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Gus Arriola Obituary
Arriola, who had suffered from Parkinson's disease for some time, died at home in Carmel with his wife, Mary Frances, by his side, according to publicist Alan Richman.
Arriola, who was born in Arizona but of Mexican-American descent, started drawing "Gordo" in 1941.
His strip about a bean farmer-turned-tour guide who taught Americans about life south of the border ran for 44 years in as many as 270 newspapers. He retired in 1995.
Fellow cartoonists praised Arriola's skill as an artist and for helping to break down anti-Mexican stereotypes and educating readers about life in a neighboring country.
"He became an accidental ambassador. I didn't intend for him to be, but the readers made him that," Arriola said of his main character during a 2002 interview with The Associated Press.
"People would write and tell me that they went to Mexico because of reading about it in the strip," he said.
Early in his career, when Arriola worked as an animator for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's cartoon studio, his talent with pen and ink were put to use reinforcing the popular image of Mexican banditos, and his original incarnation of Gordo featured a lazy scoundrel taking siestas under a tree.
He remade the strip after a few readers complained that his work was a disservice to fellow Hispanics.
"I was going to do a Mexican Li'l Abner," Arriola said. "I was just going to be funny, then I realized that I'm depicting a real group of people here. I was caught, and I had to go with what I had created."
Arriola learned about Mexican culture from his father, who was born on a hacienda in the Mexican state of Sonora and from growing up as the youngest of nine children in Florence, Ariz., about 120 miles northwest of the border.
He would later recall that he learned to speak English by reading the Sunday funny pages.
Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press
63 Entries
January 8, 2015
Please accept my sincere condolences and sincere prayers that go out to the surviving family and friends. May the God of comfort continue to bless you and yours especially after such an untimely loss of a very precious life please accept my deepest sympathies. (2 Cor. 1:2, 3).
April 5, 2014
And no resident will say: “I am sick…”Isa 33:24. We can be sure of this reality because God has promised as seen from his divine words about the near future; perhaps you or I may see those missing from our lives due to sickness or injury that lead to death. Prayers go out to the surviving family and friends.
Shannon Inglish
October 9, 2010
Dear Gus, I have always treasured that I was born on your birthday and that you became my god-parent.
Every so often, I re-read the letters and cards you exchanged with my mom and dad..they were always so funny and clever..so glad you and francie were part of our lives,con mucho amor y via con Dios,
joe ross
August 18, 2010
Growing up I was always a fan of the comics. Gordo was among my favorites. It was also a teaching tool. Vaya con Dios.
How you can show support
Mimi Rubinelli
July 31, 2010
Dear Gus Familys
I hope alls well.
My Father told me he made his catoon very well My Father is 84 .
In joyed his Cartoon as a child.
Mimi
Mimi Rubinelli
July 31, 2010
Dear All Family of Gus
My Father loved all his Cartoon he just told me how wonderful they where .
Sorry too all his Familys.
Mimi
Mimi Rubinelli
July 31, 2010
Hello All of his Familys
I am sorry hes dead I'de tell him my Father loved your Cartoons.
My Father is 84.
Mimi
Larry your admirer
March 19, 2010
Gus, losing your warmth and charm every Sunday grieves me EVERY Sunday
Ricardo Arriola
November 9, 2009
I'm sadden to have found out about Gus Arriola's passing and never had the pleasure to meet him and wife Mary Frances. The Gordo, Tehuana Mama and Pepito strips must have been very good. We would have enjoyed reading about Gordo's adventures in South Texas. Gus and all his cartoon friends would have been the topic of conversation in all of the Arriola's household down here. Gus is now gone but his memory will always be with friends and family.
Elissa Marquez Bereznak
January 14, 2009
I was sad to hear the passing of Mr. Arriola. As I child I enjoyed his comic strip very much and continue to enjoy it because it showed the Mexican culture with humor and respect. Mr. Arriola will be missed by many who looked forward to reading the next adventure of Gordo and friends. I believe that Gus is regaling the angels with his wonderful humor.
Roberta Tennant
December 31, 2008
During the last 63 years (i am 66) of reading the Comics Pages, "Gordo" stands out in my mind for its warmth, humour, artwork and its gently expressed but extremely profound philosophy about people, animals, and life in general. I can still see in my mind's eye that wonderful recurrent grouping of cat, dog, pig, and rooster "discussing" the meaning of it all! What a beautiful and unforgettable creative achievement this special world of Gordo was. And always will be.
Octavio Arriola
December 8, 2008
Your familiy is left with a great legacy.
Linda Miku
November 1, 2008
I'm remembering Mr. Arriola because All Souls' Day is tomorrow, and he was the first to teach me about the Mexican customs associated with it, via his many colorful "Gordo" strips.
