Jose Olivarez

Jose Huerta Olivarez, born 26 March 1941 to Gregoria and Cristoval Olivarez in Santa Maria, Texas and went peacefully home to the Lord 11 April 2023 surrounded by family. Proceeded in death by his sister-in-law, Rita Olivarez; his mother, Gregoria H. Olivarez; and his father, Cristoval Olivarez. Survived by his brother, Hector Olivarez of Lynden, WA; his eldest daughter, Corina Taylor (Tom) of Sedro-Woolley, WA; his eldest son, Jose Olivarez Jr. of Seguin, TX; his son, Jaime (Tami) Olivarez of Bellingham, WA; his daughter, Carmen Olivarez (Edward) of Mount Vernon, WA; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Jose lived in Mercedes, Texas and neighboring communities for 24 years until he married the mother of his children in 1965. Soon after, he relocated his family to Ferndale, WA in 1966 as a migrant worker. He started his career as a brick layer for Intalco Aluminum for 25 years and 13 years for Versacold. Jose proudly served as a volunteer fire fighter for 25 years with Whatcom County Fire District 7. He also volunteered at the Lynden Community Center (meals on wheels) and the Lions Club where he was also a member. For 12 years Jose helped his brother Hector as a backup DJ for a Tejano radio program which they aired on the KLYN radio station in Lynden, WA. They provided Tejano music to the hispanic communities reaching listeners from California to the Canadian border. He had ties with Tejano conjunto groups from the Rio Grand Valley of South Texas to Washington for the summer. Jose was a proud father and a dedicated friend; with only a fifth grade education he overcame many obstacles to provide for his family and achieved many goals in life. Jose loved his hobbies which included woodwork, hand carving and growing a variety of grapes, berries and fruit trees. He also loved to bowl, play pool, cribbage and cards. Jose had a deep love for the community and enjoyed his time most volunteering and being involved. Jose was a hard worker who often took on difficult and unwanted projects at home and around the community. He will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and all who knew him. In lieu of flowers please send donations to: Guadalupe Regional Hospice 1346 E. Walnut Seguin, Texas 78155

Jose Olivarez

March 26, 1941 - April 11, 2023