Jonathan Paul Baran

On November 19, 2021 Jonathan Paul Baran, 42, changed locations and is now on set somewhere in the great beyond. Born November 16, 1979 in Albuquerque, Jon passed away after a two-year battle with chondrosarcoma. A member of the Directors Guild of America (DGA), Jon found his life's work in the New Mexico film industry, where he was a calm and steady presence on more than 65 movies and TV series filmed in New Mexico over the past 15 years.

He will be loved, missed and remembered forever by his partner of 23 years, wife of 17, Caitlin Padilla, and his beloved daughter Sophia Padilla-Baran. His large extended family also survives him, including his father Benjamin Baran; his brother Robert Baran (Albuquerque) and nieces Jocelyn and Alaina; his sister Clare Steward (Denver), husband Javis and nephew Javis Jr.; his brother Jake Baran (Phoenix), wife Sarah and nephew James. He will be deeply missed by his in-laws Arnold and Stephanie Padilla; Emily Wiersma (Las Vegas), partner Mike Evans, nieces Beatrix and Tabitha; Alejandro Padilla (Belgium), wife Mikelle Dorame and nephew Milo. His mother, Mary Kraemer Baran, predeceased him in 2018.

Jon was an avid gamer, and part of his legacy is a fantasy board game he developed over the past several years, Legend of the Dragon Baron, finally completing it this Fall. A memorial service to celebrate Jon's life will be held at the I-25 studios on December 4.

Jon's positive outlook, calm competence, and encouraging attitude were a bright spot in the world, summed up by his favorite, oft-repeated phrase: "It's gonna be great!"