Memories and Thoughts

The family would love for you to use the Comment section of this page to share memories, messages, and condolences.

29 comments:

  1. I love this family. Their friendship has been special to us since 1989. Lots of boys in both our families and that brought an instant bonding. Fond memories of RJ's dry sense of humor and sarcastic comebacks which could initially come off as offensive until you get to know him. I can't imagine him any other way. The Mechams love you RJ and all the Jaramillos. Thanks for making life here on earth enriched.

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  2. Clyde Mailes and the security team!April 29, 2014 at 9:15 AM

    I am ever so grateful for my friendship with RJ and knowing the Jaramillo family. Sure, the work was great, but what I will miss most is talking baseball anytime with him. He was almost imposssible to reach to discuss work but if I mentioned a recent Angels slump he would text me right away!! He spoke of his family often on the road and knowing you all a bit, I understood why! He was as generous as any one man could possibly be, always thinking of others first. He was the consumate, quiet leader and we selfishly will miss him dearly!

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  3. A lifelong friend of 52 years.I have often told my kids that as you go through life, by the time you have reached the 40th or 50th year of your time here on Earth, you will be fortunate if you can count your truly best friends on one hand. I feel extremely blessed and extremely proud to have had Richard as one of those friends. Life leads us along many paths and corridors, brings us in contact with many people along the way, but very few of those people remain in touch throughout our lives, and even fewer can we call our best friends. Richard will always be a part of my life. He will always be part of who I am. Rest in peace my best friend. I love you.
    Your friend, Paul

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  4. God never makes errors, this Jaramillo baby was the joy of the family. He was spoiled by his Dad and he learned how to spoil others with his kindness and wisdom. Richard was a hard worker and dedicated to his family and friends. The Mehia family will greatly miss Richard;
    Our condolence to Des and the boys, Irene, Daniel and Virg. Love you all
    Bob and Mary Mehia

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  5. The world is much less funny as of last Thursday. We will miss him every hour, every day, every week, for the rest of my life. RJ, Brown Bear, Richard, Extra RJJJJ stories will be told around dinner tables, fire pits, back stages for eternity! We will have to wait until the start of the World Series to see who RJ's two favorite teams were for 2014. Tobin put spell check on this dam thing?

    God Bless the Jaramillo family,

    I love you all, Leo

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  6. I had the pleasure of meeting RJ and his lovely family when I started working for Leo and R & R Sound back in 2001, every show I did for him it didn't matter if it was in Hawaii, the 40th floor of a building in Salt Lake City, the Lopez tour or a small club in Hollywood he always treated me and our crew with respect and kindness, sure most shows had their challenges but we always had a good time and a laugh. Leo mentioned baseball but RJ and I always talked soccer. I miss him already.

    Patricio Codoceo
    R and R sound.

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  7. Desiree and Family,
    I can’t begin to express how shocked and sad Debra and I were to hear of RJ’s
    passing. We have been thinking of you all with love and prayers.
    I met RJ years ago though a mutual friend Leo. The two of them were amazing
    together… like the movie “Twins” - they were brothers from different mothers.
    One would start a joke or a story, the other would jump in, and they’d both add
    the finishing touches. It’s something I will miss more than I can even imagine right
    now. RJ always seemed larger-than-life, if you needed an “in” somewhere he could
    get it for you – and he gladly would. I will never forget the man, and I will dearly,
    dearly miss him.
    Gabe

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  8. We will miss you terribly RJ. The fire pit will never be the same...solving the world's problems with shallow political thought and humor. And, I forgive you for participating in the whole beaver thing that Leo started last year! Undoubtedly my golf game will suffer as well since you were the only one who could locate my ball 30 yards in the forest, without a mark on it, not quite out of bounds, slightly teed up with a clear shot through the trees and to the green! Best golf partner ever...a wonderful soul as well. You will always be remembered. Rest in peace my friend! God Bless you Des...and your family.

    Mark & Michelle Rishwain

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  9. Gone but will never be forgotten, 
    God showed me again that he only takes the best,
    R.I.P. Primo<3
    Richard and I weren't as close as would like like to been, they seemed to me the big brothers I never had, although not close we had great conversation via text,
    He knew me well, he called me
    The crazy chick from Fresno
    To the entire Jaramillo family God be with you, your all in my thoughts and prayers <3
    God Bless

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  10. On behalf of The Pham Family and the Mekong River Restaurant crew, We'd like to send our deepest condolences to Desiree and the boys. We love you and we are so sorry for your loss. Please let us know if there is anything we can do. May God continue to bless you all ~ Jen Pham & Phamily

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  11. Growing up in Temecula with Brock, I will never forget watching sports or just Sportscenter at the Jaramillo house and leaving with so much joy. It was fun to be around RJ and how much fun he had the expense of the sons that he loved so much.

    One memory of RJ that I will always carry with me is how well he treated everyone, especially his friends. When I worked for Wells Fargo, RJ would come every week and he would go out of his way to wait in my line. Every single time I helped him, he would raise his voice loud enough so everyone in the bank could hear him, including my manager, and say "It was an absolute pleasure to be served by you Mr. Wilga" and he would wink and walk out. He did that once a week for the year I worked there.

