Arturo Gonzalez, 81, passed away on February 12th, 2024 surrounded by his wife, daughters and grandchildren.

Arturo was born on July 12, 1942 to Pablo and Josefina Gonzalez in San Antonio, Texas. He was one of seven children: Luis, Juan, Frances, Irma, Yolanda, and Benita. A man of many passions, Arturo worked in auto services, for nonprofit organizations, in medical settings, and opened his own machine shop.

He met Graciela Pia in January 1959 and they were married July 31, 1960. They had their first daughter, Guadalupe, in 1961, who was then followed by Janice in 1964, Rosalva (Monica) in 1966. In 1967, they moved to Seattle, Washington and a year later in 1968, had their youngest daughter, Arcadia. Arturo and Graciela attended Evergreen State College while raising their family and brought their daughters along to Chiapas, Mexico to study abroad for seven months. Throughout their life, they spent most of their time living in the Seattle area or in San Antonio.

Arturo was a seeker of knowledge and a fighter for social justice with a passion for the arts and his culture. In Seattle, he worked at El Centro de la Raza advocating for the Mexican community as well as other marginalized groups. He and Graciela were heavily involved in the Seattle Chicano Movement fighting for farm workers rights in the late 60s and early 70s. Arturo enjoyed quiet hobbies that offered solace like playing guitar, wood carving, drawing, and listening to many genres of music but had a special love for mariachi, classical, and jazz. He didnt just love food, he also enjoyed spending time in the kitchen cooking up a big batch of barbacoa to share with his daughters and grandkids or baking scones, cakes, and pies.

It was clear that Arturo saw the world with a curious eye that was appreciative of its natural beauty. He loved to study and learn about the vastness of the universe and the possibility of what could be. Though he was comfortable spending time alone and contemplating the wonders of life, he always enjoyed the presence of his family, including his 16 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and brother who loved to tell stories and make silly jokes. Many of his summers were spent with his loved ones going camping, fishing, to the fair, vacationing in Lake Chelan, Washington, and at backyard barbecues. One of his favorite places was the Oregon Coast where he spent lots of time with Graciela and his previous dog babies, Rambo and Paco.

Arturo often wore a wide smile with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes and the sound of his laughter was sure to brighten up any room. His comforting hugs and affection will be deeply missed by those hes left behind. Hell be remembered for his sweetness, his thoughtfulness, his accepting, welcoming presence, and especially his immense warmth and compassion.

Arturo is to be cremated on February 20th, 2024 and his remains will travel to Seattle and then scattered into the Pacific Ocean off the Oregon Coast by his wife, daughters, and grandchildren. The family is currently making plans for a headstone to be placed in the Seattle area as well as a Celebration of Life reception. Further details to be shared soon.

Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers for Arturo and the Gonzalez family.