JOSE BENJAMIN IGNACIO
"You won't know how much they mean to you until they're gone." So cliche. Yet so true. You dont know the feeling until it happens to you. On August 28, we lost my oldest friend Jose to an unfortunate car accident. With all the pain and sorrow comes the memories, memories of which we will all cherish always. We will remember him for how he lived and not for how he died.
Jose with Marco (1993)
Me with Jose at our eight grade graduation in Ben Franklin (1990)
I first met Jose fourth grade in Woodrow Wilson. From that very first day, we became best friends. Since he lived right on the next block., we traded Nintendo games and played at the park. He even introduced me to baseball and the SF Giants, both of which have remained my passion. Actually, that was the last time I hung out with him, at a Giants game...hehehe very fitting! From grammar school we both moved on to Ben Franklin and then to Jefferson High. Even though we both found our own friends to hang out with, we remained close through OLPH Youth group. He helped me out by starring in some of my early movies and in return I was his leadoff outfielder for his softball team. He was my coach, my neighbor, my friend... my brother. Jose was a guy I never had to keep in touch with. Every time I came back from LA, we picked up where we left off. I guess when we've known each other for so long, it's hard not to stay friends. I still find it difficult to believe he's gone. The only times i'll ever get to see that puppydog face of his are through pictures and through memories. For anyone reading this page, please do me a favor and dont drive when you're sleepy. Pull over to the side or avoid driving. I lost my oldest friend. I dont want to lose you as well. Rest in peace, buddy!
We all miss you!
CLOCKWISE: Jose, my brother Darriel, Norm, Rose, Theresa,and Gambit (1994)
So far,
people have paid tribute to Jose.