Julian Ruelas Barajas

Julian Ruelas Barajas was born Dec. 3, 1929 in Villa Victoria, Michoacan, Mexico. His parents, Elijio Barajas and Maria Cruz Ruelas, raised seven children while they worked on El Rancho La Lima, raising corn, rice, beans and other crops.

Ranch life was tough and everyone worked hard. His father, Elijio, died when Julian was six, his mother, Maria when he was 12. The youngest of his siblings, he lived with his older sister, Eva, and after he finished elementary school he left school behind to work full time.

Along the way, Julian learned how to tailor clothes from a businessman in his small village. People brought him fabric and for one peso he would sew the fabric into pants and other clothing. Soon friends began telling him to move to a larger town where he could get more business. in 1950 he took their advice.

The town was Santa Maria Mira Mar in Michoacan. His future wife, Flora Guerrero, spotted the handsome new tailor in town right away. They were married June 4, 1951.

Being a tailor did not bring in enough money to support a family. Friends told Julian of the Bracero Program, an agreement between Mexico and the United States to provide temporary work in agriculture in the United States. in 1952 Julian joined the program. His work ethic and ability did not go unnoticed and he as in demand as a ranch worker. He found steady work in an orange grove in San Luis Rey in Oceanside.

Flora had moved to Tijuana in 1952, where Julian could visit on off days. The family grew to seven children. In 1960 Julian's boss sponsored all nine to move to the United States and live in a house on the ranch.

Julian worked almost all of the time, providing for the family. He was proud to say he never had assistance from the government. By 1971 he and Flora bought a house in Vista big enough for everyone. And one day a week was special: Sunday. After mass Julian, Flora and the kids would pile into the family station wagon and head to Buddy Todd Park or the beach. On the way they stopped for rotisserie chicken and Julian's favorite, Wonder Bread. The picnic and fun is a special memory for the family.

in 1978 their youngest son Julian Jr. was born.

After retiring he helped out at his oldest son nursery on the weekend. He loved plants. Along with grandchildren and great-grandchildren, his yard was filled with plants, many exotic. Purple flowers of a Queen's Wreath vine bloom now at the entryway of the house where he and Flora lived 56 years.

in 1999 Julian and Flora became U.S. Citizens.

A kind man, his children say he would help out anyone. He helped many others to achieve their dream of a better life. "he wanted his kids to have the advantages of growing up here", his daughter Armida said. "He was so proud of his children's accomplishments".

Julian passed away Wednesday morning, Aug 30th at his home in Vista.

He is survived by his wife Flora of 72 years, and their children, Juan Barajas, Oceanside; Humberto Barajas (Cindy), Vista; Alma Delia Duron, San Marcos; Melida Nathan (Corey), Maui; Armida Barajas, Vista; Leonel Barajas (Staci), Oceanside; Ofelia Garcia (Rene), Vista; and Julian Barajas Jr. (Annie), Los Angeles. He is also survived by 19 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, brothers Jose and Salomon and sisters Maria, Evangelina, Adele and Guadalupe.