Hector Jesus Tamayo

Hector Jesus Tamayo was an amazing man. Many would describe him as a man to admire, respect and emulate. He was hardworking, responsible, and service-oriented. Hector positively touched the lives of so many--family, friends, and his community.

Hector was born on January 24, 1935 in Brawley, California. Hector was the eldest of four children born to his parents, Paul and Amelia Tamayo. He was followed by a brother, Paul (deceased), a sister, Evangelina (deceased), and later his youngest brother, Alessandro.

Hector came to San Diego as a toddler and spent his early years in the Logan Heights neighborhood. Hector enjoyed his childhood while in Logan Heights surrounded by many special friends and family, especially his brother Paul. He attended local schools and always enjoyed learning. Due to his mother's illness, Hector spent some years in a San Diego Children's Home. Though this was hard for him, Hector took on great responsibility in caring for his younger brother and sister. This was one of the first selfless acts of Hector's life.

Once the family was together again, they moved to their Tarbox Street home in San Diego. Hector attended the "old gray castle", San Diego High School. Some of his favorite subjects were Spanish and History. Hector was always an avid reader and also enjoyed card games with his family, particularly his sister, Evangelina. Hector’s dedication to his family continued throughout his high school years, he worked these years to support his family. Hector’s love of learning, keen ability to remember facts, and great memory led to his graduation from San Diego High in 1952.

Though he dreamt of accepting enrollment to the University of Southern California's Pharmacology School, Hector stayed in San Diego to continue to support his family. He attended San Diego State College, now San Diego State University. He excelled in school despite working 40 or more hours a week to support his family. Hector spoke fondly of his funniest friend in college, Tidwell, and really enjoyed his friendship with his brother Paul in those years. Hector enjoyed learning and enjoyed his scholarly work with his professors, including Dr. Storm and Dr. Nasatir, who now have buildings named after them at SDSU. Hector graduated proudly from SDSC in 1956.

After college Hector traveled throughout Mexico by bus with his beloved brother, Paul. Hector always spoke fondly of this trip and the time he spent with his brother in Mexico. Hector’s brother was very special to him.

Hector's hard work, responsibility and optimism led him to begin his own business, Paul and Sons, with his brother and father. His hard work and dedication, along with that of his family, helped to bring a small fruit stand to one of the first Mexican markets in Chula Vista, Otay Farms.

It was at his business that he met the love of his life, Maria Elena Rios. Their friendship led to love and they were married April 30, 1966. Theirs was a love that most never find. Hector and Mary enjoyed life together--running the business, raising their children, taking many car trips near and far. Hector was proud to have raised his children, Christina, Theresa, Hector Jr. and John Paul, surrounded by their family, both Rios and Tamayos.

Hector was blessed with four grandchildren, Francesca (Theresa and Peter), Zachary (Christina and Gary), Peter (Theresa and Peter) and Catherine (Hector and Theresa W). He loved being their “Tata”. Hector got great joy from making his grandchildren happy—serving as “Tata Claus” at Christmas time, taking them on an Alaskan Cruise in 2006, and inspiring their love for the SDSU Aztecs. Hector was proud to see his grandchildren growing up and always wanted the best for them.

Hector and Mary took many trips in their life together, including their Panama Canal cruise, but Hector’s most enjoyable trips were taking Mary and his young family to Ojos de Agua, Guanajuato. Hector had a love for “the rancho” and saw Mary’s family there as his own. He was fondly referred to as “Tio” by many. In the early years his trips were by car, then motor home, and later by plane. He took great joy in the 2007 trip he took to Ojos de Agua with all of his children and grandchildren. Hector took the time to savor the moments he was having with his family. He said it many times while there. He knew he was making memories for his family.

Hector was a long-time supporter of San Diego State Athletics, particularly football and basketball. Hector began each season with optimism and would end losing seasons with equal optimism for “next year.” In a losing season a few years back Hector said, “I just want to see us win a bowl game before I leave this earth.” Hector’s SDSU Aztec football team made that wish come true this year with a win in the Poinsettia Bowl 2010. He was very happy to be there to support his team. As if a winning football team was not enough this year, Hector’s SDSU Aztec Basketball team made historic wins and made an appearance in the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16. Hector was so proud of the team. Though struggling with his health, he happily attended the recent basketball banquet and enjoyed celebrating this winning team.

Hector was one of the most genuine people you could meet. He was dedicated to his family, friends, and community. Many have described him as one of the smartest men they have ever met. He lived a life of service to others and received great joy from giving to others. He would help out anyone who needed it and often 'help' meant giving you advice or the push you needed to get to the next level. He wanted the best for them and inspired many to be their very best. Hector touched the lives of many young people at Otay Farms, but also had many people impact his life too. In later years, Hector was particularly grateful to the work and dedication of John Rittenhouse (Jeanette) and all he did to support Otay Farms.

Hector lived a life of service to his community. He was a member of the Optimist Club in his early adult life and later joined the Lion’s Club International to serve others. He was particularly proud of being awarded the Melvin Jones Fellow Award for Humanitarian Service. He made many friends in his years as a Lion and was proud of his service. One activity he was particularly dedicated to was the annual trip to La Paz, Baja California for service to the children of La Paz for the “Dia de los Reyes” celebration. Hector made his final trip of service just this past January with his son, John Paul.

This past January, Hector felt blessed in celebrating his 76th birthday with his family. He was particularly humbled by the words he heard about his impact on so many people's lives. He truly was a "Jolly Good Fellow" that evening and took the time to recognize the blessings he had to have for so many people to love him.

Hector left us and this earth on April 22, 2011, when his mighty heart succumbed to congestive heart failure.