We worked together and he was such a great friend. I must have spent hours sitting in his cube, asking ridiculous questions, listening to his adventures. He always greeted me like he was overjoyed to see me, even though I was probably coming to ask him to make another last minute change on a map. He was just so good at making everyone feel welcome. The last time I ran into him was at Fry Electronics. I heard his big happy voice yelling my name and I was so excited to run over and see him I ran straight into a display, knocking a bunch of stuff to the ground. He laughed and laughed. That I’ll never run into him again is wrenching. I hope all the memories his loved ones have will be a comfort.

Jorge and I have been friends since 1992, spending an entire summer together working in the Sierra National Forest and later attending Cal Poly together in the same major. He quickly became not only a good friend but my brother, mentor, supporter and protector. I can still hear his laughter and see his smile when I think of him. I have so many fond memories of Jorge and I’m thankful for the time I had with him. I will miss him dearly. Sincerely, Lisa (aka “India Maria” the nickname Jorge gave me).

"Jorge was my best friend in California. He was my coworker at the City of Sacramento. I consider him a brother and family to him and his family. I spent a fair bit of time with Jorge going off-roading and some multi-day trips camping. I love his appreciation and connection to nature, especially the mountains. He also had great respect for wildland fire fighters. When I saw the film "Only the Brave," the ending song was "Hold the Light" by Dierks Bentley. I listened to this song many times when my Dad passed away a few years ago and I also think of Jorge when we went on those trips and especially now. This song makes me feel of Jorge's love for everyone he came across, his tenderness with family and friends and those he respected and put in high regard that put their lives on the line for us. I hope you enjoy this song for Jorge. I love you, Brother❤️ https://youtu.be/mHuT2PRhUn8?si=DzE75uf4NIdLdyeb"

I just want to share a beautiful memory I have a Jorge. I was graduating from UC Merced at the time and because of the distance most of my family couldn’t make only a few did my parents and god parents and along with them was Jorge and Jackie and while Merced was still a far from Sacramento I will never forget the time they took too show up and I will take that with me always. Because now looking back at all the time I’ve been around my aunt/nina and her family which at a young age became my immediate family the ones I could rely on. Jorge was such a sweet person that made everyone feel welcome and at home in a way. Made you feel like you were part of the family by just holding a conversation that always felt so intentional. Seeing him through my years growing up how even being the oldest and having younger sisters he had a natural nurturing energy in him where he sometimes felt like an older brother to me. I hold this memory deep in my heart when I graduated we all went to Olive Garden to celebrate and I’m undocumented so graduating with a bachelors still felt like nothing was certain for me and we were discussing what were my next steps and what I wanted to pursue and I will never forget the kindness of him along with Jackie that if I ever wanted to move or wanted to explore Northern California that their doors were always open and that if I every needed support that I shouldn’t feel afraid to reach out. And while to some that might have been sweet to me it meant the world because being the oldest having to navigate this new chapter alone suddenly became less scary and less uncertain. He gave me such great advice and showed up for me in the most important moment I will always be grateful! I choose to hold on and remember Jorge for his character and in memory showing up for others we most people can’t, being more intentional with my conversation to make others included. Because that what I take from Jorge and I hope that in those actions people and myself learn to be more like him and his kind and loving spirit. ❤️

We invite everyone to share photos or songs that remind you of Jorge. We would love to showcase them during his Celebration of Life. We also kindly ask that you RSVP if you plan to attend. Thank you for helping us celebrate and remember Jorge. Invitamos a todos a compartir fotos o canciones que les recuerden a Jorge. Nos encantaría incluirlas durante su Celebración de Vida. También les pedimos amablemente que confirmen su asistencia si planean acompañarnos. Gracias por ayudarnos a celebrar y recordar a Jorge.