Juan José Guerrero Ibarra

1952 - 2021

BORN

1952

DIED

2021

Juan Ibarra Obituary

June 24, 1952 - November 10, 2021 Talented artist, painter, ceramicist, sculptor, yogi and speaker of three languages, Juan José also went by the name Rubén Parga. He married Los Angeles writer Eric A. Gordon on May 23, 2019, a first marriage late in life for each of them, in a small ceremony in Zacatecas, Mexico, his native city, accompanied by a 14-piece mariachi band. In his later years Juan José grew completely blind, yet continued his artistic pursuits in programs at the Braille Institute. A one-man show of his masks, paintings, prints and sculptures was held at the Workers Circle in 2013. Trump's anti-immigrant policies led to his exile in Mexico, followed by COVID. His petition to rejoin his husband in Los Angeles was stymied by both factors. He died of pneumonia, a probable sequela of the COVID he survived earlier in the year. He leaves four siblings and a large extended family. Donations can be made to the Braille Institute, the Los Angeles LGBT Center, or charity of your choice. A memorial will be held in early 2022. Contact Eric Gordon for further information.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Los Angeles Times from Nov. 15 to Nov. 16, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Juan Ibarra

9 Entries

Eric Gordon

February 14, 2023

On Valentine's Day 2023, almost a year and a half after Ruben's passing, I still miss his company, his laugh, his mordant humor, his physical presence. At the same time I have settled into a state of appreciation--gratitude--that we met, that we loved each other, that we formalized our relationship in marriage, that we committed to a future together. Even though it did not last forever, it does in memory. He was an unforgettable phase of my life, perhaps my last great love. But who can foretell the future?

Eric Gordon

November 27, 2021

A couple of nights ago Ruben appeared to me in a dream. He had a kind of purposeful but happy expression on his face and he said, "I'm moving!" That word resonates very strongly with me. I co-wrote Earl Robinson's autobiography "Ballad of an American," and he used to say he did not believe in death. "I'm just moving to a new address."

Steve Kahn

November 18, 2021

Sorry for your loss. It is truly sad that you and Ruben were unable to enjoy a life together.

Laurence Braude and Lois Bostwick

November 18, 2021

Deepest sympathy and condolences on your devastating loss. Zei gezunt un shtark.

Eric Gordon

November 17, 2021

When Ruben left for Mexico just around this time, Thanksgiving 2017, I stumbled upon a quote from Shakespeare:
"This thou perceiv'st, which makes thy love more strong,
To love that well which thou must leave ere long." (Sonnet 73)
I wasn't even sure I'd ever see Ruben again, much less marry him! But over time I came to see that I was uniquely positioned to change his life and bring him back to L.A. where he could flourish--in love, in his creative art, in enjoying the city's vast cultural opportunities and a wide circle of friends. Even with the horrible outcome of his sudden loss, I would not have given up the experience of loving this beautiful, sensitive man who faced so many severe challenges with admirable grace and resilience. I am confident he knew how much I loved and respected him; and I felt the same from him. I'll miss him always.

Mardav

November 16, 2021

I had the honor and pleasure of meeting and spending time with Ruben and seeing his amazing art works. I was happy to welcome him to the family when he and Eric, a member of my family, married. It is sad to know that he is gone, but his inspiring spirit will never leave us and never be forgotten.

Smiley

November 15, 2021

The world with all its problems moves on. Ruben was one to make them feel lighter with his wit and disdain for the insincere. I have no doubt at all that you will move forward as you have before carrying those memories that give you strength and wisdom to do so. As I said, I am only a phone call away in this time of grief and looking forward.

Mariann Wizard-Vasquez

November 15, 2021

Eric, thank you for sharing this obituary with me. Although I never met your husband and rivers of years have separated us, I truly feel with you the abrupt end of your shared dreams, that much more precious for having come to you and Ruben late in life.
Please do not let the fact of death affect your heart, my friend. Love never dies. Continue to talk with Ruben and to share your experiences, feelings, and ideas; you will hear his replies.
Holding you both in the Light. One Love,

Bill Gregory

November 15, 2021

I will always be grateful that I got to know the gentle spirit that was Ruben.

Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results