Atanacio "Tanico" Quiterio

Atanacio Quiterio was born on May 5th, 1934. He was a kind soul and would help anyone who asked for help. This man was our father, a fair and even-handed man we will ever know or probably ever known.

He grew up like any man of his generation in a life where hardship was a big part of dai8ly life. He never complained and lived life unlike many of us. He made friends easily and kept those friends close to his hear, always. Many of you knew him; since the community back in his younger years was way smaller than it is today.

He was an explorer at heart, traveled to the North of Mexico (near the US border), Guatemala and everywhere in between; considering that walking and horseback was the norm back then. Having fun was part of living and he enjoyed himself immensely.

In his formative years he learned what was known as the Chicle Trade from his father and that carried him through life until his late thirties. Many of the older generation were involved in the trade and known as Chicleros. During that time he met our mother, Amapola Ildegarda Frutos now Quiterio. We all remember the story of how he saw this young lady and decided right then and there that she was going to be his wife. He had to do a lot of talking and convincing before our grandmother would give him her blessing to their marriage. He had to have a chaperone every time he visited her at home. Oh how times have changed; no more of those old values "dignity and respect" which our dad cherished very highly, are being practiced. They are slowly fading away, now the kids are even meeting on the internet.

After his chiclero days were over, he started to do construction, carpentry and dabbled in other work. He loved it all. Many may or may not know but a few homes and additions, in town, were built by our dad.

As a father he was a responsible man, even made time to have fun with us. Some of us remember how we would catch bucketful of sardines at the river, using champagne bottles with their bottoms knocked out with bread as bait, and have fun frying them till they were crispy as a plantain chip; that was hours of entertainment for us kids. Playing and swimming in the river was a bonus. Our dad was not a strict disciplinarian, we got away with many little things yet he was never a "let you do anything kinda person". He would discipline us if we deserved it and was always fair.

We will miss the man he was and always remember what he would say to us. "If you don't try you will never succeed".

In later years he moved to the U.S. and most of his children wet too. He said "it was for a better life but home will always be home no matter how good life is in another country". Yes opportunities in the "States" are different but he never forgot his responsibilities.

He attended nursing school, graduated and became a healthcare worker. It was the best example he set for us; that something is always possible. Unfortunately, his healthcare work was cut short after he was involved in a car accident, as a passenger, was hit on the head then developed benign vertigo (it's when you have episodes of dizziness and lose your sense of balance). Yes his mind and spirit remained but he was never physically the same after that. The "dizzy spells", as he called them, would hit at random times leaving him totally disorientated and sometimes not even able to stand up. That made us all frustrated. Imagine the man you know who was always strong and self-motivated not be able to walk straight at times, it hurt. Nevertheless, he kept on with life slowly adjusting.

Remember when we would all go to "mama and papa's place" he would always be his lively self. be it someone's birthday, Easter, Christmas or any other special occasion, he would always participate.

In his senior years, he traveled back home accompanied by our mom. He would say "we are going home to see and not forget our friends". That is the type of man my father was kind-hearted and friendly. He did return back to the U.S. to receive medical care until his peaceful farewell.

We miss you old man; you were strong willed: In your you8nger days adventurous, diligent with everything, witty most days, resourceful when needed, always stubborn to boot, found a way to adapt for many years, and a good human being, Now, you're flying with the angels, watching over and protecting us all. When you left you took a piece of all our hearts. Until we meet again. You will never be forgotten.

We say goodbye to a husband, a father, a friend and especially an example. Rest in peace.

Atanacio "Tanico", our dad, is survived by his wife Amapola Quiterio and his eight children: Alejandro Javier (Donuts), Hainel Aurora, Yesenia Sulema (Chena), Albertico Rommel (Pero), Imay Violeta, Luis Edson Elmer (Wicho), Jeimmy Ruth (Jem) and Topacio Amada (Topz). He is also survived by a half-brother, Rene and a hal-sister, Lupita.

On behalf of his eight children, family and friends, we would like to thank you for your presence here today. Thank you for coming to his viewing.

I would like to end this eulogy with a little poem.

The blow was great, the shock was severe, we little thought the end was near; and only those who have lost can tell the pain of parting without farewell. It broke our heart to lose you, but you did not go alone.

A part of us went with you, the day God called you home. Nothing can ever take away, the love a heart holds dear. Fond memories linger every day, remembrance keeps you near.