Father

Jose M. Siller Jr.- Born March 19, 1933

Laid to rest in Jesus Arms July 28, 2001

My wonderful father, Jose M Siller Jr., passed away suddenly on July 28, 2001.  Even though it has been (and will always be) exceedingly difficult to go on without his physical presence in my life, I know that he remains with me in spirit.  My dad was vibrant, witty, intelligent and very loving; he was a man of strong moral convictions and a strong work ethic. I was privileged to know him, to be raised by him, and to have the example of his life to guide me as I walk this path. Dad was a good man, he taught me right from wrong. When ever you can, let your loved ones know how much you love them. I know he's proud of his family and he loved us with all his heart.

I was always wondering how things worked so I just had to take it apart, Sometimes Dad had to put it back together, but he always showed me how. He was my teacher and to me the greatest there ever was. I think he could have fixed about anything that he put his mind to. He was a mechanic, a farmer, a trucker, and had a great business a lot of people came to him for repairs. He was my supervisor; he taught me the value of work and rewards. I believe I’m a better person for it; It was the greatest thing to be working beside my dad. I looked at my dads hands they told me the wear of allot of the hard work done in his lifetime. I do think my dad’s life gave him a place in heaven and I’m sure he's looking down right now and saying. "Computers will never replace the reliability of pen and paper"

MY DADDY

My daddy was strong, kind, honest and smart
When we buried him, it broke my heart

My daddy meant the world to me
Now I have a son, I wish he could see

How I wish that he was here with me
To watch my son grow into the man he will someday be.

My daddy and I would work all day
I wish we had more time to play.

I hope I brought him half the joy my son is bringing me
Daddy, if only you were here to see.

My daddy loved me this I know,
For every time I saw him, his heart told me so.

Although I can't hug you now, forever in my heart you see,
In my thoughts and life you'll always be.

Grandfather

Jose C. Siller Sr. - Born March 19, 1904

Laid to rest in Jesus Arms December 21, 1995

He died in December of 1995 when I was thirty three. Yet his image and gentleness remain vivid in my mind. I can still see him at the ranch; he and I would roam the ranches to check the cattle or sit down for a spell to chat about anything and everything.

Life was not easy for my grandfather, who came to this new country with so many hopes and illusions. He earned a living from farming and ranching and  struggled to make ends meet and in spite of adversity. My grandfather was a unique man, deeply rooted in values and traditions. He never forgot the background from whence he had come. He was a simple man, but out of this simplicity came his grandeur. Friends and neighbors were always welcomed. No invitations were necessary because everyone knew "Mr. Jose Siller" had a place for them. In times of prosperity or impecunious; Grandpa always had a positive outlook on life.

His life was far richer than many others. The inheritance he left on me went beyond material wealth - honor, integrity, his willingness to give and to help others, and his love of God, a smile that never faded even when he was at his lowest. I still remember that smiling face. My grandfather found his fortune, he found it in himself and he shared it with all who knew him. I am thankful to God because these extraordinary people have enriched and molded us. I pray for them and we continue knowing that our lives will touch each other again.

Grandmother

Josefa M. Siller - Born July 24, 1910

Laid to rest in Jesus Arms November 07, 1994

The month was November of 1994, it was when my grandmother died. Grandma was a remarkable lady who was full of life and love. If I'm honest, she's had a good life. Married to the man she loved for 64 years, she is the first one of my grandparents to pass on, and although I grieve her loss, I know she is now in a better place.

How can I ever find words to describe my grandmother? There was something touchingly maverick about her. She was so selfless, loving, she was the ultimate Ambassador for the maxim 'carpe diem' - seize the day - live for the moment. My grandparents are two beautiful people who gave their grandchildren a lifetime of love in a few short years. Love that will forever live in our hearts, Love that will never be completely repaid.

If I have any regrets, it's for my children, who, will probably never remember her properly and never know how much they were adored. Whose impression of their grandmother will largely rely on one dimensional, biased doting anecdotes provided by my aunts, uncles and myself