Enrique Bolaños

Enrique, fondly known as “Quique,” was born to Alejandrina and Benjamin Bolaños, on October 10, 1935, in Tlaxiaco, Oaxaca, Mexico. He was a loving son and beloved brother to his 14 siblings. He was an avid soccer player and always kept Mexico in his heart.

At the age of 27, he came to the United States in search of new opportunities and a better life. Though it was not easy, through his hard work and determination, he certainly succeeded. Soon after, he met his “Cinderella,” Maria Luisa (Luisita) Quezada. He would often recount how they met, remembering how she walked through the doors of the Alexandria Hotel Dance Hall. He told his friend that he was going to ask “the pretty girl in the white dress” to dance. He waited patiently as she agreed to dance with someone else. As soon as the next song started, he made his move. At one point, her crystal high-heel, slipped off her foot. Getting on his hands and knees, he searched the dance floor, found it and placed it back on. They slow-danced the rest of the night and were inseparable ever since. They married on January 29, 1966, and together raised 3 sons and 3 daughters.

Quique is survived by his ever loving wife, Maria Luisa; 6 children: Mark, Frank, Henry, Patricia, Sylvia, and Sonia; 9 grandchildren: Marc, Elise, Christian, Mark, Taylor, Lauren, Isaac, Jacqueline, and Ryan. He is also survived by 8 siblings and countless nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents and 6 siblings.

He was strong-willed, stubborn, and macho at times, but he also had an enormous heart, a beautiful smile, and a great sense of humor. He had a unique whistle that he used to let us know when it was time to return home when we were outside playing. Everyone who knew him, could recognize his whistle, but no one has ever been able to imitate it. He was generous, loyal, protective, brave, a great dancer, and a “Jack-of-all trades." He could build or fix anything and was not afraid to try his hand at construction, mechanical work, electronics, plumbing; You name it, he could do it! He said it was his “Mexican Ingenuity!” Even in his advanced age, he still wanted to work to help provide for his family.

Quique will always be remembered as a very proud, hardworking man, who put his family above all else. Even through his battle with dementia, he fought hard and was determined to remember and connect with his family til the very end. He dedicated his life to his wife and kids, as they were his greatest accomplishment.