"Wondering why I clean all the time and why I'm pretty? And don't you say I'm not because you would be calling my brother, Victor, a liar. As a child Victor had a way with words and a creative way of influencing his siblings. He would ask me if I wanted to be pretty. Of course, I said yes in anticipation. He said, " go clean the bathroom, your room or kitchen and that will make you pretty. Till this day, when I clean, I feel that little spark of beauty creeping up on me. Haha. How fun it was watching the Lakers and Rams with him. But it wasn't just watching, I had to learn the game. And I better answer when he asked what player scored or made a good play. Music, his passion, was a way of connecting with him. It was so exciting when it was my turn to put his headphones on. When I was ready to start my own collection, he took me to buy my first stereo. Bang and Olufsen. In the early 80's, $1,500 was a hefty price. But he said if your going to do this do it right. I had many adventures visiting them in Arizona. I lost count how many times. I drove so many people with me. Cousins, sisters, friends and they always took us in as we had a blast viythe Grand Canyon, Sedona, camping etc. I'm still mad cause they left Flagstaff as I would tell him every time I visited Washington. Up's, down's, agreeing, disagreeing I'm blessed to have brothers and sisters that I love and love me. One of our biggest disagreements was when he told me they were only having one child. I ask him why we are all suppose have 10 so there would be 100 grandchildren. He said I was crazy but then comforted me when he saw I was serious. Brother, may you rest In Peace. We are a better family because you took the time to love us, teach us and how to respect and appreciate family. Carito"
In loving memory of
Victor Manuel Quezada
May 7, 1949 - July 6, 2026
Victor was kind, gentle, funny, and loved his family fiercely. He came to this country from Jalisco, Mexico, through McAllen, Texas, before the family settled in Los Angeles, where he grew up. He graduated from Cathedral High School before serving in the US Air Force during the Vietnam War, primarily in Okinawa, Japan. He avoided the front lines, although he lost three good friends in that war.
Victor married Theresa Figueroa in 1973. They had a wonderful marriage for 40+ years and had a daughter, Melissa. They moved from California to Arizona in 1985 and lived in Phoenix and Flagstaff before moving to Washington in 1992. Victor loved his adopted city of Seattle, especially its scenic beauty.
Victor's second love after family was music. He loved all kinds: Mariachi and Mexican music from all regions, salsa, rock and roll, R&B, jazz, Latin jazz, classical, and even a few country artists. Among his favorites: Bruce Springsteen, Santana, Los Lobos, Marvin Gaye, and Aretha Franklin, to name just a few.
Victor was also a big sports fan. His teams were the LA Dodgers, Lakers, and Rams, and the Seattle Seahawks and Mariners.
A nature lover, Victor loved going on outdoor vacations like to the Grand Canyon, Sedona, and other places in Arizona; Yosemite and the forests of northern California and Washington; and Yellowstone National Park.
Victor was also interested in history, especially the ancient history of Mexico and US history. He enjoyed trips to Mexico City and seeing ancient structures and the great pyramids. He and his wife also traveled to Italy and took in the food, sights, and history there. His biggest travel highlight was ten years ago when he traveled with his brother to Machu Picchu, Peru. He had learned about it in elementary school and, since then, had a dream to go. It was one of his biggest achievements, and he talked about it regularly as if it had just happened yesterday.
Victor also loved a good meal. All kinds of Mexican food, of course, but also Italian, Chinese, and Greek. But absolutely NO SEAFOOD. He couldn't even stand the smell. And every meal, it didn't matter the time of day or night or if it was 100 degrees outside, had to come with a cup of hot black coffee. His biggest weakness was pan dulce or sweet pastries of any kind.
Even with all of his life experiences, he was a simple man at the end of the day. A movie with his grandson, a visit from his daughter, a phone call with one of his siblings, or a meal at IHOP with his friend Don was all he needed to be happy.
Victor Manuel Quezada. Father. Grandfather. Brother. Uncle. Cousin. Friend. Our family patriarch. You were loved, and you loved well. We will miss you more than words can ever say.
Victor is survived by his daughter, Melissa; grandson, Elián; and 7 siblings (Teresa, Francisco, Evangelina, Celia, Carolina, Berta, Rosendo Jr., and Leticia). He joined his parents, Rosendo and Cuca, and sister, Maria Elena, in heaven.
Services will be held on August 7th, 2026
The burial will take place at Resurrection Cemetery, immediate family only. Please contact Melissa for details
A memorial service will take place at 4:00 pm at the home of Berta Gomez. Please email melissaquezada019@gmail.com to RSVP and get address information.
Tributes
"My heart is aching, but I'm trying to focus on gratitude for being lucky enough to be my dad's daughter. My childhood is filled with memories of Santana and Bruce Springsteen being played through the house, of days playing at the park, taking the neighborhood kids and me to school in the green Toyota (yes, in the truck bed!), him cooking fries while I cooked the burgers, and him teaching me to ride a bike (and threatening to sell it because I took too long to learn). He once told me that the day I left for college was the worst day of his life. Once I was married and had Elian, he became the focus. Then it became grandfather and grandson versus mom! They were a team. My dad would take him to and from school a lot and never missed a game. When Elian grew up, it was his turn to take his abuelito to lunch and movies. My dad was patient, quiet, and gentle, with a great sense of humor. We both liked to read murder mysteries and would trade books back and forth, and share movie and TV suggestions. We went to see Santana, Bruce, and Mana in concert. He was a true Angelino from East Los through and through, but he loved his adopted city of Seattle too. It was Dodgers and Lakers all the way, but he did root for the Mariners and Seahawks too. His favorite pan dulce was empanadas de calabaza. He liked enchiladas, pozole, and chorizo. Black coffee, no fuss. A cold Corona with lime to watch the Super Bowl, or a glass of wine on a special occasion. I will carry you in my heart forever. Thank you for giving me the soundtrack of my life and for loving us as much as you did. We love you."
"My big bro Victor. I will always cherish our time here in L.A. (and Seattle too). Thanks for coming with me to the Dodger games. We had a blast. I will always be grateful for your introduction of Bruce!! From our first concert in 1984 to our last one together in 2022 at the Forum. From pozole at my house to in n out burgers, our meals shared were simple but meaningful. Thanks bro for being the best bro a girl can have. "
"Victor was the best friend a person could ever have. I will always remember our times together. Much love my friend. "