Abel Garcia Olivares

Abel Garcia Olivares, 88, born on March 19, 1928 in Villa de Santa Barbara, Hidalgo, Chihuahua, Mexico passed away June 15, 2016. He resided in Los Angeles, California at the time of his passing. Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, California.

Abel was a restless child that left his home town at a young age to come to the United States. He joined the Army in 1946 and was stationed in Korea . There he learned what later became his trade in the kitchen. When he left service, he worked at several of the finest 5 star restaurants in Los Angeles and became a chef. He also met the love of his life Maria Garcia Olivares at La Placita Church near Olivera Street, downtown Los Angeles. The two immigrants married, started a family and had four children. Our parents lived the American Dream, they worked hard, and started business after business. First was Abel's Place, a hot dog stand on Temple and Beaudry. From there a neighborhood Market in Lincoln Heights and then other restaurants. He ventured into Baja California, Mexico and started the Cantamar Restaurant and eventually opened his only remaining restaurant, The Mexican Village. It's hard to keep track of how many business's he had. He was blessed with great customer skills, which you have to in the tough restaurant business. He also dabbled in local politics and international relations. He met many wonderful people along the way who helped him, and he in return helped others. Since our father died, we have heard so many wonderful stories of how he helped them all out.

Now, he was not all business, he was a jokester, his eyes twinkling with mischief. He was a great dancer and loved Yoga. He was a member of the LA Athletic Club for over 38 years. He would balance a Margarita, bottle of wine or beer on his head. Our parents loved traveling and cruising. It was very hard for us to see this vibrant man deteriorate to Alzheimer's over the past 14 years. We have missed him for a long time, but we have all those wonderful memories from our life with him. He leaves his four children Blanca, Diana, Theresa, Abel Jr, six grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

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Abel García Olivares nació el 19 de Marzo de 1928 en Villa Santa Bárbara, Hidalgo, Chihuahua, México. Falleció en Los Ángeles, el pasado 15 de Junio, 2016, a la edad de 88 años.

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