Jose "Lupe" Guadalupe Aguirre, 61 of King City, passed away, Thursday, December 22, 2011 after a courageous battle with Histiocytosis at Stanford Medical Center with his family at his side.

Born to Dario and Margarita, in La Piedad, Michoacán, Mexico on September 13th, 1950. Lupe came to the United States at age 5. By age nine, he could bale hay, drive a tractor and ride a horse to gather in the cows. This was the start of his cowboy days, which would continue throughout his life. He attended grammar school in San Lucas. He is a King City High School graduate where he excelled in football, basketball, baseball and in track and field, holding several records in his time. He continued his education at the University of Santa Cruz obtaining a Bachelor's Degree in History and a receiving his Teaching Credential.

Lupe taught for thirty-six years; twenty-six years in San Lucas and ten at Oak Avenue School where he retired in June of 2010. Lupe was a dedicated teacher, coach and friend to hundreds of students throughout the Salinas Valley. He was his sisters' and brothers' teacher in San Lucas, as well as teaching his own children. He would never let any student down. He wanted them to learn whether in the classroom, on the field or court. While teaching, he took his own time and generosity coaching volleyball, soccer, basketball and softball. He was a 4-H leader for King City Blue Ribbon and King City Rural 4-H groups in the lamb and horse divisions. Win or lose, he always encouraged you to try your best, and give it your all. That's the way he led his life, giving it to others, and always striving to do his best. San Lucas School honored Lupe, by naming the Conference Room after him, for his generosity and dedication to the children in San Lucas.

Lupe wasn't one to sit and watch television. He wanted to be outside doing something. The rare time he sat down and watched was when the St. Louis Cardinals, his favorite team, won the World Series. Between teaching and coaching he took time to be a weekend cowboy. On the weekends he would cowboy, cutting and bailing hay and running the cattle on the Peasley Ranch. He would look forward to the summers where he could cowboy-up all day long. He took up rawhide and leather braiding and became very good at making basals, reins and hondas for his horses. He loved horses and has raised them all his life. His dream was to be a roper, perhaps now in heaven he will finally be able to "head and heal". He continued his competitive spirit in sports, having played many years in adult softball for several local teams (always in Wrangler Jeans !).

Lupe was a family man, and a very proud father raising three successful children. It was important to him that family dinners were eaten together and grace was said. What an honor to have two daughters, crowned as Ms. Salinas Valley Fair, Valerie in 1995 and Jeanne in 2011! He loved watching his son Nick play sports through his playing days in youth sports and school. He loved watching his girls participate in competitive horse riding.

Lupe's friendships ran far and wide throughout the entire Salinas Valley. He was a great listener and conversationalist and he believed in his Catholic faith. His generosity, smile, laughter and sense of humor will surely be missed.

Lupe is survived by his wife Cindy of 22 years; children, Nick Aguirre, Valarie Ghio and Jeanne Aguirre; father, Dario Aguirre, Sr.; sisters, Margarita Moreno, Alma Aguirre; brothers, Dario Aguirre, Jr., Benjamin Aguirre, Juan Aguirre, Jesus Aguirre, and Rosario Aguirre and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his mother, Margarita Aguirre and sister, Mary Velasquez.

Lupe had a love for California Missions especially Mission San Antonio. From an early age his father would take the family on trips to visit the many missions in the area. Those wishing to make donations may direct them to Campaign for the preservation of Mission San Antonio, P.O. Box 450, King City, CA 93930 in memory of Lupe Aguirre.

ROSARY SERVICE:
A Rosary Service was held, 4pm Tuesday, December 27th at Mission San Antonio Church, Jolon, Calif.

FUNERAL MASS:
A Funeral Mass was held 10am, Wednesday, December 28th, 2011 at Mission San Antonio Church, Jolon, Calif.

INTERMENT:
Private interment took place in San Lucas Cemetery, San Lucas, Calif.