Jose Joaquin Rubiano

Gracious. That was the most outstanding quality that most people noticed first about Jose. Afterward they would know his kindness, generosity, skill, intellect, and wit, but the feeling of warmth and welcome that he extended to people, opened the door to a joy-filled friendship that lasted from then on.

Jose was born in rural Colombia, and like many traditional Latins, he had a welcoming routine intent on making people feel comfortable. Immediately- have a seat and a beverage, more than 20 minutes- snacks, more than an hour – you must stay for a meal, drinking alcohol – you must stay the night. He wanted to know you, cared about your situation, and always wanted to know how he could help. He taught our children to be gracious as well. They would not think of entering the house without greeting our visitors, inquiring about their families, pets or travel plans. And they had so many opportunities to practice with friends, extended family, and Jose’s many clients who needed his automotive expertise.

As a mechanic, he was top notch. An ASE Certified master mechanic, Jose started his career at an American sponsored technical school in Colombia. He worked locally at first and met a lovely woman with whom he had two wonderful children Ingrid and Jose Jr. But a desire to see the world and build a better future in America, prompted him to find a position on a large freighter ship, and he ended up in San Diego, California. He lived and worked there for six years while he struggled to learn English and send money to his family. This was when he met me, Denise, and started our 38 year journey of love and gratitude.

At 35, when I met him, he was handsome as he was smooth. I had a serious a serious crush on the guy next door, and when he offered to fix my car, I was beyond excited. Our first “date” was to a junk yard to find parts for my car. I had to wear a pair of his old shoes, because you can’t wear sandals there. He was so polite and chivalrous, and a great dancer – to any kind of music. So dates, dinners, small gifts were all enjoyed, but when a man buys you a full set of new tires- it’s time to pay attention. We married in 1983 and moved to Long Beach to start our married life.

Jose was the most skilled, creative, and hardest working individual any company would be lucky to have. So he got a series of jobs, and learned about LA traffic, before landing at Eddie’s auto body where he met some wonderful individuals, and he could come home for lunch. Roxanne was our first child, followed by Clinton, and our home was filled with people, food, and fun. Jose then worked hard and was able to bring Ingrid and “Chepito” into our home. And so began a long tradition of helping brothers and sisters in Colombia, as well my mother, my sister, and any other person needing help.

In 1990 orchestrated our caravan of a 1961 Ford pickup-towing a trailer, and a 1975 Volkswagen bus, towing a 1965 bug. All of our worldly possessions, six people and a dog; we got lost within 20 minutes, regrouped and made a better plan for the next 3,000 miles. All our hopes and dreams took us to Naples, Florida, and it has been awesome. Jose developed a huge customer base and many business associates- many who became lifelong friends. The kids thrived and excelled, and because of Jose, everybody had a running car, no car payments, and a care and maintenance package that was priceless. He said he was our “Triple A.” All those savings became the great adventure vacations to South America, Europe, and all over these United States. So rich did he make our lives.

Thirty-one years later we have been so blessed, that Jose would reflect on it almost every morning, “How lucky we are to live in paradise…with a great house, with a pool, with successful kids, with the best dog, with all these friends, my garden and the birds.” And home is where he loved to be. His favorite thing was hospitality. He loved to stand at the grill cooking meat or chicken and passing around a plate “to take one taste/test.” The parties were epic; the kind of stories that people keep saying, “remember when…”

But the last years of his life had some of his greatest joys. While he was always proud of the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren, being retired gave him the opportunity to be the “hands on” play buddy to his baby Dax. “Tata” loved to get up early and accompany his little protégé to the garage to create new inventions. Cars made from wood and bottle caps, laundry basket pull toys, and discovering how things worked brought endless fascination. And José had become quite the “gentleman farmer” so attending the fruit trees, watering the plants, and filling the bird feeders were part of their morning rounds. But for Dax, like the rest of us, sharing Jose’s space in “Tata’s car” –the motor home, or sitting at his desk in the garage, it just felt like the best place to be. A sentiment shared by regular cadre of pals who got together regularly for “happy hour” to be amused by his funny stories, mixed up idioms, and solutions to problems.

Words cannot do justice to the fine caring, generous individual that Jose was, but his legacy shall surely live on in the fond memories we shared with him, and the comfort we take in our shred faith that he is joyously reunited in heaven with his mother, brothers, and son –and one day –with us all.