Joaquin Rafael Montoya passed away on November 16, 2025, at the age of 42.

Born in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Joaquin was the beloved son of Janna Rapaport and the late Federico Montoya, the cherished brother of Marcel Montoya, and the loving, supportive partner of Megan Daum. He is also survived by their beloved cats, Tomelton and Penelope, whom he loved deeply. Penelope became his therapy animal and constant companion.

Joaquin lived and traveled across many parts of the world, guided by an endless fascination and a reverence for nature. He thrived on the bounty of the natural world — whether harvesting wild mushrooms from the land or diving beneath the sea. He was known to free dive and spearfish off the Mexican coast, holding his breath for up to four minutes while exploring the depths in search of tuna and other wondrous fish.

His music was his lifeblood — a channel of peace, love, and connection that carried him around the world and into the hearts of those who heard him play. The Native American flute became his voice, his offering, his prayer.

Joaquin’s creativity was dynamic — born of experience and the impressions that excited his mind. He expressed himself through painting, collage, and ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement he learned from his father. When he was well and healthy, he was wild, exuberant, and deeply engaging — a magnetic presence who made ordinary moments feel alive with possibility.

He suffered for many years from back pain, yet even through that hardship he found ways to care for others. His empathy ran deep; he continued to offer support, kindness, and laughter to friends and family even on the hardest days. Joaquin was also a gifted massage therapist and personal trainer, working with patience and compassion to help people heal and regain strength.

He possessed a deep understanding of the natural world and a profound concern for others. To describe him feels like trying to pour sunlight into a thimble — his spirit was too radiant, too generous, too full of life. We feel an immeasurable sadness in his absence and are deeply grateful for every moment we shared.

A memorial gathering will be held at a later date.

We have so many fond memories, and we would love to hear yours — the ways Joaquin touched your life and the moments that stay with you.

Donations in Joaquin’s Memory

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Joaquin’s honor.

We are planting a grove of trees — a living testament to his love of nature and his wish for peace and renewal to grow in the world for generations to come. If you would like to contribute to the Tree Grove Fund, you may do so at the link on the memorial gifts link on this site.

For those who wish to honor Joaquin through the music he loved, donations can also be made to the World Flute Society — an organization that supports the preservation, performance, and teaching of Native flute music, which was central to Joaquin’s life and spirit or at another charitable organization of your choice.

If you would like to listen to Joaquin’s music, you can find and download it here:

https://soundcloud.com/joaqop…

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