Just saw this. My sympathy goes out to the Escarzaga family. I am a friend of Rey Jr. Prayers with you all, Teresa Nowlin
Eulogy delivered 11/21/2012:
Reynaldo L. Escarzaga Sr. was born on May 11, 1927 to Ramon and Candy Escarzaga in Riverside, California. Grandpa was so gungho about serving his country that he lied about his age and joined the Army at the age of 17 during World War II, serving as a supply truck driver in Italy where he earned the Army of Occupation and World War II Victory medals. After leaving active duty service, he worked for 35 years at Norton Air Force Base as a Pipe Fitter maintaining the heating and air conditioning systems throughout the base.
Rey was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Carmen Escarzaga. He is survived by his five children, Marian, David, Thomas, Cindy, and Rey Jr., Sister Emma Gutierrez, and Brother Henry Escarzaga. He also leaves a heritage of 15 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
May 11, 1927 to November 15, 2012. For those who pass his grave, there will be little else to remember him by but the day of his birth and the day that he left this world. To us in this room, the days between those two have changed our world and have made us better people because we knew Grandpa.
What kind of man is he? For me, his overwhelming quality was what could be called stoicism, or his even-manner. Grandpa was not one who wore his emotions on his sleeve. The highs never got too big and the lows too low. He was very even keeled. That is not to say that he was emotionless though. When he was proud of you, he would get a half smile, nod his head and get a tear in his eye. His love for his wife, children and grandchildren guided his life every step of the way. You could say that his emotions ran deep and pure, greater than what could be outwardly expressed in his mild-mannered way.
He was a committed volunteer. Grandpa not only loved his kids but loved his kid's friends. He coached Little League at Del Rosa Little League for 20 years. I heard testimony yesterday from one of the moms whose boys played for Grandpa and she still remembers the time he invested in them, not only teaching them baseball but building character, loyalty and courage in their lives. I learned from him that when I have a passion for something, I need to do it with to the best of my abilities and spread the passion to those around, touching their lives, helping them grow. I am still involved in Little League because my grandpa believed in Little League. I am involved with the community because he helped his be a better place.
Grandpa was a provider. Some people show their love to others by giving gifts, others by saying “I love you.” Grandpa showed his love by providing for the needs of his family. He worked for 35 years at Norton Air Force Base in a job many would not consider glamorous but he did his job and did it well. When raising five kids in a small house required more than his day job paid, he found a way to make it work through teaching himself small appliance repair. Even this was more than just earning a buck though, it was to help out those in need even if they couldn't pay.
Grandpa was hospitable. Growing up, I always thought it was strange when we visited Grandpa's house that my dad would walk up to the front door, check the mail box, and then walk right in. That wasn't what I was taught about other people's houses but it was appropriate here because Grandpa's house was the family's house. Even though my dad had moved away, got married, and had 3 kids, the door was always open on Holly Vista for a visit, a quick peak in the refrigerator, and a chance to sit, talk, watch some TV where apparently I took my dad's place as the remote control, and be with grandma and grandpa. Holidays were always a major event where the families got together, the adults talked inside and us cousins would go entertain ourselves outside, trying not to get caught and get in trouble. Grandpa's house was comfortable and safe – a place where we could go and slow down, enjoy life, and be family.
Grandpa was a team player. One of his favorite pastimes was bowling. Grandpa was a fantastic bowler yet the team was always most important to him. If the team needed him to throw a strike, he threw a strike. If they needed him to throw a spare or miss a few pins to keep the team handicap down, he would do whatever was needed. He was so good that other teams thought they brought in a ringer, a retired professional to guarantee they would win – which his team did. A lot. He never tried to be the superstar but because he was such a great team player, he was.
Grandpa was loyal and committed. He was a man of integrity who kept his word and taught that quality to his children. This was best demonstrated by his marriage. He was married to Grandma for 49 years, through years of illness and hospitalizations, yet he stayed by Grandma's side through everything. I remember writing to my grandma when I was in the Navy and she would brag about how great Grandpa was and how much she loved him. His love brought her comfort through the painful times. His example guides me still as there are always family issues but running away is never an option – Grandpa would stick it through.
One of the last things my grandfather said to me was that he was going to beat me up for smiling. Not quite as good as Amanda's story yesterday. The last few years have been hard for us as many of the qualities we loved about grandpa started to fade but his strength, his loyalty and his love continued to shine through. Now that he has shuffled off this mortal coil, the pain is gone. The disabilities have ceased. I'd like to think that as Grandpa enters Heaven, Jesus is there to greet him with a half-smile, a nod of the head and a tear in his eye and welcomes him into his rest. I look forward to the day when I will meet him again in joy.
