Jose Aguilar Lafayette

Jose Aguilar Lafayette has died and the world is a poorer place in the absence of his presence. To be in his presence and have his smile directed at you was like sitting in the warm rays of early morning sunshine. And it was behind that smile that he hid from all of us, the truth, which was this: he did not have an easy life.

Despite the circumstances of his life, or perhaps because of them, Jose was effervescent and upbeat, religious and stubborn, and greeted each day full of hope; certain that today would be the day he won the lotto. He filled each day with as much life and activity as he could reasonably cram into it. Known for his humor, athleticism and insatiable sweet tooth, Jose made sure that everyone around him had a good time.

He was an excellent dancer, a golfer, a runner, a bowler, a gambler, a music lover, and a writer of poetry. In fact, many of those dearest to him received birthday poems; crafted especially for and about them on their special days. Jose was also a closeted songwriter and frustrated musician, the realization of those dreams likely being his greatest regrets.

After 27+ years with the City of Monterey, he “retired” to work at Red’s Donuts. Early risers were greeted with a cup of hot “Joe,” donuts and the latest jokes. To say that everyone in Monterey knew Jose would be an understatement.

In his final years, he struggled to understand why his body would not do his bidding, why he could no longer drive, go anywhere unassisted, or remember what happened yesterday. Yet, in his most lucid moments, he knew something was wrong with his brain, even if he didn’t understand what that was. He learned to accept the restrictions and the care with dignity and humor and seemed to understand these were offered with love.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Sandra Jean Brooks, his parents, Joe and Lupe Lafayette, his siblings, Philip, Ben, John, Virginia, Connie and Jessie, and numerous good friends, all of whom, I am sure, greeted him with open arms, grateful to have him back among them.

He is survived by his daughter, Coby, his son Brett, daughter-in-law Ashley, grand daughter Jennifer, his beloved niece Sheila, his brother Victor and dozens of other Lafayettes. He leaves behind too, his dear lifelong friends Carol and Ray, his dancing girls, Cindy and Jan, his best friend, Charlie, his loving caretakers, Gina, Sherry and Yvette, and many, many others that ensured that his life, while hard, was a very good one, filled with love and light and promise.

Rest in your well-deserved and hard-won peace, papa.

Please consider honoring Jose’s life with a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association: www.alz.org