Gabriel Portillo

Gabriel was born on July 11, 1948 at Pomona Community Hospital in Pomona, California. His parents were Agustin and Beatriz Portillo. Gabriel was raised in Tijuana, B. C. Mexico. Always able to express himself well, Gabriel possessed strong interpersonal skills. He was optimistic in his outlook on life and was able at all times to be open and direct in his communication. Armed with a great wit, Gabriel was raised to be accepting of others and to implement a strong personal work ethic.

Blessed with a balanced attitude, Gabriel was able to relate well with others. His occasional role as family mediator gave him the opportunity to ease tense situations when they occurred. Gabriel was raised with six siblings. He had four older siblings, Carlos, Justina, Luz and Dolores and two younger brothers, Jaime and Manuel. Gabriel had a strong desire to be treated fairly and would readily offer others the same fairness in return.

As a young child, Gabriel showed his creative ability in many ways. He was outgoing and animated. Gabriel enjoyed new activities and pursued a variety of interests. He took part in baseball and soccer. In his spare time he liked playing sports.

Friends and acquaintances found Gabriel an easy man to get to know, and those close to him would often praise his open, practical style of communication and relaxed approach to life in general. Gabriel was uncomplicated and straightforward in his relationships, which allowed him to accept people for what they were. While growing up, some of his best friends were Jesus

Lomeli and Rafael Agredano.

Later in life, he became friends with the Sanchez brothers; Hector, David and Hugo. He also continued his childhood friendship with Jesus Lomeli and Rafael Agredano.

On April 19, 1969 Gabriel exchanged wedding vows with Silvia Gomez Sanchez at the Iglesia De Guadalupe, Tijuana, B. C. A good listener with an engaging personality, Gabriel was able to bring pleasure and unexpected humor to the relationship.

Gabriel Portillo was a natural leader whose winning presence allowed him to take control of various situations with ease. Equipped with a clear and calculating focus, he possessed a tough-minded, “take charge” attitude. He had the ability to make even routine situations seem exciting, and he was at ease with the role of playing problem solver. Gabriel always sought out the scene of where the action was. Sociable, analytical and pleasant, Gabriel was an individual who enjoyed life’s challenges.

Very much like a kid himself, Gabriel identified with the inquisitive and creative side of his children’s personalities. He was able to direct his energy and spontaneity towards helping his children acquire added common sense skills. Gabriel was blessed with three, Aimee, Gabriel and Alejandra Vanessa. They were also blessed with four grandsons and one granddaughter, Pedro, Elijah, Alejandra, Noah and Gabriel.

Gabriel was a flexible worker who was able to draw the best from others around him. A persuasive individual who was quick to make necessary decisions, Gabriel’s strengths included being able to think on his feet. He could be a leader who sought impact for his decisions. Gifted with an incredible ability to read body language, Gabriel was able to positively manipulate situations and motivate others in order to get a task completed. He was a good negotiator who enjoyed new challenges. Gabriel could multi-task, and he was endowed with entrepreneurial spirit, allowing him to think beyond standard norms when it came to resolving issues in his work environment. His primary occupation was minor league baseball umpire. He was employed at Oscar Meyer for 18 years and 22 years as a baseball umpire.

Gabriel enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. He put this creativity toward all of his pastimes. His favorite pursuits were playing baseball, then becoming an umpire. He was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Because he liked to take risks, Gabriel was a perfect match for athletics and exercise. He was enthusiastic and confident about these activities. Recreational sports included baseball and coaching little league softball. Gabriel was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were soccer and baseball.

Travel and vacations were experiences that Gabriel truly enjoyed. He preferred to seek out excitement wherever he went and he was partial to vacations that were casual and laid back with an atmosphere of “live and let live.” He was willing to leave his plans open and flexible, just in case something more interesting came along. Favorite vacations included Las Vegas, Las Vegas and Las Vegas!

When Gabriel’s retirement finally came in 2001, it was unexpected due to his illness, however he made the best of it. Still, he was able to adapt to possible changes and enjoyed his time with his friends and family. His new life involved relocating to San Diego.

Gabriel passed away on March 31, 2012 at Grossmont Sharp Hospital. Battled the after-effects of seven strokes and Valley Fever. He is survived by wife Silvia, children Aimee, Gabriel Jr. Alejandra Vanessa, Grandchildren Pedro, Elijah, Noah, Alejandra, and Gabriel III. Services were held at Funeraria Del Angel Humphrey. Gabriel was cremated and his cremated remains went home with family.

Gabriel was the kind of person who could win others over easily. A concrete communicator, he relied on his senses to increase his involvement and awareness of others. He was always able to provide amusing repartee to his friends and acquaintances, offering a seemingly endless supply of quips, anecdotes, jokes and stories. He enjoyed his life and the experience of living it. This is how everyone will remember Gabriel Portillo.