José María Jimeno Jurío's legacy is the most beautiful we could have wished for.

He leaves us his son, Roldán Jimeno Aranguren, his best representation and, as we say in the language of the Navarrese people, egur onenaren ezpatik gozoena, (the sweetest splint from the best wood). There is no doubt that the generational transmission has been a portent one.

Jimeno Jurío's also leaves us his great work as a historian not sufficiently valued until now. His long hours of reseach and dedication to the reading, study and classification of historical archives are priceless.

He leaves us - especially - a trail of profound love for the culture and language of his homelad. The contagious vibrations from his native hometown of Artaxoa expand throughout Navarre; the violin of our collective memory awakes when we let ourselves be embraced by his work.

We cannot do enough to show our gratitute to José María Jimeno Jurío for his wakefulness, dedication and work. Jimeno Jurío's work will always be with us; it will remind us that that small body was all about humanity, tenacity and the capacity to recover no matter the obstacles and adversities. Just as his wishes were inexhaustible when it came to show us the essential characteristics of his country's idiosyncrasy.

Gaizka Aranguren Urroz
(For NABARRALDE, Cultural Iniciatives and Promotions)

 

Navarre, 3 October 2002