Raul O. Gutierrez

Essay written by Raul's daughter, Martha

When I want to express what my Father means to me, I'm at a loss for words. The love and warmth that fills my heart, the wonderful memories that dance in my mind, the compassion that stirs my soul words simply can't explain what my Father meant in my life.

My father was a giving, kind, gifted, brave, and had integrity. Everyone that came in to my father's life was a friend for life. My father had so many friends. I saw firsthand how he had the gift to comfort, listen and make one feel important.

Throughout his life my father had to overcome adversities, however one would never know it, because he had a positive outlook on life. He loved life.

As I got older, I realized my father was truly special. When he realized that he was losing his eyesight he enrolled in College. He wanted me to understand that his physical challenge was no excuse to stop learning and loving life. He led by example, he always said, "with love and determination, you can accomplish anything."

My Father had a special gift, he was able to see with his heart, when he sensed that I was sad, he always had the perfect words of encouragement and he would uplift me. Father always made us think he was invincible and is how he earned his nickname, "Superman."

My Father was Grandpa to 13 Grandchildren and every single one adored him. They all knew how he loved to hear his audio books, so on his birthday they would have a poem/letter writing competition. Each grandchild would read what they wrote to him. He would proudly listen to each one as happy tears would roll down his face.

My Father had several chronic illnesses; sadly I was familiar with doctors and hospitals. Our world crumbled when dad was diagnosed with cancer. My heart filled with sadness and fear when we heard the words, "It's Cancer." My father said "Don't be afraid, I am in God's hands and I accept his will."

I would observe my father as he prayed before his bed time, and I would be amazed with my father's faith, fortitude and wisdom. He battled for 3 years, doctors were impressed with his will to fight for his life. He was given 7 months to live, yet he fought for 3 years. They saw how strong his love for his family was never ending and the devotion and compassion from my Mother and his children.

On the last day he was with us, he was in a hospital bed. He was calm as he lay in his bed. He reached out to my mother and my siblings, he placed our hands over his heart and whispered, "I wish this moment would last forever, but I know I'm leaving. Know that you will live in my heart forever. I want you all to remain the strong and loving family we have always been. If you're ever sad and want to see me, look up at the night sky and I will be the brightest star looking down at you."

When he passed he was thinking of us. He gave us the gift of peace and left us with so much love. His legacy will live forever. My family and I are better people having been raised by an exceptionally loving and brave man, who lead by example, integrity, wisdom and faith. My Father was a true testament of a devoted husband, son, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend.

This is just a glimpse of my love for my Father.

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Funeral Home obituary

Raul O. Gutierrez, 81, born on August 31, 1930, in Bakersfield, CA, passed away April 28, 2012. He resided in Rancho Cucamonga at the time of his passing. Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn, Covina Hills, CA.