Tributes

Julian Munguia was a fighter just like the many roosters he raised. We can all bring back that vivid memory of the ranch. The distinct smell of cow manure, dirt, and of course—his chicken pins. We can see him tend to each chicken coup making his rounds and feeding the chicks. His generous heart reached to not only to the animals he fostered on the ranch, but to his beloved wife, the 9 children he raised, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren he loved so dearly. Our Grandpa Julian left this life on February sixteenth shortly after celebrating his eighty-eighth birthday. Our family gathered to share in celebration, then within the coming weeks his heart fell weak and he decided to continue his life with his wife, Beatrice Munguia, in heaven. He was born in Harlingen, Texas where he lived with his parents, three brothers, and one sister. By his late teens he moved to California to work in the fields. There he ran the cotton gin machine for over 30 years and continued to work for most of his life. His hard work ethic was passed to his children as many of them can recall him saying in Spanish, “If you’re going to do a job, do it right the first time” and “if you’re going to start the job—finish it—or don’t do it at all”. He provided all he could and no matter how difficult the situation, he was known to say, “Make it fit.” because with a large loving family he knew one way or another things would work out. In his time, fighting roosters was not as frowned upon as it is today, and Grandpa loved his roosters. He loved the farm life and fishing too; but his roosters were his babies. He raised them like professional athletes—fed, trained, and fought them like no one else in the area. People would drive for miles to see and buy his roosters. Of course as time went on it became an “age old sport” and he boxed up his cock spurs and blades and retired. I can remember him some 5 years ago finding this box, opening it, and the way his face lit up to talk about the roosters he cared for so dearly. He cherished Grandma Beatrice. He cuddled and kissed her and their affection built the foundation of the loving family we have today. Even after her passing he continued to show his family love during family gatherings. He’d hear his daughters and granddaughters laughing and joking. He’d find his walker to make his way out, then sit down and just watch. He’d watch us laugh and joke and when the time was right he’d ask for a beer because he knew it would get a laugh. And it always did. Instead we’d serve him his favorite drink, coffee. Grandpa loved his coffee, anytime of the day was a good time for coffee and sweetbread. We all know the loving side of Grandpa Julian, but us grand kids can all remember our grandpa in his younger days: chasing and cursing in Spanish at whichever grand kids found their way into his beloved chicken pins. It was a sight to see—as long as you weren’t the one being chased. Many know Grandpa Julian as a dad, grandpa, uncle or close friend and for all of us, he will be missed. Grandpa Julian is survived by his 9 children: Mary, Ester, Robert, Julian, Linda, Nicholas, Angie, Mercie, and Gloria.

Tributes

Julian Loredo Munguia

January 28, 1929 - February 17, 2017