Jon Wynne started volunteering with the CFSNM nearly two decades before he passed away, first at the Memorial Medical Center Foundation and then the Healthcare Foundation of Southern New Mexico. Every morning, Monday through Friday, Wynne would arrive at the CFSNM office at 5 a.m., working until 9 a.m. on bookkeeping and various needs within the office.

Wynne passed away on September 26, 2011 at the age of 80, and upon his passing, he unexpectedly left a large planned gift through a bequest in his will. He left his estate to the CFSNM to create the Jon Wynne Scholarship.

The Jon Wynne Scholarship is awarded to over 80 students at Doña Ana Community College each year. It was because of his commitment to the CFSNM and our work that Wynne found the organization deserving of this gift. Our community is a better place because of Jon Wynne.

Wynne was born on August 21, 1931 in London. He was an avid reader and fond of films and filmmakers. Wynne loved to engage in intellectual conversations and political discussions. His insights into human nature were astute and helped him as he dialogued with friends and colleagues. His keen, dry sense of humor was embraced by many who knew and loved him.

Wynne spent the majority of his career as an auditor for the American Tobacco Company based in New York City. He retired to the warmer climate of Las Cruces and became a community volunteer dedicated to social change and philanthropy. While not a native New Mexican, a large portion of his time was spent serving his new community and addressing its needs.

Are you interested in contributing to the Jon Wynne Scholarship or another memorial fund managed by CFSNM? Contact Courtney Lopez, assistant director, at courtney@cfsnm.org or stop by our office located at 2600 El Paseo Road.