November 6, 2013 | SharkAdmin [image 1]Congratulations to Jose Guajardo and Anthony N. Quintanilla of NVC for winning First Place at the Dia De Los Muertos altar contest and exhibition held at La Villita Historic Arts Village and hosted buy the Current magazine. Day of the Dead is celebrated November 1 and 2 with tributes to remember departed friends and family. Remembrances include family visits to the local cemetery, processions through town squares and homemade altars that contain photos, “Pan de Muerto” sweet bread and flowers.” The altar honored Ramon Guajardo Solis – the father of Dr. Adelina Silva, Alamo Colleges vice chancellor of Student Success RAMON GUAJARDO SOLIS (February 20, 1929 – July 16, 2010) From the La Villita Historic Arts Village's Facebook page Ramon met the love of his life Maclovia at the age of 14 and 4 years later they were married. Together they raised three sons and one daughter: Ramon Jr., Edward, Adelina, and Jose Luis. [image 2]Ramon was a self-made man who took responsibility to care and provide for his family. He worked in the fields, as a dishwasher, salesman, and as a night employee in the local flax processing plant. Later he learned to drive heavy equipment and worked in the oil fields. He took that experience and purchased a dump trailer rig and started his own small trucking business. While a trucker, he also enrolled in Barber College and successfully passed his apprentice and Master Barber licenses. He practiced being a Barber as a hobby and served as the friendly neighborhood barber to many individuals and their children at a low cost or free over the years. He took the business knowhow and many years later established a convenience store business from which he eventually retired. Ramon was a fine gentleman who was a loving Father and Grandfather and unselfishly guided his children. He joyfully shared wisdom, faith, and the love of music with his family and friends. He was a self-taught accordion and bajo player musician. He also sang and while never a professional, he was always proud to share goodwill and happiness through music. He advocated that giving and sharing would always be returned tenfold through the Grace of God. He lives in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
