Santiago Ojeda Obituary

Santiago "Santi" Ojeda October 6, 1934 November 2, 2019 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Santiago Ojeda on Saturday evening, November 2, 2019 at the age of 84. He passed away peacefully in San Jose at the home of his niece, Maria and great-niece, Sara, surrounded that day by his loving family and friends. This amazing man will be truly missed by his family, friends and his community. Santi was the proud owner of Shoreline Coffee Shop for 47 years in Mill Valley, California. His restaurant was his passion. He loved to serve his customers, friends, and family with delicious meals, a big smile and a warm heart. As a longtime restaurant owner, he fed many generations of families from his community. As the cook or host, he always made time to listen or share stories with his customers, often times sitting with them as they enjoyed their meal. He lived a life of true kindness and generosity, whether feeding the homeless near his restaurant or volunteering at his catholic church, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Mill Valley or at St. Mary Star of the Sea in Sausalito. He cared about people. He enjoyed traveling, nice meals with friends and family as well as dressing up to impress. At the young age of 48, he began training and running marathons as a hobby. He competed domestically and abroad at some of the largest cities and competitions. With strength, determination, and his sheer will, he always finished a race he started. He found incredible satisfaction crossing the finish line. He was an inspiration to all who knew him. He was also a fan and supporter of the arts, sponsoring the Mill Valley Film Festival for many years. As family, Santi was much more than an uncle or brother. He was our guardian angel, our big brother, our confidant, our mentor, our dearest friend and grandpa. He loved life and always shared his positive views with all of us. Santi leaves behind a sister, Ninfa; niece Maria (daughter Sara); nephew Cisco (wife Lourdes, kids Pancho, Emmanuel, Alena); nephew Jesse (wife Leah, kids Nicole, Daniel); nephew Jorge (wife Lucy, kids Samantha, Melanie, Kimberly, Emily); niece Anna and nephew Fernando. He will be welcomed into heaven by his older sister Evangelina, his mom Isabela, his dad Santiago, his nephew Esteban and his beloved Betty. The family held a small private celebration of his life and spread his ashes in the sea. May you rest in peace, Santi. We will always keep you in our hearts.

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Published by Marin Independent Journal on Jun. 21, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Santiago Ojeda

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4 Entries

Duane Wells

June 24, 2020

I was so sorry to hear about Mr. Ojeda's passing. I have fond memories of eating there while growing up (especially the milkshakes) and had a nice visit a few years ago when I brought my wife during a trip home from Texas. You just don't see the service he offered anymore, nor the willingness to sit and visit with customers. He will be missed.

John Davis II

June 23, 2020

had heard about his passing when I ate there last Dec. I had my first meal there in Aug. 1970 as a 14 yr. old, newly moved to the area. As the years went on, and I was in my 20s, Santi's Huevos Mexicana would become a regular breakfast & I always looked forward to his cheerful greetings. An integral part of my life in Mill Valley. May he rest in peace. A very fine man

richard masef

June 23, 2020

My family and I are deeply saddened to of hear about the loss of Santi.
He was an icon , and mentor and more to all of us.
Truly special.
Richard (CR Auto)

Steve & Judy Edmonson

June 22, 2020

My condolences to Santis family and friends. I first met Santi at The Shoreline Coffee Shop when I was a kid (Im 65 now.) He and Betty were always friendly to us kids, and I loved the food! A few years later, he gave a few of my high school friends their first jobs. As described in his obituary, Santi really got to know his regular customers, and, if he had time, he would often sit with you and catch up while you finished your meal. After I got married and became a professional musician, my wife and I would eat there a lot, as we often didnt have time to cook at home. The Enfrijoladas, y Sincronizadas con jamón y quesommm, I can almost taste them now. Santi, Betty and Bonnie (I remember when Chevete first started working there,) and everyone there became like family. I soon realized that Santi was family to so many people in our community. If Santi suspected that some mutual acquaintance seemed to be depressed, or was having some sort of difficulty, he would ask me if I knew what was going on, and if there was anything we could do to help. Santi was such a good man, and he brought so much to his community for so many years! I found out that he had passed when I saw the ad for an Estate Sale at his house. My wife and I went to the sale and bought two old posters that had hung in the restaurant for many years. Now, we think of Santi every day when we see the posters. He is missed by so many. Santi and I used to talk about the old Epocha de Oro, of Mexican music of the 30s and 40s, which we both loved, and I always wanted to play him one of my fathers recordings of Malagueña Salerosa, but I never got the chance. This is for you, Santi, Descanse en Paz!
https://youtu.be/IMzNjTdbybE

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