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Joaquin Oliver Obituary
The Miami Herald reported that Joaquin was born in Venezuela, moved to the U.S.with his family at the age of 3, and became a U.S. citizen in 2017.
Known by the nickname "Guac," Joaquin enjoyed football, basketball, the Venezuelan national soccer team, urban graffiti, and hip-hop.
The Sun-Sentinel quoted his final social media post to his girlfriend, Victoria Gonzalez: "Thank you Lord for putting a greater blessing than I could ever imagine into my life this past year," he wrote. "I love you with all my heart."
Legacy mourns all those who died at Stoneman Douglas.
154 Entries
Lily
November 24, 2024
Your story has been the one that has brought me to tears the most.
Elizabeth Harman
September 10, 2024
Joaquin, I visited the memorial at MSD High school in 2023 after the trial was over. I was waiting for Justice to be served before I came to pay my respects for children and adults I had never met. Traveling back to my hometown in Wisconsin I became intently aware how much this tragedy out of all the other school shootings has affected me. I want to help future parents never feel this pain. Your family will continue your legacy and the fight along with thousands of others in this world. rest in peace. You are LOVED.
Gloria Armendariz
September 2, 2024
Sweet boy!
Esha
April 23, 2024
Hi Joaquin! I never knew you nor did you know me. I'm actually from Canada and heard about the Stoneman shooting a few years later after it happened. Once, I heard about your story- I felt my heart shatter knowing that so many innocent lives were lost and they could no longer share the love and light that they brought to the world. I saw your soulmate, Victoria Rose give her impact statement- it was almost like I knew you. Your presence brought light to every room you walked it, the love you gave to the world was indescribable. You just had something magical to you, the drew everyone to you. I wish I knew you. You represented all the good, the innocent, and the love. Now, people all over the world know you and they LOVE you!! May God bless your beautiful soul and may you be brought to your loved ones in another life. Hope you watch over the world knowing what a powerful impact you made and smile up in Heaven :')
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Kathy & John Smith
February 27, 2024
Joaquin,
I think of you often and I know your family and friends miss you so much. You should be so proud of your parents on their determination to help ban all high powered rifles. You had your whole life ahead of you and it was taken away in the most unthinkable way. You will NEVER be forgotten. God Bless!❤
monique
August 21, 2023
Every time i listen to frank ocean I’m reminded of you❤ May your beautiful soul rest in peace.
July 19, 2023
I pray that you are at peace and that God may bring comfort and blessings upon all your loved ones
July 19, 2023
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Amelia Drake
March 28, 2023
I think of you often, you beautiful young man. I am so sorry for what happened to you. You would be so proud of your loving family who fights for you and your memory, every single day. I hope you are in peace.
January 26, 2023
Joaquin, you are so Loved.
Rachel
January 8, 2023
You are missed x x x
Amy M Naglowsky
December 3, 2022
R.I. P. Young man Gone too soon . We will all miss all of you 17
Tera Bush
November 3, 2022
May his memory forever be a blessing to all who knew and loved him
October 13, 2022
Rest In Peace JOAQUIN❤
Joan
August 4, 2022
Rest In Peace beautiful Angel.
Atiya
August 1, 2022
Rest in peace beautiful soul!
Nikki
July 21, 2020
I dont know you but whatever happened really broke my heart till this very day. From what I see and hear from so many people, youre an amazing person who deserve so much in life. Rest easy. I believe your story will be able to change America. I am so proud of your family, they will be able to help change America into a better place.
Ratna Idris
February 14, 2020
I dont know u, i just watched a video made for u on twitter. Then i came here just to say Rest in Love & peace, Joaquin (Feb 14th, 2020)
Brian Michael Ortiz
January 1, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Brian Ortiz
January 1, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Rose Mcshahon
October 20, 2019
Ever since I heard of your death, I have felt a great burden of guilt and sadness. I would trade my life for yours in a second. You deserved so much more than this. You deserved to feel safe in school. Im living life and youre not. This makes me so guilty as I say I want to die so many times a day. I have to remind myself that there are people dead. People like you, Joaquin, who were happy and had so much ahead of them. People who wanted to live. Im sorry to all the other victims and their families. Nearly two years and this has not changed. We all miss you and we are still trying to make this violence end. God rest your soul.
