Ivon "Mac" Escamilla

Ivon “Mac” Escamilla April 9th,1960 – September 20th, 2015 Family, friends, and loved ones- It is an honor and privilege for me to stand here today before you and help pay tribute to Ivon “Mac” Escamilla. For those of you that do not know me, I have had the privilege of growing up alongside Ivon, he was my baby brother. As I began to think of the correct words to express my thoughts about my brother, I can’t help but see his contagious laugh and the most beautiful warm and inviting smile. Ivon was a remarkable human being. He always lived life to the fullest and touched so many people along the way, which is evident by the amount of people here today. Ivon was made of “the good stuff”. He was a kind, caring, open minded and a loving individual. I honestly do not think I can put into words just how pure of a soul, my brother had. If you were lucky enough to have met him, then you can testify to this fact. Ivon had various nicknames, Big Papa, Big Bear, Superman, and most commonly he was known as MAC…. Some people have even referred to him as “The Godfather of the Eastside”.Ivon took all of the roles in his life to heart and he strived to honor, support, guide, and most importantly, protect his family. He was at his happiest when he was surrounded by family. His devotion to his family was the foundation of his actions – it was the anchor that defined and shaped his life. Ivon had strong family values. He was the epitome of a family man. He loved his family so deeply. He was a devoted husband, son, father, uncle, nephew, brother, brother-in-law, cousin, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. He was a very prideful person and more then anything was proud of his family. He always tried his best to keep family together. We visited and communicated often. We took pictures at each and every chance we could. To Ivon it did not matter whether you were blood related or not! To him there were no EXCEPTIONS. He would think familia is familia from East Side San Jose to South of Texas and beyond. Ivon was a pillar of comfort to his Mother and Father. He was so devoted to them, often times I even joked around with him calling him, a “Mama’s Boy”. As long as Ivon was on this earth, my parents never went without anything, because he would provide it for them. He was very respectful and caring son. I remember when Ivon was little Mother used to let his hair grow out long and dress him up in dresses. Yes its true, Big Mac wore a dress! During those times it was not taboo or uncommon for moms to dress their sons up in girl’s clothes. There are even pictures to prove it. People say a mother’s love is unconditional and I learned what that met through my mother and his relationship. Ivon was and always will be perfect in her eyes. As I continue to turn through the pages in Ivon’s life, I see a man unwilling to settle for less. This is evident by him choosing such a loving life partner for his wife as April. Ivon and April have been together for more twenty-three years. Together they lived a principled life underpinned by a strong sense of right and wrong. Together they raised their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Ivon taught his children to have a strong sense of principles and respect. His home was open and filled with love, laughter, and life. Their home has always been the core of

family unity, whether you where blood related or not. Ivon was born in the South of Texas. We moved to San Jose when he was four years old. In San Jose we first lived on Minnesota, Orlando Dr, and later moved to Park Dale Way, and he resided there his entire adult life. Growing up he was very mischievous. Ivon always had an abundance of friends. He was very social and charismatic. He was the leader of the pack, within all of his siblings. I can remember that all of us wanted to go where he went. If Ivon went swimming at Overflet, so did we. If Ivon went to the county fair, so did we. It was always his plans and us to follow. During the teen years he always had to fight his brother’s battles. He would fight anyone who messed with them. If something popped off, Ivan would run to get me to help Ivon handle the business. In his older years he would gather together with his brothers on bikes, BBQ’s, or for some football games! Ivon and most of his siblings are die hard Cowboy fans! This is evident by the Cowboy stars and logo that my oldest son tattooed onto Ivon’s head! My siblings are all united and we will always miss the presence of our leader. Ivon had a total of eleven biological siblings; however he formed upteen brothers and sisters with many of you here today. You to know that my brother truly appreciated the genuine special bond he formed with you. Whether you consider him your brother, father, grandfather, uncle, primo, nino, coworker, God-Son or friend. Ivon was truly genuine in how much he loved each and every one of you. He had a heart of gold with an embrace that extended past our blood line. I know that you felt this love when he gave those great big bear hugs and loving kisses every time he would see you.Ivon, I have always said that God build the Dallas Cowboy Stadium with an open sky, and that’s because you will be joining HIM when your Boys play, not to mention hearing Elvis Presley songs in the background. The Dallas Cowboys have earned one more Star in heaven and that is you... Ivoncito, Mijo, we will miss you, and always remember you with respect, admiration, love, Always and FOREVER!