Julián J. Valdivia

In the song of life, Julian J. Valdivia was surely the composer. A very observant man who would rather spend his time creating than talking, Julian preferred to live in a world of harmony where everything around him made sense. In fact, he depended on his sensory world to provide him with concrete data. A free spirit, Julian believed that actions definitely spoke for themselves. He seemed to know what fit and what didn’t fit in everything he did. Julian perceived that all of life’s possibilities were open to him, yet he lived with a definite sense of purpose. He was a man who was always ready to share his creations with those around him.

Julian was born on January 9, 1946 at La Jabonera, in Nochitlan, Zacatecas, Mexico. His parents were Hilario and Maria Guadalupe Valdivia. Julian was raised in Nochitlan until age 11, migrated to California in 1957. As a young child, Julian was optimistic in his outlook. He sought out the possibilities in a given situation and looked for ways to apply his creative energies. Julian rarely calling attention to himself, but when he did speak out, his message was clearly understood by those around him.

Early on in his family relationships, Julian showed that he was a tolerant and flexible person, and he got along fairly well with everyone. He was raised with 11 siblings. He had Leobijildo, Guillermo, Jose A., Arturo, Jose L., Carmen, Moises, Delia, Fabian, Roberto and Lupe. He was a calm and playful child who was adaptable to any situation.

As he was growing up, Julian developed into a person who enjoyed physically doing things, and he took pleasure in using his hands in order to create. Whether it was drawing pictures, working with building kits, or even just tapping out a rhythm to play by, Julian liked concrete things. Growing up, Julian took part in tether ball, played with canicas, a valero and trompo. He was a altar server. However, to Julian, the most fun he had was simply playing, and spending time with friends.

Early on in his school years, Julian showed an interest in learning, especially when it came to subjects in the arts. At times, school learning did not provide Julian with sufficient challenges, but being an avid reader, he could often be “lost in a book” well above his grade level. His passion for fine arts was so keen that fellow students and even his teachers recognized it. He graduated from Castle Park High School in 1964. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. MVP of the Wrestling Team.

After high school, Julian joined the Air Force. During his term of service, Julian became a US citizen. He was soon honorably discharged and began working full time as a brick mason in order to pay for college.

In college, Julian showed that he was able to focus on what was necessary. He found it quite easy to dive headlong into classes, especially those that truly interested him. Using his understanding of language, Julian was able to move comfortably through a wide variety of courses. He also demonstrated his artistic temperament and talent, even in classes that weren’t typically considered art courses. Julian’s ability to assemble highly creative projects became second nature to him. He earned his BA in Liberal Arts and Masters in Education.

Those who didn’t know Julian well might not view him as being an outgoing person, those who called him their friend knew differently. Julian was shy and sensitive, a person who never forced his opinions and values on others. Close friends knew that his kindness was unmatched, and once you became a friend of Julian’s, you understood how true a friend he could be. While growing up, some of his best friends were Manuel Serratos, Rafael Trasviña and Leo Mata.

A person who was sensitive to others’ feelings, modest and tolerant, Julian had the ability to become completely devoted to another when that affection was returned. On December 17, 1977, Julian exchanged wedding vows with his life partner Rosalinda Sanchez at the Mission San Luis Rey in Oceanside of Oceanside, California.

Julian was exceptionally sympathetic and compassionate when it came to his children. These emotional bonds made him as much playmate as parent. He gave his family unconditional love and kindness, sharing his artistic nature by turning everyday events into creative play. Julian was blessed with two children, daughter Xóchitl and son Adrian.

Julian found ways to enjoy what he did for a living. He worked hard and did his best to succeed every day. His primary occupation was Elementary School Teacher. Julian tended to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done without imposing his will on others.

Julian enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were gardening, listening to music, crossword puzzles and watching soccer. Julian was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others. He was relaxed in his approach to his leisure time because he wanted to savor the present moment.

Julian liked sports. Recreational sport included racquetball. Julian was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were soccer and baseball.

Throughout his life, Julian was a doer and was always actively involved in professional and community organizations. Throughout his later years, Julian was an active member of the Member of the Adoracion Nocturna. He had a tendency to bring peace to his relationships by avoiding disagreements.

Julian was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Julian’s favorites was Zacaroly, a dog. They were best friends for 12 years.

When Julian’s retirement finally arrived in 2009, he was well prepared. Even in retirement, Julian continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. In these later chapters of his life, he became active in the community, feeling fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered him and simply enjoying what he had worked so hard to attain.

Julian passed away on May 9, 2012 in La Mesa, California from Heart Failure. He is survived by his mother, wife, two children, seven brothers and three sisters. Services were held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Julian was laid to rest in Greenwood Memorial Park.

Julian was a good man, a kind man, and a practical man who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being warm and deeply caring. He leaves behind him a treasury of life-long friendships and wonderful memories. Julian always had much to give and was able to make those connections in his life where his gifts were appreciated. Julian was a faithful, practical and loving person. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Julian J. Valdivia.