Julian Michael Zapata

By his Grandmother (Abuelita) “Irma”

Our Julian was born with big lungs and a big baritone tone in his voice. I had thought he was destined to be an Opera Singer!... After all we have talented singers in our family background. He was born a beautiful baby with a beautiful smile. And when he talked he wore his cute smile like his Grandmother Elisa!

Julian was the first and only child for Michael and Sandy Zapata, and the first grandchild for his paternal Grandparents. The first two years of his life were spent in Jamul where his parents had purchased a small ranch. Soon thereafter he was famously known to family and friends as “Julian the Jamulian”.

At the ranch in Jamul he had his first pet, a big, but friendly Sheppard the family named “Big Dog”. But Julian as a baby called him…“Di Doh”. His second and most beloved pet was a dog he chose himself from a long list of pedigrees. A Fox Red Colored, long haired Chihuahua he named “Foxy”. When Foxy had her first litter, which was an astonishing 7 puppies, Julian made sure they were given to family and friends. Julian loved Foxy and Foxy loved Julian!

Julian while living in Jamul had a Nanny named “Kika” and his first words were in Spanish. It was not until he went to childcare at two years of age before he would learn English.

In Point Loma I would walk Julian to and from school every day. Julian loved to take walks. He especially loved walks in the San Diego Zoo. There we would pack a sack lunch and spread a blanket for a lovely afternoon with the animals.

Being an only child Julian was pretty much among adults. Sandy would take him along with her (Us) to fine restaurants with wonderful cuisines. So from an early age Julian developed a refined palette for gourmet foods and international faire.

Julian first attended elementary school in Point Loma and later at private school in Bonita. He graduated from Bonita High School in 2009. He was a freshman at UCSD when he decided to spend more time with his Mother Sandy who was dying of cancer. Sandy left us on this year on February 14, 2011.

At an early age he learned to express a gentle diplomacy that went together well with his natural charm and charisma. Julian had inherited the best traits of his parents. He had an innate ability to get exactly what he wanted and to achieve it in his own sophisticated style.

Julian was very discerning about his friendships and relationships. Julian was quiet, but NOT shy. He was drawn closer to those whom he felt connected spiritually or intellectually.

Julian was ready to soar, and in College he was studying and actively exploring a future career where he could bring his natural talents for conflict resolution and diplomacy skills into an International Business Career.

Julian had navigated the challenges that life presented to him with a quiet maturity and grace. His beautiful presence will be missed by all of us, but his gentle qualities and love for others will prevail!

Irma