GRATEFUL FOR THE PRIVILEGE OF FINAL MOMENTS IN A HOSPITAL
My dad, Jose Elfego Flores Jr., came to this country as an immigrant with his family at the age of 8 from Mexico. He was one of nine kids born to parents who, like many immigrants in this country, came in pursuit of the American dream.
He was known as Joe to all who knew him. He considered himself a San Diego native. He loved it here and was an avid Chargers fan, a longtime season ticket holder who never missed an opportunity to attend home games.
My dad approached all things in his life with a desire to be the best. From playing varsity soccer as a freshman at Morse High School to launching his own business later in life. When he set his mind to a task, there was nothing that could stand in his way. His work ethic and passion could be seen in all he did.
My dad began his trade as a fiberglass craftsman in 1981 when he was just 18, working for my tata (grandfather) and with his brothers at Fiberglass and Gelcoat Service in National City.
In 1987 he launched Futura Surfskis out of his father’s shop. He wanted to introduce America to the world of racing kayaks, a sport that had been rooted in Australia since the early 1900s. My dad worked alongside his father until my tata passed in 2001.
Building on what his father had taught him and expanding his knowledge, he carried on the family trade through his own business, Futura Fiberglass. After relocating and expanding the business to include general contracting services, he established Futura Fiberglass as a partner for the military, Balboa Park and the city of San Diego, San Diego Gas & Electric and the University of San Diego.
Dad took great pride in all his work, but it was his passion for car restorations that helped him fulfill a childhood dream of owning a ’62 convertible. He completed three restorations for himself — the first one took just 12 months — and more than a dozen for clients over the past 15 years, always taking on projects he could restore to the factory original styling.
He regularly entered his black convertible 1962
Chevy Impala SS in car show competitions — and won. His first one, a Chevy Classic in Santa Maria in 2006, landed him the “Best in Show” and an article in Classic Chevy Magazine. His ’62 was his favorite car and earned him about a dozen trophies over the years, including in Xavier the X-Man’s Annual Cruise for the Cause Show. He was friends with, and well known within, the San Diego car club and enthusiast community.
Dad was all about spending time with family and friends, many of whom he had known since his childhood. Those closest to him knew him as funny, loving, loyal and cool. My dad loved to grill barbecue ribs, listen to the Rolling Stones and enjoy a cold beer. He would often use the phrase “work hard, play hard” to describe how he approached life — and he did, always remembering to laugh along the way.
Providing for his family, and working hard to build his business, is what drove him. As he entered his 50s he found a renewed love for soccer when the Xolos came to Tijuana, and a new passion for motorcycles.
He joined The Caballeros Motorcycle Club, known for its charity and fundraising efforts across the border, and began to enjoy the fruits of 40 years of hard work, taking more time for himself, teaching my brother Joevany the family trade, and enjoying his grandkids. He found a balance that had eluded him in his earlier years, and it brought him, and all of us, so much joy.
On Feb. 24, after battling COVID-19 for five weeks, my brother and I were called to the hospital to be with our dad in his final moments. A privilege we felt grateful for, knowing that many before us were unable to do that. Knowing that our dad has joined our tata, Jose Sr., and his two sisters, Maria and Laura, in the afterlife has given our family some peace.
My dad was a proud immigrant, a proud San Diegan, a proud entrepreneur and a loving son, brother, father, tío and Tata. We all love and miss him, and are incredibly proud of the legacy he leaves behind as a craftsman and loyal friend.