I hope he'll be having as much fun and enjoyment on the other side with all the festivities and remembrances as he did on this side. Condolences to his family. He he still with you (and with us all), only in a different way.
Christina Carroll
July 4, 2008
Dear Family of Gus Arriola,
I am Christina Carroll, daughter of Norma and Bob Carroll, Jr. (recently deceased, too.) I have held for many decades fond memories of our tiny family coming to your warm home/studio in Carmel. I warmly carry with me since then, indelible notion of a "working artist" and the warmth of the light in both you, Mary Frances, and Gus. We Carrolls were so fond of you Arriolas! The threads that feed from one person to another, over miles, over years, I find fascinating. Now 48, and with only my mother, I am an artist who still finds Northern California "home", in no small part due to brief but deeply incising times spent with you. My mother and I are so sorry to hear of your loss. Sincerely, Christina Carroll (8141 Cornett Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90046)
Miracle
May 29, 2008
I would like to take a moment to say I'm sorry about your lost of your loved one and I woud like to share a scpriture wth the family at John11:25Jesus said I am that resurrection and the life, he that exercises faith in me. even though he dies will come to life.
Mike Stein
February 20, 2008
I enjoyed his work first in the LA Times, then the San Diego Union during the 60's until I left SoCal in 1973. His story lines were great and his Sunday art was always a favorite with Poosy Gato or Bug Rogers being my favorites. Poosy Gato and the art of the paper bag was kept through many moves. I'd like to thank Hector Cantu and Carlos Castellanos for letting me know of Gus's passing through their strip Baldo. Gus, Thanks putting a little light in the day every day I had the joy of reading your strip. Vios Con Dios.
Pablo Rodríguez
February 9, 2008
Thank you Gus for sharing with us your little friend Gordo, he entertained and enlightened us all. Growing up in San Francisco, I discovered Gordo’s Hispanic world and loved it.
I’m sure that you are in a much better place now with the ones you love.
¡Muchicimas Gracias por todo amigo! ¡Vaya con Dios!
Pablo Rodríguez
Jeffrey Thorp
February 7, 2008
I was shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Gus Arriola. I was never interested in the newspaper until I discovered Gordo in The Everett Herald in 1969. Unfortunately, the Herald dumped Gordo in 1974, but for all the joy and mirth I got from those 5 years of comic strips I will forever be grateful. I will argue to my dying day that Gordo was the funniest comic strip ever. I still have in my possesion one day's strip from 1972 that when I need a laugh I look at it and it still never fails to make me laugh. (I hope that someday someone will complete a series of collected Gordo strips).
And to Mary Frances Arriola and the rest of Gus's family I just want to say, Peace, God be with you. You are in my prayers.
Gary Clark
February 6, 2008
Gus, and his creative humor and artistic ability, was a gift to many people.
One of the more interesting people I have met during my life so far.
Gus had a wonderful life and a wonderful and special wife.
Elaine Giampietro
February 6, 2008
How lucky I am to meet "The Lab Boys" through Dr. Ted Stotler. So many memories of great times at the Stotler Casa with Dedini, Mary Frances and Gus, Al Parker, et al.
Gus outlived them all and the last one out of the Lab will lock up, soon.
Thank you so much for your delightful contributions to our lives. Adios y vaya con Dios
Jim Guida
February 4, 2008
Gus Arriola will live forever in the wonderful gift he left behind. I am grateful that I got a chance to meet him and get to know the gracious, intelligent, gentleman for which he will be remembered. I can imagine him inside the Pearly Gates, enjoying a cup of coffee and making St. Peter laugh.
My sympathies to Mrs. Arriola, who shall forever reign as his great love in the hearts of his fans.
nancy Liapes Drew-Rafuse
February 4, 2008
Dear folks forgive me for intruding but I said a little prayer and had to return to you again...My little girl and her friend were sweet heart my little Heather known for gigling and make people laugh her before I share her poem with you you see she would not work not go to school she did not have a drivers license...but she could write poetry sice third grade that would absolutely astound me. Her thousand friends that came to the funereal they could not be sad at the mention of her name and a direct look in their eyes you see she lived Gourdo....
Nancy Liapes Drew-Rafuse
February 4, 2008
Dear Gus' family I almost forgot my big sister you now Moreliver....February 3 is her birthday................................................
Eva Ward
February 3, 2008
Mr. Arriola will be missed. I am so grateful for his cartoon strip Gordo. I read it every day for many years and the stories and characters influenced my attitude towards Mexicans by showing we have the same hopes, struggles, friends and families. May God help his family and friends through this time of sorrow.