With deepest sympathy for your loss. He was a good ma.n
Rey Jr.,
We are sorry for your loss.
My deepest condolences to Rey, Jr. and all of the Escarzaga family. May Rey Sr. rest in peace. Sincerely, Ann Minter
David, so sorry for your loss..thoughts and prayers for you and the family
Our prayers go out to all of the family! The Miles Family
Dear Family, Sorry for the loss of your father/ (in-law), grandpa, brother and best friend. May the Lord keep you in his loving grace and bless you all at this difficult time. Remember all the fun and loving times you've shared with Rey. You'll be in our thoughts and prayers.
Dad, You are everything that is good in me. You showed me how to love with not asking anything in return, My wife and children have benefited from your example in my life. I learned to be faithful to my God, family and job. People ask me why I do so much, to tell you the truth, Dad I could do no less because I am an Escarzaga (a proud and honored name to represent) Dad you set the bar and I work towards it because I am your SON David
I am sorry for you loss, Dave & family. May God comfort you today and always.
We are so thankful to have had the chance to know Rey for the last years.What a wonderful family, our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Love Linda & Marty Ollis
I am sorry for your lost. I pray that you are comforted to know that he is with God.
Lisa Ollis, Our sympathy to you and your entire family at this time of sorrow. May the beautiful memories live a lifetime. Ernie & Melody Lemos
Cindy, my prayers are with you and your family in this time of sorrow. Think of the memories and remember him in those happy times.
Thank you showing my husband how to be a loving husband, father, and grandfather. You were a man of integrity who worked hard to support your family yet you still had time for things like Little League. I will miss your little half smile.
Thank you for showing my husband how to be a man of integrity and of loving authority. You sacrificed so much and worked hard to support your family. You were a loving husband, father and grandfather and you leave a great legacy through your children and grandchildren.
Dear grandpa,
I just wanted to say that you were an amazing grandpa. You always came to my soccer games when you could and always asked about them. Whenever I saw you, you would always say how beautiful I was and the look on your face after I would give you a kiss in the cheek was priceless.. That's one thing that never changed even after you started to lose your memory. One of my favorite memories of you was when I came to visit you this past year and we were talking then you just look at me and said " I love you," you caught me off guard but made my day... I love you grandpa and Im happy your one of my guardian angels now and you can be yourself now in heaven :)
Rey Jr,
I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Grandpa, I love you so much. And I'm going to miss you so much. Coming to see you was always one of my favorite things - it will be so strange to go to San Bernardino and not go to your house, a place I considered a second home. You were an amazing grandfather and an amazing person. I am so happy that you are free to be yourself again and to be with grandma again. I love you so much.
I look at my life and see reflections of you in every part of it. Thank you for being a man of integrity. Thank you for showing me how to love through good and bad times and how to be loyal no matter the circumstances. Thank you for showing me hospitality, humility and how to carry myself through trouble and joy.
Thank you Grandpa for raising a family who knows honor and honors our Lord and Savior. I know no other man who the words, "Well done, my good and faithful servant" could be better bestowed upon.
My dearest Rey! I'm going to miss the talks we had about the baseball games on tv and your laugh and smile,as you would try and get me to learn how to speak Spanish.. I'm thankful to of had the pleasure of meeting you... And what family members i did meet of yours,are real nice people. Rest in peace, you are now with your wife.. And to all the family I'm sorry for your loss... Love Always Shannon .M. Miles
To Rey, the best Father-in-Law ever, I will miss you so much,you and Carmen welcomed me into your family with open arms over 35 years ago. We've had so much fun over the years on our vacations to Rosarita Beach Lake Tahoe, Maui, and at Lil' Rey's baseball games and Amanda's soccer games,we always enjoyed doing things with you. Your Son Rey is the best husband ever. You were so funny. give Carmen a hug for me. I will always love and miss you.
Dear Daddy,
I was so happy to take you bowling on Tuesday and Thursday. I am going to miss that the most. You made me laugh and you made me cry. I am going to miss you so much. At least I know you're with Mama and that makes us all happy. Dad we will never forget you please keep watching over us. You and Mom are our Angels and will be forever in our hearts. Love you Marian
My dearest dad, you were so great to me and my family, we enjoyed our vacations together and spending time at the kids sporting events. You have tought my family and kids how important family is and that they come first... I will truly miss you...!!! You are the best father anyone could every ask for. Love your Son Rey Jr.
Daddy, you will be forever in my heart. I love you so much and life will not be the same without you. Thank you so much for teaching me how to love and laugh. You were the best and I will miss you dearly!