Cruz Diaz

May 3, 1934 - April 24, 2022

Cruz was born on May 3, 1934, in La Noria, Jalisco, Mexico. He graduated from a boarding school in Pacana, Jalisco with a diploma in agriculture. While growing up he helped his father milk cows, sell fresh meats at the market, and assist with the family business. When he was 18 he decided to come to North America to find work and explore the world. He crossed the desert for days not really knowing where he was going but God always protected him. He found jobs in agriculture in Nevada, Idaho, and California. During this time he joined the "Bracero program" that the US had with Mexico. One day he landed a job as a construction worker which he found to be a path that molded his future. He joined the Laborer's Union and worked in construction for many years. He met the love of his life, Julia Ortega, in 1956 in Tijuana, Mexico. It was love at first sight for him. After two years they married in 1958. In 1959 they had their first child, Martina and then Aurora was born. During this time, they moved back to his hometown of Autlan, Jalisco, Mexico where he returned to help in the family business. This is where his 3rd daughter, Gloria was born. In 1964 he decided to bring his family to the USA to give them a better life. His son, Alejandro Diaz was born in Escondido. He purchased his first home for the family in 1967 in Escondido and between him and Julia grew their life and family while immersing themselves in work, children activities and church. Cruz was offered a job as a laborer to assist in the construction of the San Onofre Power Plant, he worked there for several years. Soon after that he decided to retire at the young age of 48 years. He created his own garden and landscape service where he did very well for another 23 years. He loved to work and enjoyed people and social work within his community. Throughout the years Cruz grew in his Catholic faith and educated himself in the Baptism ministries. For over 20 years they were servants of the church at St. Mary's Catholic and Resurrection Catholic Churches in Escondido. They served the Lord in the church choir, church lecture readers, and community outreach and youth outreach to help families grow in their faith. He would never miss an opportunity to share his strong faith in God with anyone who was willing to hear it. After retiring from his garden business he worked as a cross walker for the City of Escondido for another 13 years. He enjoyed having work at this age and at 85 years he left the City to finally retire and enjoy his 10 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.