Memories of a Much Loved Mayor

Memories of a Much Loved Mayor

By Alastair Caisley
Our (Usually) Diplomatic Correspondent

Many of you will now that Joaquin Paricio, the long-standing Mayor or El Grado and

great friend of The Lions, died in March after a courageous six-year struggle against cancer.


This article is a short personal reflection on his involvement with The Lions.


I first met the Mayor on what, unbeknown to Antonio and I, was our very first Lions’

Trip in 2001. Having had a long drive from Bilbao (a route not to be recommended),

we arrived late in El Grado. However, its never too late to eat in Spain! Our meal

was at Las Acacias and it was there that we first met Joaquin Paricio, who warmly

greeted our little group of three. After a brief introduction, things came to an abrupt

end with the announcement that a wild boar had come off second best with a car on

the outskirts of the village. People left the restaurant at a speed only comparable to

Antonio’s legendary raging bull run in Pamplona (you will be pleased to hear that this

is no longer one of The Lions’ activities).


Our get togethers with the Mayor then became a regular feature of The Lions’ trips. It

wasn’t long before we learned that Joaquin Paricio had taken himself off to New York

to negotiate a sizeable loan to build the electricity plant/fish farm on the River Cinca.

Siberian Sturgeon:

Not content with that, we then discovered that he was also instrumental in establishing

the World Ludo Championships in El Grado. For those of us who were there at El

Poblado a few years ago, who can forget his very amusing description of the range of

participants, the strict rules and very modest prizes? Many of the competitors were

probably blissfully unaware that even some local prisoners took part in the event!

Always a generous, friendly and hospitable man, many Lions were privileged to hear

him speak so movingly about his liver transplant. It was so emotional that the Lions’

tradition of keeping a stiff upper lip soon disappeared, as a few of us tried to hide the

odd tear. The bond of friendship between the Lions and the Mayor grew stronger

every year. Even a language barrier did not stop him sharing genuine pleasure at

meeting us again. There was a memorable presentation to Joaquin Paricio in his

office with accompanying photographs three years ago and presented him with his

Honorary Lion Certificate, something which he accepted proudly.


It was therefore with great sadness that I heard of his recent death. The Lions will

miss a true friend. Even last year, his generosity was shown when he delivered

a dozen bottles of the excellent Enate wine.

He will also be missed by his local

community, who he served so faithfully for many years. Over a thousand people

attended his funeral at Torrecuidad ~ a tribute to his popularity.


Our parting, for those who believe, is but temporary. As we enjoy (or for some

“endure”!) this year’s activities, please think of Joaquin Paricio and his smiling face

looking down on our modest efforts and endeavours.