He loved to create and construct and tinker with all things electronic. His lifelong passion for learning competed with his determination to perfect his golf score and delight in dancing the tango with Mom. Too many interests, too little time.

We, his children, offer this brief glimpse of our father, Art Cruz, who passed away peacefully on the night of November 20, 2012. He was 94.

Dad was born August 26, 1918, in Quito, Ecuador, the oldest child and only brother to his five sisters. Despite the fact he was surrounded by a loving family, his early youth reeled with his country's political turmoil. Living through that instability undoubtedly played a significant part in shaping the man he was to become. At 26 he emigrated to the United States. It was 1944. He joined his aunts, Paquita and Maruja, in Seattle. Later, three of his sisters followed.

From the beginning, Dad assumed the responsibilities of helping his aunts and his sisters. He worked hard. He went to night school to learn English and to study electronics. Soon he landed an electronics technician job with Boeing. In 1947, he met Mom; they were married six months later, in February, 1948. Together they raised three children in Burien, a suburb of Seattle, where they were longtime members of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.

Dad's career with Boeing lasted 36 years. He worked his way up to such a level of distinction in his field that he was selected to fly on the round-the-world exhibition flight of the 747SP. His retirement years began in Seattle, but soon he and Mom decided to "move to the sun" Laguna Woods, California became their new home, where they enjoyed a comfortable lifestyle for sixteen years surrounded by Dad's favorite golf courses. In June 2012, they moved to Merrill Gardens, a lovely assisted-living facility in a rural setting in Gilroy, California, to be closer to family. Though it has been only a few months, they have already made many friends and enjoyed participating in many activities together.

Dad is remembered by friends and family as a kind and gentle man. He was always ready to lend a hand, offer a kind word, or fix a broken appliance. To us, his children, our Dad was a complicated man and an inspiration. He was a man of faith and strong moral values, with an unwavering commitment to family. His struggles to understand human frailties taught us to treasure the bonds that tie us to the world's people and to nurture the ones we hold closest. We will carry on with tolerance and compassion, and strive to live honorable lives. Thank you, Dad.

Our father is survived by his wife of 64 years, Vivian, his children, Gregory (Gladys), Catherine (Gene), and Elizabeth (Bob); grandchildren: Patrick (Erin), Michael, Nicholas, Daniel (Alison), Shawn (Stephanie), Jeanna, Karin, Steven, David, and Chris; great-grandchildren: Gabriella, Hunter, Colton, Jayden, Bailey and Harrison. Dad's parents, Judith and Henry, and his sisters, Betty and Enid predeceased him. He is survived by his sisters Chela, Elva and Hilda, his sister-in-law, Evelyn, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services will be held as follows: A Rosary will be held on Friday, November 30, 7:00pm, at the Habing Family Funeral Home, 129 4th St., Gilroy, CA. The Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, December 1, at 2:00pm, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 11 First St., Gilroy, CA.

The family offers thanks for remembrances to Catholic Relief Services.