Oscar E. Vargas

Oscar Eduardo Vargas was born in Tijuana, Mexico on August 12th of 1960. His father, Oscar Vargas Sr. was from Costa Rica. He came to the United States to study civil engineering at San Diego State University. Oscar’s mother, Melida Rojo, was an immigrant and worked as a housekeeper in San Diego. They fell in love. When they learned that Melida was pregnant, Oscar Sr. asked her to marry him and go back to Costa Rica to form a family. However, the mother was afraid to follow him, as his family did not approve of her because they were from very different socioeconomic classes. Oscar’s grandparents had already arranged his father’s marriage with someone else. The father went back to Costa Rica.

In Tijuana, Oscar's mother put him under her sister’s care. His mother returned to San Diego to work as a housekeeper. Her work allowed for her and Oscar to legally reside in the United States when Oscar was 5 years old. At that time Oscar was enrolled in Mount of Carmel Catholic School in San Ysidro CA, which meant he had to cross the border every day. As a young child, Oscar's aunt suffered from alcoholism, which would often affect his personal life. In spite of her struggles, Oscar showed great responsibility at this young age as he was able to attend school regardless of all the challenges. He would get ready by himself, and go outside to see if any neighbor was on their way to work to give him a ride. When Oscar couldn’t find anyone he would take the bus from his house to the border, and get to school on an empty stomach. He would also leave school to go home by himself, and would arrive home around 6-7 PM. This was his daily routine from kinder to 3rd grade. Oscar was a brilliant child earning high marks on his report cards. For this, Father Tulio rewarded him, letting him help with building the Church, where he later became an altar boy. Oscar’s struggles as a child established his dedicated work ethic and sense of responsibility.

When Oscar finished 3rd grade, his mother decided to take him to live with her in Los Angeles, CA. Here he finished 4th and 5th grade, and found his passion for sports. He loved football, and played pop-warner. However, during these two years, Oscar experienced emotional distress due to domestic violence stemming from his stepfather. Oscar’s mother decided to send him to Culiacan, Mexico to free him from the violence. However, his life continued to be very difficult due to the violence in the streets. Unfortunately, Oscar witnessed much of this crime related violence. To escape such a world he devoted his life to school and basketball, where he made it to the nationals. After finishing middle school, his high academic performance earned him a scholarship to a prestigious high school. However, constant bullying and threats impeded his opportunity to accept the offer. Once again he moved to Tijuana Mexico to escape such a world, and to attend high school. At age 17, Oscar passed an admission exam with 100% earning a scholarship at CETYS Universidad. He met his sweet and loving wife, his soul-mate, his best friend, Maria Teresa Cuenca Munoz. Maria was 15 at that time and attended the same school. They began dating soon after.

After completing high school, Oscar was accepted at San Diego State University, where he completed a BS in Civil Engineering. His wife became an educational psychologist. Oscar and Maria Teresa were married on December 30th 1983. Oscar’s first son, Oskar Vargas, was born on July 19th 1984, less than a year later on June 18th 1985, his second son Christian Vargas was born. Oscar started working for CALTRANS in 1986 in Sacramento, CA in the design department for 6 months. He then moved to Redding CA for 3 years working in the field. Oscar was very family oriented, and asked to return to San Diego to be close to his extended family. In the end he served the American people through CALTRANS for 29 years. He worked endless hours, conquering many night shifts along the way. He became an extremely respected and honored engineer in California. Due to his skills and experience, the State of California presented him with the opportunity to contribute to numerous projects such as the Coronado Bridge. Furthermore, the City of San Diego asked CALTRANS for their top engineer to work on what would become his final major project, the Balboa Bridge. Oscar’s dedicated efforts served as a significant contribution to the State of California. To quote Governor Edmund Brown Jr, Oscar “worked day in and day out to make the roads safer for Californians”.

He was a very devoted and loving father and husband. Oscar was involved in every aspect of his children’s lives; from his diet, health, school, sports, and emotional well being. Always so interested in his children’s personal lives. Making friends with all his children’s friends. He was many people’s rock. A great example for everybody. He truly left an enormous footprint in this challenging world and in so many people’s hearts. Always making sure everyone had a bite to eat. Oscar passed on to his sons many of his virtuous traits, along with his passion for sports. Oscar was their team coach in almost every sport they played. He spent countless hours teaching them the art of many sports. He supported his wife to return to school to obtain a graduate degree in School Psychology while taking care of the children and household needs.

He was a man whose life revolved around his family and God. He was a selfless man, serving others his whole life. A heart with no vanity, very humble was his being. He never felt better than anyone, regardless of his high success. Boasting never knew his lips, even throughout and after all his achievements or abilities. Oscar was a simple man. Always relating with the lowly. Believing the only thing there is to life is hard work, love, and being merry. And everything else, no matter what it may be, is vanity. And reminding his sons of these important things throughout their lives with his actions and words. Such a forgiving soul he had. Such a patient heart with those he loved. Gentle became his ways and his touch. He always protected others. Always trusted those he loved. Incredibly perseverant in providing his family with a good peaceful life in need of nothing. A life he never knew, but regardless, he fought tooth and nail to provide his offspring and wife with such a dream. A dream he had ever since he could remember. His one and only dream. And it was such a self-less dream, with true love filling every crevice. This man describes all the traits of a Saint. May he rest in peace in heaven along with the rest of the saints, the angels of Christ, and the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit Himself.