Lucian James "Shushi" Munguia

Lucian James "Shushi" Munguia was born on October 5, 2017, to Juan and Sandra Munguia, in Yakima, Washington. Lucian went missing on September 10, 2022 and was found on December 29, 2022. The day he was found was the day of his grandfather's birthday, he and his grandpa had a special bond. His family finds comfort in him being found on that day.
Lucian was diagnosed with Autism at the age of three. It is a part of who he was and what made him so unique, special, innocent, and pure. Although it had challenges, he was never stopped from being who he was.
Lucian's special bond extended to the ocean and any type of sea life. The number of species of fish that he could name was incredible. He could name all species of sharks and whales and knew the scientific name of more fish than a regular adult would know.
He was unlike most kids. While others played together, he would be happy and content running around by himself, always having the best time. You would see him laughing and running around, playing in dirt, or splashing in a puddle. When he did join others to play, he might not have understood what games they were playing, but he was sure having fun.
His unique personality was such a special thing that only a handful of people got to experience. With his mom, he would yell "yoo-hoo" when she came home from work, always running into her arms. She would be the only one allowed to sing "You Are My Sunshine" to him, as he held her face and hummed along with her. He would run up to his dad and say, "I'm gonna get you," then run away, playing that game tirelessly. He would also run up to his dad and wrap his arms around his neck, squeeze tightly and say "I wuv you, Daddy." He and his brother would play "the running game," which was as simple as running in circles around the house, but it was the most amount of fun for the two of them. Lucian and his baby sister would sneak into the kitchen to add to their snack pile, then fight about who got what, being called "the sibling version of Bonnie and Clyde." Not a lot of people got the privilege of Lucian being comfortable around them, but when he did you could really see how bright his uniqueness really shined.
Lucian is survived by his parents, Juan and Sandra Munguia, siblings, Romeo, Adonis, and Kasmia, grandparents, Michele and Juan Munguia, Lorrie Bailey, and Tammy Bailey, aunts and uncles, Angela and Jose Flores, Trevor Bailey, Sarah Bailey, Amy Bailey and Lance Ford-Ibanez, and Makayla Huckabee. He is preceded in death by his great-grandfather, William Bailey, and his grandfather, James Bailey.
The family would like to give a special thanks to the Forest Service, Catholic Charities ABA Program, Yakima River Runners, Print Guys, Minute Man Press, Brookside Funeral Home, Jim Beattie, Yakima Bethel Nazarene Church, Yakima Police Department, Yakima County Sheriff's Office, Yakima Fire, Columbia Basin Dive Team, Spokane/Coeur D'Alene Scuba Club, Phantom Divers with Undersea Adventures, Seattle Mountain Rescue, Apple State Power Source, eBoost Bikes, and all those who selflessly donated their time, money and efforts to aid in the search for Lucian.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2023, at 12:00pm, at Stone Church.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations payable to the Oregon Coast Aquarium (Wildlife Rehabilitation or Animal Enrichment Program), or Catholic Charities serving Central Washington (ABA Program). Donations may be sent in care of Brookside Funeral Home (PO Box 1267, Moxee, WA 98936), who is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.brooksidefuneral.com.