Johnnie Ray Aguirre

(John, JR, Pops, Daddy-O, Gramps)

Born: September 30, 1946 — Elko, Nevada

Died: July 15, 2025 — Reno, Nevada

Johnnie Ray Aguirre was the kind of man who saved birthday cards, believed in the usefulness of a rubber band, and watered his plants with quiet devotion as the sun went down.

Born in Elko, Nevada, he was raised in a Basque boarding house that doubled as a restaurant and tripled as a lesson in tradition, food, and storytelling. He carried those things with him for the rest of his life—along with a deep loyalty to his people, a deck of cards, and the power of an open road.

He had five siblings, dozens of stories (most of them true enough), and a circle of lifelong friends he considered sacred. He loved his garden, his tackle box, a good meal, and the way a routine could make the world feel safe. He was proud to be Basque, proud to be frugal, and proud to give whatever he could. The saying “give you the shirt off his back” did not originate with him, but it could have.

He played a mean game of Hearts. He didn’t mind losing, but rarely did.

In younger years, he lived fast. In later years, he lived slow. He gave what he could, saved what mattered, and forgave what didn’t. His greatest joy was his family—his kids, their kids, and anyone else who sat long enough at the dinner table to hear his tales.

Even after life got complicated (and it did), he stayed close to those he loved. Holidays, dinners, music festivals, road trips—he showed up. Always with a grin. Sometimes with Tupperware.

Johnnie is survived by three children who adored him, five grandchildren who made him proud, and one former wife who knew him better than anyone and still liked him anyway. Also: a handful of siblings, a thousand memories, and countless single-use products that he proved had value far beyond once.

He left us in Reno, quietly and gently, with family close and stories still unfolding.

A celebration of Jonnie’s life will be held at Lion’s Camp Lamoille on Thursday, August 21 at 2:00 PM PT.

In lieu of flowers, play a card game, water something green, or cook for someone you love.

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