Justin Baca

1925 - 2015

JUSTIN BACA, 89, was born on July 4, 1925 in Magdalena, New Mexico to Eulalio and Adela Baca. He passed peacefully into the arms of Our Lord on March 9, 2015 at the home of his daughter, Mary Anne, surrounded by family. Justin was known and loved by many and touched the lives of everyone he met. His sparkle-eyed smile and happy chuckle were his trademark traits. No one was a stranger to Justin and within minutes of meeting him everyone became his friend. Every child was his grandchild and every person was his family. If you knew Justin, you knew love. He graduated from Magdalena High School in 1942 and joined the Army at 17 to fight in WWII. He was a private first class in the US Army and received the Bronze Star and Purple Heart with one Oak-Leaf Cluster for service. He was married to Agnes Andrea Landavazo for 50 years. They had an enviable 50 year marriage based on their shared love of their faith and their family. Justin was a grocery store owner, mental health advisor, Eucharistic Minister at Precious Blood Catholic Church, President and member of Rotary and on the Riverside Planning Commission. Justin walked an hour every day, come rain or shine. He is survived by sisters, Christina Baca, Esther Wheelock and Lucille Kusen; brothers Charles and Lawrence Baca. He was preceded in death by his brother, Maurice Baca and sister, Mildred Kollmann. He is also survived by his children Helen Young (Harrison), Ken Baca, Cynthia Brooks (Mark) and Mary Anne Baca; grandchildren Douglas Dodge (Deborah), Soone Waldon, Steven Dodge (Rosie), Sean Young (Jennifer), Deanna Moore (Shane), Kathy Risinger, Anna Rose Lopez, Lindsey Sternberg, Summer Brooks, Catie Klenske, and Daniel Klenske; great grandchildren Sean Neal, Jamie Young, Angela Waldon, Daisy and Chris Galindo, Sean Young, Aedyn and Connor Moore, Kalen Dodge, Amelie and Emma Risinger. Justin possessed a rare talent of making everyone he met know that they were special. He listened and advised when they were sad and rejoiced and encouraged when they accomplished a feat or found happiness in life. His many years as a grocery store proprietor made him accessible to everyone in the community and many people would stop in to chat , seek advice or just to get one of his hugs. He instilled a strong work ethic in his children and pride in a task well done. In his death, Justin will be remembered as a grandfather, a brother, an uncle, a confidant and friend. But, to his children, he will always be "dad" ... the man we've loved, cherished and now miss with all our hearts. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinsons Cure. The family is under the care of Weaver Mortuary, Beaumont, CA 951-845-1141 To leave condolences or sign the online Guest book, please visit www.weaver- mortuary.com