Ignacio Montes de Oca, age 70, passed away after fighting through his ailments associated with certain health condition. Ignacio was a caring and compassionate man who had a genuine love for people. This allowed him to gather a huge number of friends everywhere he went. He never forgot a face and easily recalled a person's story upon running into them. In his profession, he reached master level, by exercising resourcefulness and ingenuity; he was able to bring back to life cars, which likely would have been deemed as unsalvageable. He took great pride in seeing the cars he had worked on rollout in pristine condition.  Despite his industrious work attitude, he often enjoyed playing clever pranks on his fellow co-workers. At home, he was the same caring man that would quick lend a hand to any of his family. He would assist in every way possible.  His wife, children, grandchildren, and anyone with close ties to our family were unarguably family to him. He enjoyed recounting past stories with anyone willing to lend an ear.

Our father also had a true passion for cars. From Chevys to Volkswagens, he would admire the particular traits of an adored cars design.  He looked forward to the weekend, in which he would frequent car shows or simply spend time with his family. This was his time relaxation after an exhausting work week. As an early morning riser, he would make his morning as productive as possible.  He’d start by washing one of his classic cars and riding it to the local Mexican market for treats to bring back to his wife and kids or go visit one of his several friends at nearby auto body shops. Simultaneously, he grocery shopped and made friends along the way.

This was my father.

Ignacio is survived by his wife of 50 years, Guadalupe Bernal Montes de Oca; children Nancy Montes de Oca (Jose Martinez), Oscar Montes de Oca, and Jessica Gomez (Jason Gomez); 10 grandchildren: Dasean Montes de Oca, Brianna Montes de Oca, Moses Van Kempen, Isaiah Van Kempen, Elijah Montes de Oca, Xavier Montes de Oca, Israel Van Kempen, Isaak Van Kempen III, Annalise Montes de Oca, and Jacob Gomez; 7 great grandchildren: Arturo Montes de Oca, Jeremiah Montes de Oca, Josiah Montes de Oca, Salvador Escalera, Fabian Escalera, Mason Montes de Oca, and Emmrie Montes de Oca; and siblings Arturo Montes de Oca Moran and Concepción Montes de Oca Roman. Ignacio was preceded in death by his son Israel Montes de Oca, parents Ignacio and Herlinda Montes de Oca, Brother-in-law Salvador Roman and Sister-in-law Esperanza Montes de Oca.

Visitation and a reception will be held Friday, July 27 from 4:00 – 8:00 PM with a Vigil held by Father Direen at 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue on Saturday, July 28 from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, and Father Direen will hold services at 1:00 PM.  All visitation, reception and services will be held at Grissom’s Chapel & Mortuary, 267 E. Lewelling Blvd., San Lorenzo, CA 94580.