Juan Jose (John) Olivarez Juan Jose (John) Olivarez, 57, passed away after a strong, year-long battle with cancer, in the privacy of his own home, peacefully with the presence of his loving family, on June 13, 2010. John was born on April 14, 1953, in Kingsville, TX, to parents Severa and Pedro Olivarez. He was raised in the King Ranch Laureles Division, where he worked as a cowboy since he was 5 years old. He had an avid love for hunting and fishing. He moved his family to California from Corpus Christi, TX, 23 years ago. He took pride and was known for his specialty skill of TIG welding. He was employed at San Joaquin Refining Company for 16 years. Anyone who had the pleasure of meeting John was inspired by his strength, courage, determination, and willingness to share his numerous abilities with others. He was a very dedicated man to his family and enjoyed watching drag racing, boxing, professional bull riding, his favorite football team the Raiders, and had a love for building and riding custom chopper motorcycles.

John is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Gloria; his daughters, Lianne Olivarez, of Bakersfield, CA, and Lauren Olivarez, of Los Angeles, CA; his sons, Nathan Olivarez and Jacob Olivarez, of Bakersfield, CA; his grandson, Ladon; his sisters, San Juana Rios, Billie Garcia, and Rosie Reyes, of Kingsville, TX, Linda Quintanilla and Delma Flores, of Corpus Christi, TX, Elva Quintanilla and Lisa Alaniz, of Pasadena, TX, and Rebecca Cabrera, of Callallen, TX; and his brother, Albert Garcia, of Kingsville, TX.

We would like to thank all our friends, family, Margie Fotis and the Saunders family, Dr. Risbud, Dr. Selgman, Hoffmann Hospice, San Joaquin Hospital and all their staff members. Your prayers and support are greatly appreciated. Thank you!!

Services will be held Friday, June 18, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 124 Columbus St. Monsignor Michael Braun will officiate.