Edward F. Loera

“Seeing is believing.” For many, those words simply represent a motto. But for Edward F. Loera, it summarized in every way who he was. He was modest, quiet and observant, taking in everything around him and always thinking before acting. He was a realist, someone who was efficient and practical in everything he did. He was a friendly person who truly cared about those around him.

He was the son of Felipe and Helen Loera. Raised in Colton, California, he was brought up to be tolerant and trustworthy. As a child, he learned to be conscientious, responsible and punctual. These were all traits that he would carry with him throughout his life.

As a young boy, Edward was always aware of how others around him felt and this quality served him well. With a deep capacity to tolerate the feelings of others, Edward was generally able to avoid conflicts. It seemed as if Edward was the family member who was always working to keep stress at bay. Preferring a quiet environment where he could concentrate, Edward also had the ability to relate well with his family and friends. Edward was raised with two siblings. He had two younger brothers Phil and Ron. Edward was constantly involved in activities with his family. Edward and his siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up but they deeply cared for each other and shared many life experiences over the years.

Edward enjoyed learning. He always had a great memory and was particularly skilled at retaining factual information. Edward was generally quiet in class, learning best through observation. He often showed great concentration and was competent at completing the tasks at hand. Good with details, Edward was painstaking and accurate in his efforts. All of these talents culminated in a successful high school career. Edward enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers.

Most folks would say that Edward was shy until they got to know him. Those who were privileged to know him well learned that he was a solid, good friend. Edward was reluctant to generalize about people, and he based his friendships on his personal experiences. Because of this, Edward best trusted those people that he truly knew. He was concerned about how those around him felt, and he always seemed to uncover the positive side of people. He could relate to others and had the ability to see their point of view, to “walk a mile in their shoes,” as the saying goes. The friends that he made, Edward kept. While growing up, some of his best friends were Art Ramirez.

Love can’t be defined but must be experienced. That was so true for Edward. It was as if Edward naturally sensed his spouse’s needs, and accepted those feelings unconditionally. Although Edward disliked conflict, he did not take flight from discord, but rather sought to preserve harmony even during the most trying times.

Edward was a good father to his children. He had “old fashioned” parental values and could handle typical family conflicts in a fair and calm manner. Because he trusted emotions, Edward was reluctant to force issues and used gentle persuasion to resolve situations. In this way he seemed to radiate an aura of warmth and caring to those around him, always thinking before acting. In addition, Edward was a master planner. No matter how hectic life around him might be, he seemed to know and track everyone’s schedule. Edward was blessed with six children, six sons, Edward, Gilbert, James, Lawrence, Marcos and Joseph. They were also blessed with twelve granchildren, Kristen, Denise, Elizabeth, Rebekah, Rachel, Andrea, Brandon, Ryan, Grace, Allen, Marc and Michael. Plus 8 great grandchildren, Ashley, Breanna, Zachi, Jeremy, Angelina, Alyssa, Kristopher and Kyle.

If you gave Edward a deadline, he would meet it. At work, Edward was always on task. Without hesitation, Edward could adhere to any assignment and see it through to its completion. His primary occupation was electrician. During that time, Edward excelled in working with small groups in order to complete assignments. He was able to quickly grasp concrete ideas and could organize and plan the best way to accomplish things with remarkable consistency. Edward was good at staying on track and was considerate in listening to what others had to say. In this way, Edward had a true gift for being able to come up with practical resolutions to difficult problems. He was often the team member who managed to put forth a win/win solution for all parties.

Edward was a Navy Veteran. He seemed to thrive on the routines offered up by the military. Being a literal thinker with a calm exterior helped him handle the rigors of the military. He was in the U. S. Navy from 1957-1959 and stationed in Japan.

Due to his excellent organizational skills, was a welcome addition to the professional and community organizations to which he belonged. Edward could bring established, successful methods to the discussion table, along with a generous helping of common sense. Edward was good at making and keeping schedules and never got bogged down in unnecessary details. Throughout his later years, Edward was an active member of the American Legion.

Edward passed away on January 3, 2011 at home in Colton, California. He is survived by his brother Ron; his sons Edward, Gilbert, James, Lawrence, Marcos and Joseph and his grandchildren Kristen, Denise, Elizabeth, Rebekah, Rachel, Andrea, Brandon, Ryan, Grace, Allen, Marc and Michael; great grandchildren Ashley, Breanna, Zachi, Jeremy, Angelina, Alyssa, Kristopher and Kyle.

Services were held at Green Acres Memorial Chapel. Edward was laid to rest in Green Acres Memorial Park in Bloomington, California.

It is said that some people can’t see the forest for the trees. Edward was able to focus on each individual tree, tending to its needs, thus making the forest stronger as a whole. Edward was a trustworthy, pragmatic and sympathetic person, the kind of man to whom everyone was drawn. He was thorough and practical. Edward Loera was very literal with his words. You always knew where you stood with Edward. He will be missed.