Joaquin Castro Cruz

long battle against cancer) surrounded by those he loved.

Joaquin was born October 18, 1935 in Agana Guam the son of Joaquin Baza and Margarita Castro Cruz.

Having lost his parents early in his life Joaquin would learn to survive through hunting and fishing on the island

in order to provide for his siblings. This was to be only one hardship Joaquin would have to endure as he would also survive

through the Japanese occupation of Guam in 1940's during WWII.

After the war's end and having attended High School at John F. Kennedy, Joaquin would later join the United States Navy in 1952

and enter military service as an Boiler Technician. He would continue to serve with honor and distinction through out his career

of twenty-two years of service with the US Navy earning the respect of many that served under and along side of him. Having

traveled the world over and seen many sights over the length of his time spent with the Navy he fondly and frequently stated

"I had absolutely no regrets about my time served in the Navy!"

It was during his early years of Naval Service that Joaquin, while stationed at Treasure Island San Francisco would meet a young woman

named Josephine Love. Unfortunately for Joaquin, Josephine was already dating another man, a Coast Guardsman. This however didn't deter

him one bit and for the next few months he would continue to court her until finally six months later he won her over and later wed.

They were blessed with 55 years together and raised one son, Jonathan. Joaquin was a proud, encouraging and uplifting father who took

every opportunity to guide, teach and mold his son into the man he is today.

Joaquin, also loving known as Ken, had an infectious spirit, he touched everyone he met in a lasting way.

He was strong,and loving, a mentor to many and a friend to all. When remembering him, many people have started with three words;

"He taught me" Words that are a testament to his character. Ken was a natural leader with an open heart to all he came in contact with.

This is the legacy he leaves behind, one that will never be forgotten.