Oscar Armando Gutierrez

Many things can be said about Oscar Armando Gutierrez. Known to friends and acquaintances as a friendly, energetic, empathic and decisive man, his compassionate nature would always shine through, revealing his charm, warmth and conscientious demeanor. He was warmhearted, gentle and organized in all the things he sought to accomplish. Oscar was a mentor, a natural “teacher” capable of seeing things clearly, leading others and bringing out the best in all of those around him. He generally had a focus on harmony and peace.

His parents were Jose and Socorro. Oscar was raised in Villa Aldama, Chihuahua. When he was young, Oscar's friends and family found that “straightforward” and “honest” were perfect words to describe him. Even as a child, Oscar demonstrated strong qualities of self-confidence, perceptive ability and a disposition that was enjoyable to those around him.

Oscar grew up with three sisters and one brother. His brother Javier and sisters Martha, Lupita, and Rosita. Oscar was constantly involved in all sorts of activities with his family. He was even-tempered, taking care not to get involved in too many family conflicts. This quality served him well, in perpetually bringing harmony, understanding and a sense of peace to the family. Oscar carried these traits into his adult life and served as one of many reasons why family and friends found him pleasurable and delightful to be around. Oscar was a person who genuinely understood and cared for others, making powerful connections with those he knew.

Compassionate and devoted, Oscar worked hard to make his new family happy. He was always generous with his time and this meant that Lupe came first in Oscar’s book. He was always caring and made certain that he considered Lupe’s feelings. By trusting his emotions, Oscar did his best to make sure that both the marriage and home life ran smoothly. This is just one more example of how Oscar was truly a person of empathy.

Oscar’s quality of being a caring and tolerant person who was very accepting of others translated to being a good father to his children. Oscar shared these values with his four children, two sons Jose A and Oscar Jr.; two daughters Gladys and Johanna; and his children-in-law Jaime, Freddy, Jeannie and Alejandra. Oscar was also blessed with eight grandchildren, Kaila, Damian, Oscar III, Alexis, Isabella (R. I. P.), Dyanara, Angelo and Marisol. Oscar related well to children of all ages and was able to connect to them on their level. The children always loved him and he was completely and totally devoted to them.

Oscar experienced success in his work life over and over again. His primary occupation was landscaping and was self-employed for well over 35 years. Oscar enjoyed working outdoors in the many gardens the Lord created. He always made the effort to understand what was needed at work, and was well known by his colleagues as a dedicated team player. Oscar took pride in managing his professional responsibilities and seemed to always know what was necessary to successfully complete any project. Oscar was one to take the initiative and his skills at working cooperatively were highly valued. Oscar continually sought to learn what his co-workers did well and how they were most effective, a talent that enabled him to help them develop their own potential.

Because he was organized and methodical, Oscar took great pleasure in his various hobbies. His favorite activity was spending quality time with his family at home barbequeing, singing, joking and above all eating sweets. Oscar enjoyed sharing his passions with others and could singularly focus on one hobby at a time.

Oscar’s faith was important to him. He was man of strong conviction and lived life as a righteous man. He led by example and always tried to instill on his children and to those who came into his life the serenity and love that lived in his heart. His heart did not know what resentment or anger were. His warm, heartfelt smile would win over any person. He was compassionate and warm hearted, someone who truly cared for others and that was clearly demonstrated in his work with the congregation.

Oscar passed away on October 30, 2011 at Park View Memorial Hospital's Intensive Care Unit. Oscar was enjoying life with his wife Lupe, daughter Gladys, son-in-law Jaime and friends when he suffered a massive heart attack. He was rushed to the emergency room and then immediately transferred to the intensive care unit, where doctors worked hard on stabilizing him. Unfortunately, a few hours later Oscar suffered a second equally massive heart attack, which took his life. He is survived by his wife Lupe; his children Jose A., Gladys, Oscar and Johanna; his grandchildren Kaila, Damian, Oscar III, Alexis, Dyanara, Angelo and Marisol. Services were held at Draper Mortuary's Chapel. Oscar was laid to rest in Bellevue Memorial Park in Ontario, California alongside his grandaughter Isabella.

Throughout his life, Oscar was a gregarious and enthusiastic man. He was generous in sharing his personal attributes, giving and helping those he knew and loved. He would often fill the role of coach, bringing out the best in everyone. He was imaginative, original, tender hearted and easy to get along with. Oscar leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and cherished memories. Everyone whose lives he touched will dearly remember Oscar Armando Gutierrez.