Juan M. Trujillo

      When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Juan M. Trujillo who was indeed a born manager. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Juan was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Juan knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

      Juan was born on December 21, 1923 at home in San Gabriel, Jalisco, Mexico. His parents were Mauricio Trujillo and Maria Guadalupe Michel. Juan was raised in San Gabriel, Jalisco, Mexico. Even as a youngster, Juan learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

      As a young boy, Juan was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, he liked to organize and direct. Juan was raised with thirty-two siblings, twenty-one sisters and eleven brothers. He was closest to his brothers, Javier, Jose Luis and Mauricio, and his sisters Isabel and Guadalupe. Juan had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Juan, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.

      Juan's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Juan enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. In his spare time he liked making items and selling them.

      Juan was sociable and approachable. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. He enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Juan was a member of a group, his interaction worked to keep the others grounded. He wasn’t afraid to confront his friends and, when necessary, he challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Juan came to expect his high standards of performance. While growing up, some of his best friends were his brothers, Javier, Jose Luis and Mauricio. Later in life, he became friends with his coworkers and his wife's friends.

      An objective and conscientious individual, Juan reveled in the security of his family. On December 19, 1970 Juan exchanged wedding vows with Maria Magdalena Trujillo at the Perpetuo Socorro Church of Mexico City, Mexico. One of Juan’s most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends.

      Juan was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Juan would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. Juan was blessed with eleven children, four sons, Juan, Andres, Jose and Antonio, and seven daughters, Yolanda, Elsa, Maria, Martha, Angelina, Guadalupe and Monica. They were also blessed with eighteen grandchildren, Angelo, Michael, Joseph, John, Jennifer, Julio, Damen, Natalie, Javier, Valerie, Paulina, Julian, Raquel, Eileen, Dafne, Ruben, Ison and Ava.

      Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Juan was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Juan was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Juan upheld his standards. His primary occupation was lithographer. He was employed for 38 years with The Pacific Lithography Company. Juan was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

      Juan approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were watching boxing, UFC and Animal Planet. He loved all animals. Juan was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

      Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Juan to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were boxing and UFC.

      Being generous with his time and energy, Juan liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. He was a vocal leader who enjoyed being a part of things. His desire to uphold traditions and his ability to take charge of any type of project made him a tremendous asset. Throughout his later years, Juan was an active member of the San Ysidro School Board and R.S.V.P.

      A civic-minded person, Juan was usually ready to jump in and help with community activities. He was the type of person who could masterfully organize events and projects and then see to it that they were run in an efficient and timely manner. Juan was a member of several community groups, including serving on committees for the San Ysidro School Board and R.S.V.P. Politically, Juan was a Democrat. He served eight years on the San Ysidro School Board. During these years, Juan applied his analytical intellect to problem solving and so was an asset on most committees.

      Faith was important to Juan. He held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay he saw around him. For that reason he held deep spiritual beliefs that he was willing to share. He was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel for 23 years.

      When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Juan used his scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that he made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Juan had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included trips Cancun, Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta, New Orleans, Orlando, Mexico City, Zacatecas, New Mexico, Texas and Tennesee.

      Juan was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Juan’s favorites was Frank. They were best friends for 9 years.

      When Juan’s retirement finally arrived in 1985, he was well prepared. He used his critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. His new life involved relocating to San Diego, California. In retirement, he found new pleasure in gardening and spending time with his family. In many ways, Juan loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.

      Juan passed away on January 7, 2010 at home in San Ysidro, California. Juan fought a brave battle against cancer. He is survived by his wife, Magdalena Trujillo, his children and his grandchildren. Services were held at the Glen Abbey Mortuary Chapel. Juan was laid to rest in Glen Abbey Memorial Park in Bonita, California.

      All who knew him would agree that Juan was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Juan M. Trujillo did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.