Remembering My 'Padre'

We waited patiently all week knowing that perhaps it wasn't enough notice to get you to write something to celebrate dear old dad. Well, we're happy to say we were wrong.

One faithful Los Gatos Patch user, Irene Aida Ortiz, submitted not just one, but five photos of her late "papi" the Spanish word for father along with "papa" and "padre." 

This is what she wrote:

"My papi was Erasmo M. Garza, 80, a longtime resident of Los Gatos, who died Nov. 5, 2005. He is survived by his wife, Beatriz Garza of Los Gatos; his daughter, Beatriz E. Garza-Spillman and her husband David Spillman, of Lucerne Valley; his daughter Patricia Garza-Appller and her husband, Joseph R. Appler, of Lake View Terrace; his daughter Irene A. Ortiz of Los Gatos; his daughter Sandra E. Menna and her husband Robert Menna, of Lake Forest; his son David and wife, Linda Garza, and their daughter Colette of San Jose; grandchildren Rachel I. Spillman of Austin, Texas; Margarita E. Spillman of San Francisco; Alisia Patricio of Pasadena; Andra Calderon of Azusa; Victoria G. Appler of Lake View Terrace; Laura Menna of Fullerton; Carrieanne Menna of Santa Ana; Stephen Menna of Denver; several great-grandchildren; brothers Juan and wife Enner Garza of San Diego; Apolos and wife Amelia Garza of San Jose; David and wife Armida Garza of Calexico; Lazaro and wife Bridgete Garza of Los Gatos; Bejamin and wife Cecilia Garza of San Jose. 

"My papi was born in Saltillo Coahuila, Mexico. He's from a second family of 10 children. His father's first marriage, Garza-Leal, had 14 children where four of them passed away along with his wife.

"My grandfather remarried at the age of 60 and married my grandmother. She was 20 years old. Yeah, even at that time that was kind of weird. They had 10 children, but the firstborn had a twin, a girl who passed away.

"They had nine Garza boys that lived. Their real last name was De La Garza, but as they grew older the majority cut out the "De La." Some of my cousins have gone back to the original name.

"My papi had photographic memory and was determined to become a doctor. They were 'dirt poor.' My papi experienced the pains of starving many a time. He became more motivated when they watched their papi die because they couldn't afford a physician.  

"I, Irene Aida (Garza) Ortiz was born in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico, Aug. 7, 1954. Was brought to the United States shortly after with my family. We first lived in Hollywood, then Phoenix, AZ, where my papi did his internship. I am now a naturalized American citizen. 

"We eventually moved to San Jose, then lived in Los Gatos. I went to Raymond J. Fisher Middle School and where I graduated in 1972.

"One of my papi's brother, Lazaro Garza, was a Spanish teacher at Los Gatos High. I have always thought in Spanish and had a hard time learning English. I'm a classical ballet and ballet folclorico mexicano dancer and have always been athletic.

"I worked at Santa Clara Valley Health and Hospital Systems for 25-plus years.  Retired early for so many reasons. I always taught aerobic as my second job. Now, it's my only job. I am an athletic instructor and rehabilitation athletic trainer. I teach aqua aerobics and zumba. I work at several private clubs and senior centers. I love my job.

"My mami now has dementia and is in hospice. My sisters, brother, cousins and friends are coming out this week to clean up my papi's home on Kennedy Road, in Los Gatos. We need to sell the home and her car. It's a real hard time for our familia right now. But God always sees us through."