Perseverance

Last Thursday, I learned of the tragic passing of Luis tovar, someone that I knew at work for about 3 years. It deflated my heart, made me sad and also grateful to have known him.

He had just retired less than 2 years ago and the last time I saw him was when I loaded his toolbox in his 30 year old green Chevrolet S10, and gave him a handshake and a pat on the back, wishing him well and to take care. He had that smile of contentment, ready to avail all of himself to his wife, family and most of all his grandkids.

As I mentioned, he drove a 30 year old S10, it had faded green paint, was well used, but as he said it was reliable and easy and cheap to fix. He saw no reason to get another vehicle, especially when he lived less than 5 miles from work. He was frugal in almost every way, even keeping a simple buzz cut that he did himself. He had a goal to be able to retire by 60, and he was diligent with his savings and 401k contributions and he stuck with that goal for decades.

The frugality is not what impressed me about Luis. He was a wonderful person. always moving and keeping taps on everyone. When I started working there, I became the “muscles” to put it humbly, and he would always tell me that I am the number 1 guy in my department. Always had a smile on his face.

He wuld talk about his love of hot peppers and how he would often grab a jalapeno from his garden while doing yard work and eat it, but would joke about the times he forgot he had jalapeno juice on his hands and would get it on his eyes or armpits, putting him in uncomfortable agony for minute. It was good to laugh with someone that has made the same mistake as me when eating a jalapenos. We also talked about keeping in good health and he told me he kept a simple routine of running and push ups and working outside.

He loved God and was always grateful, in his retirement speech he gave thanks to God for his career, good health and his family and many blessings.

Luis did not get to be retired for as long as he had hoped, see his grandkids become adults, but he left a legacy with his children and his character will be passed on for decades. His love and devotion will not be forgotten.

It was a true blessing to have gotten to know him and I thank God that I was able to know him for a few years.

Take care in Heaven, Luis