In Loving Memory of Manuel Rojas 04/04/33 - 02/12/13 скачать в хорошем качестве

In Loving Memory of Manuel Rojas 04/04/33 - 02/12/13

RAMON MANUEL ROJAS  April 4, 1933 - February 12, 2013  Better known as Manuel Rojas, 79, of Los Angeles, California, passed away after a long and valiant battle with Cancer at White Memorial Hospital in his hometown of Boyle Heights.  Manuel lived his life in the Chinatown, Lincoln Heights, Cypress Park, City Terrace and Boyle Heights areas. He use to recall amusing anecdotes of all the places he lived and hung out as he drove by always wearing his iconic El Tepeyac Cafe paper hat. He was one of 7 siblings, children of Salvador and Rebeca Rojas.  Manuel loved boxing all his life and practiced boxing as a youth. As a young man he hung around with lots of professional boxers and would recall attending the Olympic Auditorium not so much to view the fights in the ring but to be amused by the fights on the stands.  He attended Abraham Lincoln High School and later joined the U.S. Army.  While in the Army he was stationed in Okinawa and served in the Korean War. While stationed in Okinawa Manuel became fluent in Japanese and would enjoy chatting with his Japanese patrons and local Japanese merchants which he occasionally visited. After his Honorable Discharge from the Army he worked in his Parents' restaurant. His parents operated La Tupinamba Cafe, popular for its taquitos, in downtown LA where LAPD's Parker Center now sits. The family then moved the restaurant to Lincoln Heights and changed the name to La Villa Cafe. A second restaurant was later purchased and named El Tepeyac Cafe. The name was chosen following the religious nomenclature after the Tepeyac Hill located near the current Villa de Guadalupe (Basilica of our Lady of Guadalupe, located in Mexico City where his parents originated from) and location of the original Basilica that was built to honor the appearance of the Virgen Mary to one of the local peasants. El Tepeyac Cafe started as a Deli and Hot Dog stand and eventually became a Cafe. Manuel eventually took over the restaurant after the passing of his father and later his mother.  He worked in his restaurant, El Tepeyac Cafe (also in his hometown of Boyle Heights), even after being diagnosed and receiving treatment for cancer.  Known to many as "a small man with a big personality" he welcomed everyone who entered his restaurant with fondness and a great warm smile.  He treated all alike making everyone feel like part of his family and "seem to be immediately an old friend to whoever came into his establishment".  Manuel would love to flirt with the ladies and greeted ladies and children with a kiss while greeting his male companions with a firm handshake or a hug. The restaurant life made him who he was and he would always say that the "warmth of the community plus the warmth of his customers is what made El Tepeyac Cafe." Manuel was known in the neighborhood as a generous, giving person and gave to all. At minimum he would offer his patrons a Tequila/Brandy shot or a beer from his private stock when arriving at his establishment. At departure, you couldn't leave with out him giving you his renowned "chuchulucos (candy)" by saying he had something for you to "chew, suck, & blow"; tootsie roll, lolly-pop, & gum. He gave to many local organizations such as the Optimist Club, Rotary Club, Rosevelt High, etc... Sponsored such sport organizations as the Boyle Heights Wolfpack, the Renegades Football and countless boxers when starting their boxing career including boxing Olympians Paul Gonzalez and Oscar De La Hoya. Even more recently he hosted fundraisers to benefit the victims of the tragic Japan earthquake/tsunami and to help with medical expenses for Garfield High School's Jaime Escalante, a calculus teacher made famous by the movie "Stand and Deliver". He was always a happy man and his happiness came from seeing the happiness in those he gave to. He always remained humble and well grounded even as his food gained worldwide fame .  Besides working and helping the community Manuel enjoyed a great boxing match or a great horse race, which were his pastimes. He also took pride and enjoyed being a mentor to hundreds who deemed him a prominent resource.  Manuel was a great Friend, Grandfather, Godfather, Brother, Uncle, and an outstanding Father.  Manuel is survived by his siblings, Dolores, Dora and Rodolfo Rojas; Children Elena and Mark Rojas, Manuel and Fanny Stephany Gallegos, Monique and Richard Lopez; 15 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren who will miss him deeply. (Manny G.)