending more time with the Palomas people who had become his friends.
My heart was broken when I found out he had passed away. Juan touched many lives and made a positive impact on us. He will be missed. I offer my most sincere condolences to Suzanne and their families. REST IN PEACE.”
Juan Velasco’s obituary is inspiring. Learn more about the life of this outstanding man. You can view his obituary here.