Eulogy for Jose P. Lopez Jr.
Page 5

This is a poem my sister selected to share.

As We Look Back

As we look back over time
We find ourselves wondering .....
Did we remember to thank you enough
For all you have done for us?
For all the times you were by our sides
To help and support us .....
To celebrate our successes
To understand our problems
And accept our defeats?
Or for teaching us by your example,
The value of hard work, good judgment,
Courage and integrity?
We wonder if we ever thanked you
For the sacrifices you made.
To let us have the very best?
And for the simple things
Like laughter, smiles and times we shared?
If we have forgotten to show our
Gratitude enough for all the things you did,
We're thanking you now.
And we are hoping you knew all along,
How much you meant to us.



Eulogy for Jose P. Lopez Jr.
Page 2

My dad loved to play guitar and sing songs with his family.  He started with playing with cousins and friends early in his life, this later carried on to family gatherings that his children and everyone were able to experience.  He loved playing with my Uncle Louie, Reynaldo, Pancho, and others.
 
Later, after the family grew up my parents spent time traveling.  One of their favorite experiences was their trip to Fairbanks, Alaska.  They started here in Tucson and drove along the California coast through Canada, finally ended up in Fairbanks to visit my Uncle Frank and Aunt Lolly.  My dad was familiar with Fairbanks as he had spent several summers there before our trip.  We didn’t have email back then so he would send us postcards with pictures showing him with salmon he had caught and other experiences he wanted to share.  They loved to tell the story of their trip back, they had taken a cruise ship from Alaska to Canada.  They were able to have dinner with the ship’s captain and meet many interesting people.  They were able to pay for their trip by my dad’s bingo winnings on the final night of the cruise.  
 
During their retirement, my parents enjoyed following the LPGA, particular Lorena Ochoa.  They would travel to Southern California and Phoenix to each tournament to watch her play and enjoy the exciting atmosphere that came with the crowd and competition.
 
In 2015, my mom and dad were blessed to have a trip to Maui, Hawaii.  They were able to renew their vows on the beach just as the sun was about to set.  It was the perfect scenario, the colors of the sun setting all around the family, the waves crashing at their feet, and turtles could be seen in the water.  After reciting their vows they closed in prayer and thanks by placing a lai in the water.   This was one of mom’s dreams for them both and we give thanks they were able to experience it. 
 


Eulogy for Jose P. Lopez Jr.
Page 1

I wanted to share the eulogy with everyone for those who were not able to attend.  Take note there is more that one page (memory entry). 

My dad was married to my mom for 57 years (together for 59 years).  He met her at a cousin’s graduation party.  My dad kept with tradition by asking permission from our Tata to date my mom.  Not knowing what he was getting himself into, he had to take my uncles (and others) along as chaperones on their dates, this included paying for everyone.  
 
My dad married my mom at St Augustine's church in 1961.  Funny, my mom didn’t realize my dad had blue eyes until after they got married. They had 5 children Jose, Loriann, Christine, Patricia, and Peter.  The family was brought up Catholic and attended mass at the same church.  He brought up his family in a house that he and other family members and friends build.  My dad believed in teaching us to learn to help around the house with everyone doing their part.  He also taught us the importance of hard work to complete our goals, and not rest on your laurels.  My dad believed in supporting family and friends by being there in every part of the way, making sacrifices was never an obstacle. 
 
He loved his family.  He balanced his work with family by taking them camping, fishing, swimming at the beach, hunting, and many other experiences.  He continued to teach us lessons by showing us the basics, creating the foundation that allowed us to reach our potential. Some of the places we went to were California, Colorado, Las Vegas, and New Mexico.  Everyone had a vote on where to go and what to do. 
 
My dad also loved his nephews and nieces.  He shared the same lessons of love and encouraged growth for each one.  He opened his house to them to celebrate accomplishments or milestones. 
 
My dad was a grandparent to thirteen children and eight great-grandchildren.  


My deepest sympathies to the Lopez family.  So sorry for your loss of a Great man. 
Love from 
Roberta 

I loved hearing Uncle Joe tell stories. He was an amazing man with a big heart and always willing to help those in need. Our thoughts and prayers are with our Tia Betty and cousins. We will carry our tio in our hearts forever! 

Our thoughts are with you and your family. My fondest memories would be how outgoing he was, How Joe loved helping others whenever he could. Joe loved for his grandchildren and great grandchild to be around because they would bring joy to his heart ❤️ and a smile to his face. It’s hard to forget someone who gave you so much to remember” As they say.... Those we love don’t go away, they walk Beside us everyday. 

I would like to give my condolences  to the Lopez family.   I will miss Senor Lopez, his big hugs, beautiful smile  and those blue eyes.  Thank you for loving me.   I know you are with our Lord Jesus Christ Survivor , and I pray for comfort and strength to Mrs. Betty , Patty, Lori, Christy,  Jose and Peter.   To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die.   I love you. 

Love seeing all the pictures of my Uncle Joe and the family. He was a great man and I will miss him dearly. My condolences to my Aunty Betty and my cousins Joey, Loriann, Christy, Patricia, and Peter. May he rest in peace. I have a ton of memories of him and I will cherish them all. Everything from getting in trouble, camping with guns, and long lectures about everything and anything. Love you guys!

I will always have fond memories of being outdoors learning about camping and listening to good music. 

My dearest condolences to  Betty  Lopez  and  the Family. Joe was was a good tata and  dad. 
He would always be so happy when he would see  his  grandchildren.  Jordan will always feel special for the times he  had with you.   May you  play  and sing  in heaven  with all the other angels before you.  reunited with your  loved ones .  I will always have good memories  of  you and the times you spent  with  your first set of grandchildren.  rest in peace   and pain free now.  Keep playing the guitar in  heaven . 

Tata jose i was  glad i could  help you when i did. We know you are with  angels and  running marathons in heaven.   you will be missed by  many people. 

Sylvia    and victoria 

Our condolences to the Lopez family especially Betty. We were sad to hear of the passing of your father. We will always remember when Jose and Betty would hang out with us at the U of A tailgate parties. They both always enjoyed themselves. He will greatly be missed. May god bless you all during this difficult time and in the days, months and years to come. 

Sincerely,
John, Laura Gaspar and Family

OBITUARY

Jose P Lopez Jr.

April 9, 1939 – November 26, 2018

Funeraria del Angel South Lawn & South Lawn Cemetery

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