Louis Serrano Olivares

1928 - 2009

Louis Serrano Olivares, age 80, of Oxnard, died peacefully on Friday, March 13, 2009, surrounded by family and friends after a full life filled with family, laughter, and love. Louis was born in Lincoln, Nebraska on July 16, 1928.

During the great depression his family relocated to Chicago, Illinois, and then to Zacatecas, Mexico. Several years after the end of World War II, Louis returned to the United States in 1949, and made his home in Oxnard, California.

He spent almost 60 years working in the construction industry as a cement mason. Louis was an accomplished craftsman whose passion for his work continued long into his retirement, and inspired him up to the very end. His fine workmanship can be seen in the homes of many of his children and friends. Not only was he a dedicated worker, he also mentored many generations of young men. To them he became more than a role model, he became a father figure known lovingly to many as Abuelo.

Louis was well known among his family and friends for his love of cooking. He will be especially remembered for his carnitas and bierria. In his later years, despite the limitations of age, his passion for cooking combined with his generous nature inspired him to get up early every morning and prepare breakfast and lunch for many of his friends before they began their work day.

He is survived by his children: Jose Olivares, John Olivares, Frank Olivares, Olivia Olivares, and Patricia Olivares; his 9 grandchildren, and his 13 great grandchildren. He is further survived by his sister, Manuela Olivares Medina.

We would like to thank the Nurses, Respiratory Therapists, Speech Therapists, Chaplains, Social Workers and Doctors at St. John's Hospital for the professionalism and compassion they showed each of us every day. The palliative care team and the resources available on the floor were extraordinary and eased this difficult time for our father and for our family. Thank you all.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 from 4:00p.m. to 10:00p.m., with a rosary to be recited at 7:00p.m. at the Garcia Mortuary Chapel. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, March 19, 2009 at 10:00a.m. at the Santa Clara Church, in Oxnard. Interment will follow at Ivy Lawn Cemetery, Ventura. The family invites you to join them for a celebration of his life immediately following the interment. Directions will be provided during the services.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the family owned and operated Garcia Mortuary, 629 South "A" Street, Oxnard, California. For further information, please call (805) 486-9148.