Robert Arriola
February 3, 2008
I enjoyed your Sunday comic strips in the Chronicle while I was growing up in San Francisco. I have two of your books with forewards by Herb Caen and Charles Shultz that I will share with my daughter. Thanks for your wonderful Gordo comic strips that brought joy and laughter to so many people.
Tracy Richard
February 3, 2008
Thank you for making my childhood something very special. Vaya con Dios.
Frances Gorey
February 3, 2008
I often wondered what became of Gordo and Gus and was sad to read of passing. I grew up in his down the street from him in Carmel and have fond memories of his family. My condolences.
J. Amundson
February 3, 2008
Gordo conjurs up many delightful memories and chuckles over the sweet and very amusing cartoons--Hope that there will be published compilation of these priceless and sweet cartoons!!
Rayn Random
February 3, 2008
Thank you Gus, for all the smiles that started each day with "Gordo".
BILL JACKSON
February 3, 2008
MANY THANX AGAIN FOR BAILING ME OUT OF AN EMBARRASSING SITUATION AT THE OLD SU VECINO RESTURANT SO LONG AGO AND FOR BEING A GENUINE HUMAN BEING. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
Leilani Young
February 3, 2008
Gordo was one of the very first friendly public figures I knew as a little girl. I think I expected friendliness from my encounters with mexican American culture and that on the whole is what I got. Gordo led us all to the sunny side of the street. (raised on reading in CA)
Joe Ciacco
February 3, 2008
I met Mr. Arriola in the forties when he and my aunt, Esther Clark both worked at the old Phoenix Gazette. He made a drawing of Gordo and signed it to me. I still have that drawing and the memories of a really nice guy.
Mark Johnson
February 3, 2008
GORDO gave me insights to Mexican culture when I first arrived in SF. It also brought me joy. I have missed the work of Gus Arriola for many years, and am sad to hear of his passing.
Wes Hill
February 3, 2008
Followed the strip until it went away and have fond memories of it!
Sunday's were ALWAYS special.
Bernie Walp
February 3, 2008
I met the charming and gracious Mr. and Mrs. Arriola 10-15 years ago, one of the most memorable chance encounters I have known. We chatted at some length about Big Sur and environs, before the topic of professions came up. When Mr. Arriola said he was an artist I realized I was speaking to THE Gus Arriola, whose comic strips I'd loved all through childhood. His eyes seemed to sparkle with such delight at my own glee. I am sad at his passing and send prayers for his family.
Kathleen Webb
Kathleen Webb
February 3, 2008
My husband first introduced me to the delights of Gus' work by sending me copies of the strip by mail when we were pen pals. Later I bought Gus' book about Poosy Gato, and got my friends interested in the strip. But it wasn't until the nineties that my husband Bill and I had the privilege and delight to meet Gus and his wife Mary Frances in person. I wrote him a fan letter and he cordially invited us to stop in and meet him at his home in Carmel while we were in the area. They entertained us for the evening, taking us out to dinner and chatting into the night. Gus even showed us his studio. We met with them again in Carmel for a second time and repeated the same lovely evening. After that we exchanged Christmas cards each year (Gus sent us hand made ones) and would periodically phone and chat. Bill and I are saddened to learn of Gus' death. I don't use the term "gentleman" very often but Gus definitely fit the word. He was a gracious host and a charming conversationalist. We enjoyed both his comic strip and his personality, as well as that of his wife, Mary Frances. Two kinder people I've yet to meet.
Farewell, Gus. Your gentle humor and whimsical imagination will be sorely missed. May God bless Mary Frances as she grieves your passing.
Jennifer
February 3, 2008
I'm so very sorry to hear of Mr. Arriola's passing. As a child I loved reading Gordo in the San Francisco Chronicle comics. I used to cut out the strips with Poosy Gato, P.M. and Bete Noire because I loved the way they were drawn. My condolences to Mr. Arriola's family...may his legacy never be forgotten.
mid vanisle
February 3, 2008
Over 50 years ago, my dad read GORDO to me (I couldn't read yet). I have good memories of the strip. You will be missed.
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
February 3, 2008
My heartfelt sympathy to the Arriola family in the loss of Gus.
Wayne Johnson
February 3, 2008
Gus Arriola was an artist first and foremost. His graphic style is nowhere approximated in today's comic strips and, rarely, elsewhere. His social commentary and imaginative characterizations will remain unique in the annals of this art form and he should forever be remembered as one of its premier practitioners.
I sincerely hope that Chronicle Publications or someone else will re-print and release his work so that a younger generation may enjoy Mr. Arriola's wit, social and political insights and, especially his beautiful drawings.
Viva Gordo!
Laura Jackson
February 3, 2008
I fondly remember the Gordo strips of the early 50's. They were so charming. But, even better, they were so helpful in teaching something of Mexican customs to my junior high school Spanish classes in Berkeley, CA. Cinco de Mayo, Day of the Dead, birthday celebrations with pinatas helped students understand some of these events and surrounding customs. Besides all that, the strip was great fun to read. I kept a bulletin board of the best of them. Thank you, Gus.