    Our prayers are with you all.

    Justin Wilga

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  12. The English familyApril 29, 2014 at 9:18 PM

    About 25 years ago, we moved in next door to the Jaramillo family. We instantly became friends and then family. Lack of funds had us sharing a bbq grill, fax machine, meals, etc. However, the best thing we shared was constant laughter. Almost every out of control, hysterical laughter, somehow involved RJ. I know that we will all share the funny stories for the rest of our lives…over and over again!

    RJ…I know that you would have always been there for my family if it were me…know that I will always be there for your family too! After all, they are all part of our family. With a tear in my eye, i will always smile at the sound of your name.

    Rest in Peace (and laughter),
    The English Family

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  13. I am going to miss Richard so much. He always made me laugh and smile. God puts people in our paths for a reason and I am blessed to have known him. He personifies what a true friend really is and i will never forget him. My condolences to his wife and children. May God bless and comfort you. Richard, rest in peace.

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  14. I want to offer my deepest condolences. Your family is surrounded by the love of many and you are all in my prayers during this difficult time. May God comfort you with His peace and strength.

    Pat Myers- Dysfunkshun Junkshun

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  15. Maui Hawaii loves RJ!!!!!! Ke Akua pu a hui hou ka kou. Shane and Cindylynn OFarrell.

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  16. rj was truly one of a kind...the world isn't big enough for two of him...i loved that man...he could always make me smile and feel good...to this day he is the only person who could get comped at an am/pm. he was also the only guy who could magically make a golf ball pass through the trunk of a tree and land on the green...ask theisman. it was always a big deal to him that he would play golf with celebities and at times included me...what he never realized was he was the celebrity in my group. he redefined the out of bounds rule, bumping the ball and keeping score. i loved him more than he knew and always will....the legend of rj will never die!

    army

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  17. Yimmie! "I love em"
    If you don't want to end up with a life long nick name like "Puckslapper" then don't buy pants 6 inches too long then hem them so the ankle has the same diameter as the thigh and then wear them in a wind storm playing golf with RJ. This world, my world will be a different place now my friend has earned his birth right to move into pure love and peace. I know everyone knew what a great story teller RJ was but he also taught me many other life's lessons ; like it's not polite to eat the whole burger and then ask for a new one because you discover your eating " blue meat" (" why do I always get the blue meat") and be careful in Las Vegas because you can really get bloated there.
    RJ my friend I love you and already miss you dearly.
    Des we love you, God bless you and your family and we send you all our love from the depths of our souls.
    Love Puckslapper and Veronica (Erin)

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  18. He will always be 'Richie' to me, one of his childhood neighbors on Telfair Ave. Richie always took the spotlight as he had opinions about everything! He and one of my brothers were always in trouble because of his 'big ideas' . Of course, he did come from a family that told 'whoppers', mostly from his dad, Leo. Well, now they can both fight for the spotlight and see which one of them can tell the best 'stories'. Richie, I believe your family will remember all the good things you gave them and thanks for being 'you'. Your friend, Jessie (Rojas) Ornelas

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  19. RJ will be forever missed! Golf in truckee and the fire pit will never be the same!! RIP my friend and peace and love to your family!

    Brian Seligman

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  20. Dear RJ,

    I know you hear me but I’m pretty sure you won’t answer me back right away. I know how busy GLo kept you.

    I spoke to your son Tobin on Tuesday to let him know I wouldn’t make to your Memorial Service or Funeral but that I’d probably send over a few words asking him to read if he saw fit.

    It isn’t much but I’d still like you to hear me on this day. I hope I can fill your seat on that Golf Cart if the guy ever needs me to. I won’t score nearly as well as you…or at least as well as you claim.

    I want you to rest easy, and know that I reminded Tobin that he and his brothers were now tasked to continue your reign-of-terror. And that their dad was always proud of each and every one of them. I hope to meet them all someday.

    And in closing I want to remind you that we will all remember you and the things that were you for as long as our memories hold out. and you need to know that we won’t measure your life by, “How long, or how short”…we will cherish and remember your life for how WIDE it was.

    You touched my life, my family’s lives and I will always be grateful for the lasting impression that is, was and always will be…you. We love you Rich!


    Bob Daitz

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  21. God we will all miss RJ. He was one of the funniest men I've ever met and he lit up the room when he entered. He had the ability at a party to freeze you in your tracks with some off-the-wall comment leaving you wondering if it was a tall story or worse yet that you might be the recipient of the lifetime prank achievement award.
    RJ only embarrassed the people that he loved and I think he loved me a lot. I still have my " run it again" T-shirt that he got for me after he and Leo tipped the waiter making me believe my credit cards were denied.
    After we ran out of ribs at the golf tournament last year Gino the chef has been seeing a psychiatrist as he gave RJ enough ammo for three days of ribbing. Gino even practiced come back statements for this years event.
    RJ was a real special man and he enhanced our lives. Our best to the entire family.

