Sergio Arturo Gonzalez

Sergio Arturo Barcena Gonzalez

December 31, 1956 – August 19, 2025

Our beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend, Sergio Arturo Barcena Gonzalez, of Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan and Barra de Navidad, Jalisco, Mexico passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 19th, in Port Huron, Michigan, at the age of 68, surrounded by loved ones. Sergio left this world with the same love and grace that he shared throughout his life-a life full of joy, adventure, and deep affection for those around him.

Sergio is survived by his beautiful wife Heather A. Gust with whom he spent 26 years. She was the love of his life, and he was hers. Together they shared countless adventures. They traveled the world, fished in tournaments, and created memories that will last a lifetime.

Sergio Arturo Barcena Gonzalez was born on December 31, 1956, in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, and was lovingly welcomed by his parents, Librado Barcena Alvarez and Martha Gonzalez Flores, along with his siblings and a large and close-knit family. Sergio's legal birthday was January 31,1957 and naturally he celebrated both of his birthdays. At age 17, he began his studies at the University of Guadalajara, pursuing a degree in Tourism Law which was a reflection of his deep appreciation for people, culture, and travel. After graduating at the age of 22, Sergio practiced law for a brief time but then followed his entrepreneurial spirit and opened Restaurant de Mariscos Colimilla on the island of Colimilla. During this time, he also engaged in shark fishing, selling fins to Japanese fishermen-a unique chapter in his adventurous life.

In 1986 Sergio began splitting his residency between Mexico and Michigan. Once in the United States his creativity and passion for travel evolved into a career in the arts. He began creating and selling metal artwork and jewelry, showcasing his talent throughout the Midwest and along the East Coast. Together with Heather, Sergio embraced the art show circuit, forming lasting friendships, discovering new cities, and savoring local cuisine wherever they went. He also continued to help run the family business of the legendary Hotel Sands in Barra de Navidad, where he and Heather spent the winters.

A passionate fisherman, Sergio, at age 18, was one of the founders and first President of the Club de Pesca Deportiva (Fishing Club) in Barra de Navidad, Mexico where he earned numerous trophies and accolades over the years. Last year was the 50th anniversary of the tournament and he is the only member who fished all 50 years. Heather was his fishing partner in the tournament for many years and in one memorable tournament, Heather out-fished Sergio by catching the winning sailfish, earning them a brand-new "pinto bean" car-a story they loved to retell. He also loved golfing, especially with Heather riding alongside him in the cart. They were regulars on Mackinac Island, where Sergio loved playing The Jewell Golf Course and listening to Myk Rise sing Stand by Me for him at the Pink Pony.

Sergio and Heather shared a love for the water, cruising the Great Lakes aboard their boat, the Rubyat, enjoying peaceful days on Brevort Lake at their cabin and on their pontoon, and sailing on Defiant. Their adventures extended to Mexico, where they cruised the Pacific Ocean together near Barra de Navidad.

Sergio loved life and his family and friends, and he was loved by everyone he met. He cherished family vacations and spending time with both his American and Mexican families and successfully joined them as a loving international family. He was affectionately and suitably coined as "Uncle Fun" by his nephew Sam. Sergio's charm and humor were legendary. May the waitstaff in heaven have patience for his custom cocktails and menu requests.

May Sergio be surrounded in heaven by all the things he loved: homemade salsa, The Price Is Right, Candy Crush, dancing, fishing, fresh fruit (that doesn't rot in the van), playing cards, dice, fresh laundry and most importantly, family and friends.

Sergio's legacy lives on in the small acts of kindness we offer each other every day. His honor can be remembered by being gentle, patient, and kind to every stranger just as he was. Though he is no longer with us in body; his presence surrounds us in powerful ways. We feel him in the burst of fireworks each New Year's Eve on his birthday, when the whole world celebrates his day, in the sudden grace of a rainbow after a storm, in the calm casting of a line while fishing, and in every moment of love and joy we share. His spirit will always be with us, guiding and reminding us of the beauty he brought into this world. Anytime you see a beautiful sunset know that Sergio is sending his love. We will live by Sergio's firm belief that "Everything is going to be ok" and "everything is fixable"!

In addition to his wife Heather, Sergio is survived by his sons Frank Barcena Turner whom he cherished visiting during his travels, and Arthur Barcena Turner; His Mexican family including brother Oscar Barcena Gonzalez (Lupita) and sister Martha Barcena de Zavala; his cherished nieces and nephews Martha (Arturo), Luciana and Julia, Oscar (Paola) and Oscar Andre, Diego, Raul (Estibaliz) and Inigo, Ari (Majo),Paula, Elena and Alejandro, Regina (Fernando), Maria Jose (Sergio), Ricky, Alexis and Ximena, Edgar (Nicolette), Naria, Evan, and Edson, Tania; and many more extended family members; Heather's beloved American family who loved him so much, Parents Ruby (James)Allen, and James (Kari) Gust; Siblings and their children Heidi (Dennis) Fisher, Isabella and Dylan Fisher; JT (Lisa) Allen, Katie and Sam Allen; close knit cousins Jeremy Dotts, Rachel (David) Knox, Andrew Beckley, Nichole Dotts, Alana Dotts, Jake (Sarah) Weiss, Emma and Otto, Rebecca (Cody) Christman, Kayden and Khloe and his Aunts and Uncles Linda (Vern) Dotts, Sonny (Mary) Weiss; and many more extended family members.

Sergio was also blessed with a beautiful extended American family who embraced him as their own: Ann Lech and the late Bob Lech and their children Kate (Kevin) Alt, Jennifer (Joe) Provenzano, and Peter (Jen) Lech.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Librado Barcena Alvarez and Martha Gonzalez Flores. Siblings: Oscar Idelfonso, Jose Luis (Pepe), Blanca Berenice, Raul Octavio, and Eduardo Guillermo (Ali).

A Celebration of Life for Sergio

Please join us on Saturday, October 11th at 5:00 PM at Bayview Yacht Club (100 Clairpointe, Detroit, MI) as we gather to honor and celebrate Sergio's life.

At 5:30 PM, there will be a prayer and blessing, followed by an opportunity to share memories and tributes. The evening will feature many of Sergio's favorite things-good food, drinks, and entertainment-in the spirit of joy and remembrance.

We invite you to bring your love and your favorite memories of Sergio to share with others.

In lieu of flowers we invite you to support a cause close to your heart in Sergio's name.