Paul Lessig
February 3, 2008
It was with great sadness that I read of Gus's passing. Ironically, in the SF Chronicle, the vehicle in which I was first introduced to Gus and his menagerie of diverting humans and spectacular animals so many years ago. However, it was not until 1999 that I had the opportunity to finally meet and share "bread and wine" with him personally. Since, I and my wife, Arlette, have felt previledged to be included in Gus's list of personal correspondents. After so many years of giving us pleasure through the antics of Gordo, Tehuana Mama, Pepito, and his gaggle of pets, farm animals, and anything else that happened to flap, crawl, slide, or wiggle for our daily amusement I was delighted to be able to give something back to Gus. Oddly enough, it was a Spanish "Sombero" from Spain in the syle of what Zarro wore. I understand that it proved to be on of his most prized possessions in his latter years and one that he wore with great style and pride whenever he went to town. Our last corresponence with Gus was a note in early 2007. In it, Gus indicated that his physical condition was fast deteriorating and that we should not be distressed if we did not hear from him again. As was his style, he never mixed truth and meaning. Still, we are distressed. For with Gus's passing, part of our spirits go with him. Our hearfelt thoughts and prayers go out to Mary Frances on this sad occasion. Gus is now gone, but be assured that his memory will remain in our hearts and minds forever.
Armand Kuris
February 3, 2008
I loved Gordo. thank you so much
R Jackman
February 3, 2008
I was a young kid when I started reading Gus's comic strips in the Chronicle. They had a gentle kind of humor, self-effacing and through the eyes of his animals provided wisdom and insights that he could have never had a human character say and make me laugh. He had a great gift in both art and humor and I am so glad he chose to share it with us for so many years. Like Phil Frank, he is another great comic artist that has left us.
RJ
Susan Dean
February 3, 2008
His comics were just beautiful. I loved them as a child. Always looked forward to Sunday morning and was so sorry when his son died and he gave up doing them.
He encouraged me to learn to read - but not to go to Sunday School
Roberto Guevara V.
February 2, 2008
¡Por tantos años que nos has dado tanto gusto, en nombre de mis padres, tambien yo, entrego las gracias que mereces!
Roberto Guevara V.
Will Osuna
February 2, 2008
Rest in peace, funny man! Your drawings were adorable and the plot lines funny. I sometimes look at my birds and wonder if they can read the newspaper lining their cages.
Raymond L O'Day
February 2, 2008
We have enjoyed Gordo for more than twenty years. He will be missed.
Ron Lawton
February 2, 2008
Dude, I read your comics for a long time, and they were a great view of a different lifestyle and basic approach to life. Thanks for sharing it.
Judy Cappeller
February 2, 2008
Gordo was a Sunday morning favorate for such a long time in my life. I will never for get the loveable character his pets and strange tour bus.
Thank you amigo.
Brad Kahn
February 2, 2008
An inspiration
Doug Anderson
February 2, 2008
I've missed 'Gordo' for a number of years, but I remember the strip was a highlight at the breakfast table as the comics were consumed. Mom and Dad, both recently deceased, shared the enjoyment. Thanks for the memories and subtle lessons.
William Mills
February 2, 2008
I learned much from reading Gordo in my youth. Thank you, Mr Ariola.
Lee Mitnick
February 2, 2008
Though I met him once in San Francisco, all I really knew of Gus Arriola, is what I could infer from his wonderful Gordo comic strip. I'm sure he was a warm, clever, loving and loved man.
I've always wished that his strip would be reprinted on a day to day basis.
I'm sorry to hear of his passing, and my condolences to his friends and family.
Cecelia Littlepage
February 2, 2008
Gordo was always a favorite of mine- always good humored, always clever!
Joe T.
February 2, 2008
He was a gentleman in every sense of the word.
Kelly Dolan
February 2, 2008
I grew up reading Gordo in the paper and remember how sad I felt when he announced the end of the strip. He really breathed life into the animal characters, and he surely deserves a place next to Charles Schultz at the table of legendary comic creators. Thank you, Gus, and God Bless.
Christina Campbell
February 2, 2008
Adios y vaya con Dios.
Thank you for sharing yourself with us and making us smile at ourselves. My auntie read the funnies to me, beginning at a very young age. I have been a fan forever.
Karyn Ann Bosso
February 2, 2008
Adios Gordo, Adios Poosy-gato, Adios Trailing Arbutus. Gus Arriola, you will be remembered forever in the hearts of those who loved your comic strip Gordo and admired your work. Vaya con dios!
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