    Ron Navone

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  22. Where to start....? Desi and Rj were the fist family and friends we met 13 years ago when we moved to Temecula. From the beginning they made us feel welcomed. Rj coached baseball to Nick with such love for the game...he made sure the boys knew the "fundamentals" of the game, and had a good foundation, he made it fun! We ate out a lot after games.(Stadium pizza, Red Ginger, Mekong River "LOVE THAT PLACE") I always was his team mom and he made me work at it! (and he loved it..I'm sure).
    The hardest thing to do was to let our kids know that Rj passed away...seeing their sadness and tears just shows how much they adored and loved Rj. I used to tell Rj "I love you like the brother I never wanted.." and he would say "thank God I'm not your brother..!" Phil absolutely LOVED playing golf with Rj and always enjoyed the stories and jokes or the "new" place they'd go to eat. Phil will never have a golf partner like Rj!! Big and hard shoes to fill.
    Our family has MANY great memories with Rj and his family, we will cherish each and everyone..holding them close to our hearts. You have raised awesome boys into amazing men and the legend will live on in those kind hearted Jaramillo men.
    We send our love to you all,
    The Fernandez Family,
    Phil, LaSammy(my nickname thanks to RJ), Nick, Meagan and Olivia

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  23. I know Richard from his boyhood days on Telfair St. in San Fernando. Back then all the Leo and Josie Jaramillo family were the humor of our street. I remember great laughs with the family. Richard spread his humorous gift and talent everywhere he went and those memories of him will always be cherished. I say prayers of comfort for all of Richard's family. May God grant you strength to carry on without Richard.
    Gloria Rojas Aispuro

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  24. Dear Jaramillo Family,

    I am so sorry for your loss and I send you all my deepest and most heartfelt condolences. RJ was great guy, and I am still so shocked and saddened by his passing, as I know is everyone who knew him. I have so many wonderful memories of him with all the Jaramillo boys from when we were in school together at Linfield and Van Avery, or at all those soccer games Although it has been many years since I myself have seen or spoken to RJ, I still feel as though a big piece of my life is now gone from this world. I regret that I will not be able to attend the services for RJ today, but my thoughts are with you all and I send you my love.

    RIP, RJ. You will always be loved and missed.

    Amanda Jansen

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  25. Bryan and Marcy KellenMay 2, 2014 at 8:52 AM

    I spent most of my days, for the last 8 years, with RJ on the road with George Lopez.

    I got to learn quite a lot about RJ in those years.

    RJ loved to tell his favorite stories...over and over, (they never got old) He loved to golf...but wasn't a fan of counting all his strokes. And he loved to travel...as long as he wasn't in the window seat.

    I am very lucky to have him as such a close friend. We've had a million laughs together.

    My heart and prayers go out to the Jaramillo Family and want to let you know that what I learned most about RJ was how much he adored you.

    He was so proud. I'll never forget when the three of us (George, myself and RJ) were talking about friends we had that couldn't have conversations without bragging about their kids. RJ agreed and said how annoying that could be. As soon as he said that, for what seemed like the rest of the weekend,...he bragged about his kids! Hilarious.

    It wasn't all about the boys. RJ had no problem telling us how talented Des was and what an amazing job she had done raising the boys. He would say, "There is no one better than her."

    Marcy (my wife) and I were lucky enough to spend some time with RJ's family. (WHAT A GREAT FAMILY!) Each time Marcy, at some point, would see the look on RJ's face and she would say, "Look at proud Poppa over there." So great to see.

    I love you RJ. I will miss you everyday. Thank you for your friendship and I'm sure they gave you an aisle seat to Heaven.

    Bryan & Marcy Kellen

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  26. Amazing man, amazing family and will be missed by many! love and prayers, Mark Estee

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  27. Desiree and Family, I am so sad about RJ's passing. We all know what a great storyteller he was. He was the funniest person I know. I have so many great memories of our fun times together including Hawaii trips, Pebble Beach, and Truckee cabin. My most favorite trip was the Barge we took along the wine country in France. I remember our talent show, singing our hearts out and our Captain buying us all drinks. My favorite memories of RJ are the annual Christmas parties at the Burkes'. RJ, knowing how much I love to dance, would dance with me until 4:00am, pacing himself moving very slowly, so we could go on and on. The next morning, I'd be exhausted and he would be bright and cheery. I will miss him so much. Our lives were better because RJ was in them.

    Love,

    Donna Villalobos

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  28. RJ Jaramillo was the funniest guy I ever met. A jokester, a comedian, a prankster, a great golfer and a great friend. But most importantly - He loved his family. He worked extremely hard to give his boys the best life he could. He was proud of the life he and Desiree built for their boys. He was the mayor of Benwood Court and knew everyone. He always had a smile on his face and a joke to share with his friends. In 25 years of friendship he always took time to call or text me no matter where he was or how busy he was. We shared some great times and I will always keep you in my heart! Love you Brotha!!

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  29. Dear Desiree and Family,
    We are still in shock over the passing of one of the funniest people we have ever known! Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. Every life that RJ came in contact with was blessed in a special way by his ability to create joy. He will never be forgotten.
    xoxo Debi & Chino

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