LUIS URQUIZO

1946 - 2017

LUIS F. URQUIZO 12/20/46 - 01/04/17 Luis Felipe Urquizo, of El Paso, TX passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by his family on January 4, 2016. Louie is survived by his loving wife, Louisa Aguilar Urquizo, and his beloved daughter, Melissa Diana Urquizo, who was his pride and joy. He is preceded in death by his dear father, Arturo Urquizo, his beloved mother Maria Isabel Lopez, stepfather Roque M. Lopez, brother Enrique Urquizo and beloved Papa Agustin and Mama Nina Duron. Surviving family members include brothers Arturo Urquizo wife Nena); Roberto Duron, wife (Celia), sisters Marcela Zermeno, Elizabeth Urquizo, and Marta D. Hernandez, stepbrother Pepe Lopez, stepsisters Licha Lujan and Mary Castro. He is also survived by numerous nephews, nieces, and many friends. Louie was born in Mexicali, Mexico on December 20, 1946. He graduated from Bel Air High School in 1966. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1968. He married the love of his life, Louisa Aguilar in El Paso, TX on Valentine's Day 1970. They moved to Kodiak, Alaska where they lived until returning to El Paso in March 1971. They welcomed their baby girl and love of their life Melissa Diana Urquizo in 1972. After being honorably discharged from the Navy, Louie attended UTEP and received his B.S. in Microbiology in 1977. Louie proudly served his country during the Vietnam and Persian Gulf Wars where he was nicknamed "Doc" after serving two years of active duty in the Navy, Louie remained in the Navy Reserves from 1968 until he retired in 1992. Louie worked in Pharmaceuticals for Mead Johnson and Wyeth Ayerst for 25 years. He retired in 2004 from Wyeth Ayerst (now Pfizer), Louie returned to UTEP and received his master's degree in Science Education in 2010. He then started teaching 8th grade science and 6th grade math at Paso Del Norte K-8 school (go Jaguars!) in the Socorro Independent School District. Louie was loved and respected by his colleagues, teachers, staff and students. Louie taught them the compassion, hard work, and skills that would forge their eventual careers. His students remember "Mr. U" as a driven, brilliant man and a patient teacher who encouraged them to pursue their goals. They will remember his three words, Honor, Courage, and Commitment. "Doc" as he was known to his VVA brothers was a proud member of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 574, whom he considered his brothers. He got together with them on Saturday mornings to share breakfast and talk. Thank you Louie for all the joy, love, kindness, friendship and happiness you brought to our lives. You had the most contagious smile. You were a man of honor, ethics and courage. Our lives were better because of you. Louie was an extraordinary man. All who were privileged to know you will miss you. Visitation and Memorial Service will be held on Monday, January 16, 2017 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at San Jose Funeral Home-East. There will be an honor guard presented by VVA chapter 574. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, January 17, 2017 at 10:30 AM at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery with full military honors. Special thanks to Bobby Rangel, Bill Hart and to the rest of the VVA brothers for their support, help, and guidance. Louie loved you all very much. We wish you smooth seas and a fair wind behind your sails. Semper Fi.