Jorge Cabrera
August 1, 2019
Guac i never knew you in person but you inspired and I'm 100% sure if you were alive and working with me at my Job we would've make great friends and i would've risk my life to save your life if i were a student in Stoneman douglas.
June 18, 2019
I miss you more everyday. More than a year later and I still cant believe youre gone. I just want to laugh with you again.
Neil Young
June 15, 2019
Rest easy ❤
Robin Savigni
February 8, 2019
To the Oliver family,
I was listening today to a radio program that mentioned your son. As soon as they mentioned his name, his face came to my mind. I am only a stranger who wants to say I am so sorry for your loss. Your son reminds me a lot of my nephew. I wish you peace and know that one day you will see your son again.
Cerys
January 9, 2019
I never knew Joaquin, yet he stood out to me very much. I think of him and his family every single day, and feel their pain alongside them constantly. There are lights lit for Joaquin on the other side of the world. my endless love
1971, with good hair
J. J.
August 13, 2018
Guac, you are still being thought of 6 months after this year's sad Valentine's Day, by strangers like me on the Left Side of the USA. I don't know what or when, it just seems like a better world will evolve in memory of you and those who died with you, or were injured.
Rest well, Guac.
August 8, 2018
This is all still so very heartbreaking. Que descanses en paz! No te conoci pero se nota que eras un persona extraordinaria. Se ve una luz inmensa a tu alrededor, en cada foto y video que e visto de ti. Dejaste una vacio a este mundo.
June 30, 2018
You have the light of God within you, Joaquin. It'll never stop shining.
Elizabeth
June 17, 2018
I also have not been able to stop thinking of Joaquin since i first heard of this awful incident and yet i did not know him.. Watching those who love and miss him in interviews truly breaks my heart and i cannot describe the loss I feel seeing you all go through this. However, seeing his loved ones seeking hope from this dark place is remarkable. Love to you all!
Zoom Kota
June 12, 2018
I never knew Joaquin, but once I saw the news and saw the victims, his stood out to me. to this day I still think about him and his life was cut way too short. he seemed like he was an amazing person and I will never forget him. He would have had a very bright future, and I will never forget him. my deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Marian Karam
May 15, 2018
Me recuerdo cuando te conocí por primera vez, y cuando me hablaste en español, fuiste literalmente luz para mi ese dia, porque no solo hablábamos el mismo idioma sino también éramos del mismo país, y eso me hacia sentir en casa. Para mi fuiste un hermano desde el primer día, por mas de que no éramos mejores amigos siempre echabas broma y encontrabas una manera de hacerme reír, me contabas tus cosas, me hablabas de tu novia y de tu abuela, y yo lo único que me decía por dentro era "wow... el es literal un angel, que sentimientos tan puros". Y tuve razón, eras, eres, y seras un angel por siempre, y déjame decirte que eres uno de mis ángeles favoritos. Vuela alto guac, te querré por siempre
May 15, 2018
miss you buddy
May 12, 2018
Joaquin I remember you and I always had our fun times u were allways there for me I love you so much buddy u were my bestfriend and I miss u Guac wish u were here u are always on my mind u are never forgotten.There is a hole in my heart still that piece in my heart wont be taken it will be saved for u!
Wilfredo Vargas
April 25, 2018
I never knew Joaquin. But he is part of my thoughts at least once a day. Today is April 25th and I am still sadden by his unjust death. On that fateful day I saw his picture splashed across the news and I knew he was a special person. I am 62 and I will think of him for the rest of my life.
Sarah Castaneda
April 8, 2018
May God bless your family and gave them happiness having you. Such a good looking and young gentle young man. Rest in peace ✝✝
Menna Kidane
March 17, 2018
I have cried for Joaquin almost every day since I saw his picture on the news. I did not know him, but the moment I looked into his eyes I felt his spirit of kindness and hope. I can't stop reading about him, watching
Great videos of him and thinking about him. I can't help but feel like the world lost a young man who was going to better it as I'm sure he did in his life.
