Doyle Daniel Pargin, a longtime Albuquerque, N.M., businessman and real estate broker, passed away June 11 in Albuquerque at the age of 86.
Doyle was born Aug. 7, 1930, in Durango, Colo., one day ahead of his future wife, Margaret Cummins Pargin. He was the oldest child of Leon D. and Myrtle Pargin and learned his work ethic growing up on a cattle ranch on the Piedra River, 18 miles west of Pagosa Springs.
Doyle graduated from Durango High School in 1948, then attended Western State College in Colorado and Chilicothe Business College in Missouri. He married Margaret on Feb. 6, 1951, and later enlisted in the Army, where he served as a sergeant in the Korean War. After returning from Korea, Doyle began his real estate career in Durango.
After selling real estate in Durango for several years, Doyle and Margaret moved to Albuquerque, where he worked in both the mortgage and real estate businesses. Doyle and Margaret then started Pargin Realty in 1964. The venture was joined by a cadre of original sales people — Jim Haworth, Ken Williams, Jim Fisher and Jerry Rossi. Administrator Nancy Ankeny was the backbone of the business, which quickly grew in its original location at 501 San Mateo, NE. Pargin Realty’s original slogan, “Your Key to Integrity,” aptly summarized Doyle’s character and approach to business and life.
As Doyle’s business and reputation grew, he became a beloved mentor and sounding board for real estate professionals throughout Albuquerque. Doyle loved his work, and helped bring a number of professionals into the business. He received numerous professional awards and honors, including Realtor of the Year. Doyle was elected president of the Greater Albuquerque Association of Realtors in 1972, and elected president of the Real Estate Association of New Mexico in 1981.
Doyle was a devoted husband and partner to his beloved wife, Margaret, and took tremendous pride in his children, Doyle Daniel “Dan,” and Kathryn Lynn “Lynn” Pargin. He was also an unfailing and optimistic supporter to his many nieces and nephews.
Doyle was an avid Lobo fan and an original basketball season ticket holder in “the Pit.” He enjoyed fly fishing, particularly at Vermejo Park, with his son and friends. Doyle was a longtime parishioner at Our Lady of Fatima Church, and later Immaculate Conception Church in Tome, N.M. He volunteered for many years at the Brothers of the Good Shepherd annual St. Patrick’s Day Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner. He was a member of the SERA club.
Doyle was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Robert H. Pargin; his wife, Margaret; and his daughter, Lynn. He is survived by his son, Daniel, and Dan’s wife, Tracy VunKannon Pargin; his sisters-in-law, Rita Adkins and Teresa Moulds; niece Deb Pargin; great niece and nephew Ava and Ben Pargin; many nieces and nephews, and many dear friends.
The family wishes to thank Prescilla Johnson, a dear friend and tireless caretaker who brought happiness and comfort to both Doyle and Margaret in their last years. Special thanks also to Heritage Hospice, Pat Jacobs and Erica James.
Visitation was on Friday, June 16, and the Rosary being recited after at FRENCH — University. A Mass of Christian Burial took place Saturday, June 17, at Our Lady of the Annunciation Catholic Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donation to the charity of your choice.
