Luis Arturo San-Martin

Luis Arturo San-Martin passed away and went to be with his beautiful wife in heaven on Thursday July 18th 2024. He lived a long and fruitful life. He is survived by his sons-Rick, Jay and Jim, daughter in law- Tresha and grandsons- Makani and Kanoa, who will all miss him dearly.

Luis was born in Santiago Chile, son to Angela and Manuel Antonio San Martin.

Pop was an entertaining man, living 94 incredible years, always laughing, dancing and singing. He left Santiago on his own as a very young boy. He found work riding horses as an exercise boy for horses and eventually found his career calling as a horse jockey where he traveled the world, living in many countries and learning 4 more languages other than his native Spanish tongue.

Luis, Louie or Don Lucho, met his beautiful wife Teresa while traveling to Colombia racing horses. He continued to travel the world, but also stayed in contact with the love of his life, via phone, letters, and traveling back to Colombia to see her. After moving to southern California, he finally married mama and brought her to the US to start their life together.

Here in the US, Luis continued his riding career until 1968 when he decided to retire due to how dangerous the demanding sport could be. He was lucky enough to find work, with the help of his friends, with the California Racing Association as a Pari-mutuel Clerk at all the racetracks in Southern California where he worked until his retirement.

Luis and Teresa and their 3 boys settled in San Gabriel, where they had amazing neighbors and made great friends. He loved music, the ocean and laughing loudly. The house was always filled with kids or parties and incredible barbecues for his second family, Club Chileno. Pop loved the beach, and the family spent summers in Del Mar. He would work at the racetrack, and we would all enjoy the beautiful beach. Pop also loved his fruit trees and making wine. He shared both with everyone that came to visit.

In retirement, Pop waited 2 years for mom to retire, and then they set out on a new well-deserved retirement together. They traveled to countless states and countries and were the happiest we ever saw them together. He loved to tell stories and make them into very tall tales. Whenever they would come back from a trip, he could talk about that place for hours.

Dad will most be remembered for his smile, laughter, and generosity. We pray that he is now in Heaven, singing, dancing and laughing with Mom.

Visitation Services will take place at Pierce Brothers Turner & Stevens Mortuary (1136 Las Tunas Dr, San Gabriel, CA 91776) on Friday August 16, 2024, from 5-8pm. Rosary service from 6-6:30pm. Graveside Service will take place at Resurrection Cemetery (966 N. Potrero Grande Drive, Rosemead, CA 91770) on Saturday August 17, 2024, from 11am-12pm. Reception to follow services.