He feels like a long lost friend.
My condolences my prayers and my tears are with his family.
Your beauty lives on Joaquin, no one can take that away from you
LaNay B
March 17, 2018
My heartfelt condolences goes out to the Oliver family, I honestly can't imagine the pain that you must be going through. May you gain comfort and strength from the many ones who love you. And may also draw comfort from the one who is the God of all comfort, he will guide you through this time, and may his loving arms be wrapped around your ailing heart.
Orietta, Vega
March 15, 2018
Joaquin toco muchas vidas aun cuando se marcho tan repentinamente. No lo conoci y su espiritu me toco profundamente, he llorado su partida y trato de imaginarme de estar en los zapatos de Manuel y Patricia y no puedo. Ruego que el amor de familiares y amigos los ayude a seguir caminando.Estoy segura que Jjoaquin siempre estara con ustedes.
March 14, 2018
I'm sorry for your loss.
liz ramirez
March 14, 2018
Youre In A Better Place Happy And Healthy. Youre A Beautiful young man and forever will be . you are blessed , May God Keep his Hand and protection Upon Your Family, Friends And Girlfriend.
nadine A.
March 14, 2018
praying for the oliver family, beautiful child . may god give you warmth and strength. my deepest condolences for this beautiful angel and his family. may god bless you.
TinaJ
March 13, 2018
I would like to offer my deepest sympathy to the family on the loss of your loved one,Joaquin. May you allow the peace of God to help you to cope with this grief.
Aida Sanchez-Vela
March 10, 2018
Im so sorry that your life was taken, Im so sorry for the loss of the other 16 beautiful lives. Im so sorry for the grief of your family, your classmates, your school and your community. I will follow the lead of your courageous friends. All of you are in my heart and will keep you there while I march on the 24th, in Seattle. ❤
Delores Olivef
March 4, 2018
May God give you peace. God Bless an kep you always.
Barbara Newton
March 3, 2018
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Naarah Crawley
March 3, 2018
Sorry for your loss. May the God of comfort help you during these difficult times!
M. Velez
March 2, 2018
RIP in paradise with God & his angels sweetheart... you're an angel now.
Zeda Medina
March 1, 2018
My heartfelt condolences to the family of this wonderful boy. I am deeply saddened by the horrific event that took this beautiful child. Hoping the family of Joaquin find some peace through all the love and prayers sent their way.
Bianca Velazquez
March 1, 2018
Aunque no conocia a ninguna de las victimas me sentí sumamente afectada por esta inexplicable tragedia, Mi más sentido pésame y condolencias para la familia de Joaquin.
Joann C
March 1, 2018
There are truly no words for the hurt that this horrible incident has caused so many families including that of Joaquin Oliver. These precious children had their whole lives in front of them and it was cruelly taken from them. May God comfort those that they left behind and may they find peace knowing that their loved ones are with God in Heaven.
Phyllis Watson
February 28, 2018
To the family,
My deepest condolences in the passing of Joaquin. Please find comfort in the words of 2Peter 3:13, "But there are new heavens and a new earth that we are awaiting according to his (God's) promise, and in these righteousness is to dwell." Joaquin and his classmates (all killed at Parkland) will be restored to enjoy life in paradise. (Luke 23:43)
Tangela S
February 28, 2018
.My deepest condolences to the family of Joaquin Oliver.May the precious memories of the time spent together help ease the pain of your loss. Look to the God of comfort to strengthen and comfort you during this difficult time.
February 28, 2018
EPD
Martha Diaz
February 27, 2018
Mis condolencias para la familia y amigos.
Jordan Wook
February 27, 2018
I am deeply saddened by these shooting victims. Although I've never met Joaquin, I send my condolences out to his family and friends. Rest in peace.
debra mann
February 27, 2018
sorry for your lost. hoping this candle will shine so bright for you to let you no he will always be there.
REGUARDLESS !
Christopher Gaylon L. Sessions
February 27, 2018
I didn't know you yet l still love you lil man. My mom in heaven will watch over you. Your beautiful soul is now free.
Taylor Conwell
February 24, 2018
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Karen H
February 24, 2018
Joaquin's kindness and inner beauty shines through. My deepest condolences to family and friends.
