Arturo Alcaraz

To those of you that only met our Father, here and there, but never knew exactly what kind of a man he was, we’ll sum it up. We learned our best traits from him. Those same raised qualities have continued to help us become better Sons, Daughter, Fathers and Mother.

Our Father was strong in body, in sprit and in commitment. If he ever missed a day off from work, we never heard about it. Even if he didn’t feel good, our Dad would put on his shoes, eat his breakfast and take off to work. His work ethic was impeccable. One of the biggest lessons learned from our Dad – was the value of hard work. He truly believed that if you worked very hard, you would have a good life!

One example: Our Dad was known to knock on windows and tell us to “go to work, don’t be lazy.” Awkwardly, he did this while you were sleeping with your own spouse, in bed…and it was your day off… We would later have a good laugh!

During our upbringing, our Dad provided. We always had plenty of food, clothing, ambient love and he provided us with the best shelter, always moving up to something better. Our Dad believed in owning property and not renting. He didn’t believe being in debt. He understood the value of a dollar or peso and the importance of saving! We learned to be strong providers due to his examples.

When our Father retired, he kept himself very, very busy. He was not an idle man. He was usually seen climbing the roof tops, ladders, installing this and that and was self-taught and very self-reliant. He would have survived being stranded on a deserted island using his skill craft education to include his self -taught trades. He excelled in projects from wood, brick, metal or cement. He was the Ideal “Handyman.”

Our Father led and taught by example. He fulfilled every obligation he ever undertook. His word was his bond, and all of us knew it. Our Dad NEVER let us down. He literally NEVER failed us! He would be at any requested site or project within a short time period regardless of distance. We learned much confidence from him and the meaning of keeping your word and duty to Family.

Our Father was very loyal. He had a faithfulness to people who were in his life and maintained trustworthiness. He maintained ties with many childhood friends and people from San Diego Amecuaro, Botello and Panindicuaro, Michoacan, Mexico. We learned Loyalty through him.

Our Dad loved “Hollywood movies.” We were introduced to Bruce Lee, Clint Eastwood, and John Wayne. Most, if not all, of the movies we saw together had one theme: Loyalty, Friendship and Family. We would spend countless hours watching these movies in downtown L.A., the Orpheum Theater and Drive-ins. Those places were our entertainment areas during the 1970-1980’s long before the age of portable media.

Our Dad was an “Old School” type of man. He was the consummate Father who led by example. He was not our “best friend” nor did he try to be. He was our Dad. He strongly voiced what he expected from us. He would support our decisions, only after we would give him explanations on why we thought that way and/or wanted to do those actions. We used to think those were his tests. He did not “sugar coat” things. Life is to be respected.

If our Father ever shed tears, it was never in public. Strong people behaved like strong people! You didn’t show your feelings. You didn’t cry or get hurt if you didn’t get your way. Our Father had a quiet dignity. He respected himself the way he respected others. Our Dad did not ever have “self-pity.”

Our Dad was our “Rock” to lean on. Even to the very end, our Dad shielded and protected us from the harsh truths that only the doctors and he knew. …Which was, the cancer was incurable. He went along with many of our requests just to keep hope alive within ourselves. He truly was the strong wall that took all the crashing waves in order to protect us.

During our Dad’s last days and as cancer overtook his body, he was still able to maintain his sense of humor and tell us to “portense bien.” He would laugh whole heartedly when we’d ask him to choose his favorite child from among us. Our Dad was not the type of person who privately stated that he “loved” or was “proud” of us, however, his actions gave away his thoughts, moods and feelings. He very much loved and was extremely proud of each his Sons and Daughter.

Our Dad always kept a soft side for his Grand-daughters. He was the kissing, hugging, giving chocolate, heavy sugared candy and sodas, “Papa-Turo” that they all came to love. He was the model Grandfather.

The Loma Linda Cancer Research University nurses kindly remembered our Dad as ever-smiling and optimistic despite his fated chances.

Our Father demonstrated his true gift up until his very last days and hours. He was still able to maintain all his strength and love by telling us not to be afraid and that it was his time to die. He literally was not afraid. “No lloren por o para mi!” “Ya es mi tiempo! Ya llego!”

We hope that one day, upon our passing, we can go out with just half of his courage! His bravery, in facing inevitable death, was from another generation, and his upbringing, his friends, Family, life experience and/or a strong combination of all.

Our Father led a complete and successful life and leaves deep, deep roots for future generations concerning our Family!

Farewell, “Papa Turo,” Dad,” “Papa,” Arturo, “Arturito,” “Chito,” “Pops,” y…”El Coyote!” You did an OUTSTANDING job!! You did very, very well!! Every day when we look in the mirror, through your immortal blood line, we see your smile and aspects for encouragement! We’ll take over now! We got this! You can rest!

Please donate to any Cancer research or organization.