Chuck Kroon, a quiet but deeply committed volunteer whose steady presence helped keep local news flowing across northern Taos County, died peacefully Dec. 15 after stepping away from his role in recent months to focus on his health. He was remembered by colleagues for his reliability, thoughtful leadership and unwavering dedication to community journalism.
Unassuming by nature, Kroon was known to speak softly — but when he opened up, friends and fellow volunteers said he offered sharp insights, creative ideas and a lifetime of lived experience. For several years, he volunteered as a newspaper distribution manager alongside his partner, Linda Betz, ensuring that local news reached merchants and residents throughout Questa, Red River, Cerro, Costilla and the greater Taos area.
Each month, without fail, Kroon arrived ready to distribute nearly 4,000 newspapers. He coordinated volunteers, carefully mapping routes that balanced efficiency with accessibility, always aiming to make the work manageable while ensuring papers reached as many people as possible.
“Chuck had a gift for logistics,” said Emily Wilde with the Questa del Rio News. “He understood the landscape, the people and how to get the job done with the least resistance and the most care.”
Traveling with Betz was one of Kroon’s great joys and the only thing that ever pulled him away from distribution days. Otherwise, colleagues said, he was present and prepared, approaching his work with enthusiasm, excitement and grit.
In recent months, Kroon stepped back from his role as newspaper distribution coordinator due to health concerns. His absence was felt immediately, and his passing has left a lasting void at the Questa del Rio News.
Though he is gone, those who worked alongside him said his legacy will continue through the paper’s commitment to delivering meaningful, inspiring and essential news to local residents.
“Thank you, Chuck, for your dedication, honesty, integrity and dependability,” the paper said in a statement. “You will be deeply missed and forever remembered.”