February 23, 2018
May Joaquin rest in God's eternal embrace.
JOY HUGGETT
February 23, 2018
My heart goes out to you and your family at this difficult time
Anastasia Hanson
February 23, 2018
Joaquin's senseless death will resonate with me for the rest of my life. Everything I do from now on will be in the memory of him and the sixteen others who were taken too soon that day. My poetry will forever brim with the words Joaquin might have written. He will never be forgotten. Every day, I pray for the healing of his family and loved ones. May God always be with you.
Mina :)
February 23, 2018
i don't even know any of the victims but my heart broke when i heard the news . They doesn't deserve this. My deepest condolences to Joaquin's family. He's in a better place rn!
Sarah Sargent
February 22, 2018
What a beautiful boy. Inside and out. My heart is breaking for you all. I am a stranger, but seeing his sweet face and reading about him compelled me to write.
Alina Galati
February 22, 2018
Praying that you all have strength, courage and hope to face the days ahead. Rest in peace sweet boy..may flights of angels sing you to thy rest.
Shannon Gyles
February 22, 2018
I cannot even imagine the horror that the families,friends and community is going through right now ,what a tragic loss of a handsome young man.please know that the world is grieving with you all at this time! May Joaquin and all the others that lost their lives rest in peace.
L. V.
February 22, 2018
My deepest condolences to the family of Joaquin. My heart breaks for all the families of this senseless tragedy. May he rest in eternal peace. God please take this young man in your Paradise and pray for all who loved him.
February 22, 2018
May the hearer of prayer grant comfort, courage, strength, and peace at this time of sorrow. You have my deepest sympathy.
Bridget Taylor
February 22, 2018
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Elizabeth
February 21, 2018
My heart goes out to Joaquin's family and friends with my deepest sympathies. This tragic and senseless loss is beyond comprehension. God bless all of you; my prayers are with you. Rest in peace, Joaquin, you are an angel who was taken away far too young.
Amanda Annen
February 21, 2018
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Necy Kibitz
February 21, 2018
Que dios bendiga a su familia! Su bebe precioso esta con papa dios y los angelitos... un abrazo de mi familia para los suyos... desde que vi la foto de joaquin en las noticias, no he dejado de pensar en el y su familia.. no los conozco pero tengo un gran dolor en el alma por su sufrimiento..
Patricia
February 21, 2018
My deepest condolences go out to all Joaquin's family and friends. My pray is that the God of all comfort will give you the comfort you need now and into the future. May your fondest memories bring back joy to your broken hearts.
In Love and Prayers ~Patricia
Neera Malik
February 21, 2018
With a heavy heart, I send my love and condolences to the family and friends. Joaquin appeared to be a beautiful soul, and a kind human being. May his soul rest well in heaven. I hope the beautiful memories his friends and family have of him, help them through this heartbreaking time. I cannot find the words to express my sorrow for the one's he's left behind. May your hearts soon be filled with peace as you celebrate a life well lived. Remembering Joaquin and his loved one's in my prayers today, tomorrow and forevermore. He's watching over you as an Angel. Rest well, Joaquin, you will be missed dearly.
Judie Volpe
February 21, 2018
With a very heavy heart I would like to send my condolences. There are no words to comfort you at this time. May the beautiful memories Joaquin has blessed you with help you through. Heaven has a new angel.
Sara Mohammad
February 20, 2018
To Joaquin's family and friends,
I am writing this with tears in my eyes from the Middle East. I never knew him personally, but he has touched my heart in ways I cannot explain. No words can express how sorry I am for your loss. I have never been affected by someone's passing so much, which shows you that you have truly created an angel. I cannot imagine your pain, but the whole world stands with you - from America to the Middle East. Your boy is now an angel watching over you.
February 20, 2018
Sorry for the loss of your beautiful boy. I know he'll live on in your hearts.
February 20, 2018
Please accept my deepest sympathy. May the God of all comfort heal your hearts now and in the future.
