In memory of Jose Juan Lopez Quezada…
It seems that the man who’d come into the gym late at night, who’d greet me with the biggest smile and wave, and then go on the Elliptical at max incline and fast speeds for an hour straight is still there.
Everytime I left for the gym at my usual time in the middle of the night, I’d always hope I saw you. You were the hardest worker in the room.
At 43 you were running WAY faster than I ever could, you were always going to the gym no matter what- even after a long 12 hour shift of running your restuarants.
You ran your restuarants well, always making sure the food was perfect quality and never letting any customer be unhappy with what was served.
You were a great friend as well. You saw I was going through a very difficult time in my life, and you were always there reminding me it would always get better- and it did.
You never told me your whole story. When you passed, I spoke with your sons (who are also great people) about your true history. You were a legend. You never told me the true struggles and experiences you’ve been through.
The fact that you did everything you did and I never ONCE heard you complain says it all. I still aspire to have that mindset, there was nothing that could stop you- impossible was NOT a word in your vocabulary.
Your passing was difficult- it caught me by surprise. I was at the gym late one night and I had texted your son where you had been- as I hadn’t seen you in a while. When he informed me you passed I couldn’t believe it, I thought he was joking.
Every night I go to the gym, I still see you there, on that elliptical, going max incline and running way faster than anyone ever could.
You will always live on in my memory and on this website, Jose. You were a great friend who helped me out when I needed it the most, and I will never forget that.
Thank you. God bless you, Jose.