Jeffrey Bonk
February 20, 2018
It was with a very heavy heart that I read about Joaquin's funeral. It said that the mourners were urged to celebrate this wonderful young man's life, but the burly young men who played sports with him, emerged from the chapel weeping uncontrollably. All of America is weeping for Joaquin, and his loved ones, and all of the other beautiful souls who were lost on February 14th. Joaquin's life was much too brief, but the world is a more beautiful place, because he lived. He will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him during his journey here on earth.
DEBORAH GIPSON
February 20, 2018
Please accept my heartfelt condolence for the loss of your son. May the God of all comfort make your grief bearable,and letting you know that others feel your pain and can sympathize with you.
February 20, 2018
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Sharon Parsons
February 19, 2018
you will be missed by many
The Brown Family
February 19, 2018
Rest among the Angels
Dina Belafqih
February 19, 2018
Rest in peace Joaquin, heaven as gained another angel
Jay Eli
February 19, 2018
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
- Jay from Holland
Brooklyn Martin
February 19, 2018
I remember I met Joaquin back when I was only 10 years old. He was 12 at the time. I met him through two friends of mine who were also living in Florida; Kyler Smith and Zachary Pawnes. I knew the two of them online, them both knowing Joaquin. I met him, and quickly clicked with him. We got close, despite me never getting the chance to meet him. We talked all day, nearly every day, in a dumb group chat we had had at the time. We all used to call him Chopper (as a nickname), and then Guac a few years later. I remember as a kid, when I was about 12, I used to lie to all my friends that Joaquin was my older brother (despite us looking nothing alike. I'm a short European girl and he's Venezuelan, obviously). I would tell everybody, because I looked up to him so much. I remember about four months or so later, he found out. I expected him to flip out, or be embarrassed, but he wasn't. I remember that one dumb text back after I admitted to it, when he said "sounds good to me". I honestly think it embarrassed me WAY more than it did him. From then, I got even closer to him. He was like my older brother; I really saw him as one. Years went by of drama, relationships, new friendships, but we always stayed in touch. Me, him, Kyler, Zach, and a newly formed friendship with a boy named Monte (who was three years my senior). Eventually, as I went through middle school, I slowly lost touch with all of them. Kyler first, then Zach, Monte, leaving our little clique to just the two of us (us still never had met by this point, which was when I was in late seventh grade/early eighth grade). We lost touch because of some of the drama for a few months, but quickly resumed talking after we apologized. Today, I am fifteen. Five years of my life I spent with Joaquin's presence. He filled my life with friendship, companionship, laughter, and most of all, meaning. I heard about the shooting that had killed my friend on February 15th, but I hadn't known of the victims yet. This morning, February 19th, I was doing some reading and saw he was on the list of victims. I felt my heart sank, knowing why I hadn't received a text back from him.
Joaquin was a light to the world that was robbed from everybody too young. My heart goes out to his family and local friends, and each and every person that never got the chance to meet him.
I love you buddy. Thank you.
The Vitelli/Allardice Family
February 19, 2018
In loving memory of Joaquin, a wonderful spirit who loved endlessly. He is now a guardian angel for his loved ones in the skies above, and whenever we see a ray of sunshine we will know it is him. God bless.
Miggy Velez
February 19, 2018
My deepest heartfelt sympathy go out to Joaquin's family. He was a very handsome young man & as I read, very kind & loving as well. May you RIP with our Lord... heaven has gained another angel. Much love & peace to all his family, friends & his beautiful girlfriend... he will always be with you all.
February 19, 2018
May the love of friends, and family carry you through your grief.
The Ditto Family
February 19, 2018
Our sympathy to you, may God give you strength in this time.
Our family grieves with you for your beautiful child.
Marla Brocking
February 18, 2018
Although I never met this young man, my prayers are with him, his family and friends during this tragic time. Having school aged children myself, this tragedy has struck my heart deeply. So many innocent lives taken. This kid was handsome, smart and had his whole life ahead of him. No words will ease the pain of his family and friends but please know that my daughters and I lit a candle for him and for all the victims after our Mass in church today. His face and his story are etched in our minds forever. We are so very sorry for your loss. May his soul Rest in Peace.
Shella Peterson
February 18, 2018
May you rest in peace
My deepest condolences to your family.
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