Arthur Montoya
70, Indio
For 28 years, Arthur Montoya II helped run the family restaurant, known in Indio and beyond for its authentic Mexican food and friendly service.
His son, Vicente Montoya, remembers spending afternoons and nights at Teresa’s Cafe, walking to his family’s restaurant from the nearby library and then waiting for his father to get off work or to eat with the family.
Occasionally, someone homeless or hungry would come in. The family brought the visitor food “without any hesitation,” Vicente said.
It’s that service to others, whether at the restaurant, in the military or through 43 years at the Imperial Irrigation District, that Vicente said he will remember most about his father after Montoya died Sept. 10 of COVID- 19 complications at the age of 70.
Montoya was born in Indio on Aug. 7, 1950, two years after his grandmother, Teresa C. Gallardo, founded Teresa’s Cafe. The diner closed in 2008, the end of a 60- year run.
At the restaurant, Montoya often provided a soundtrack of music and laughter. He played saxophone and drums, and after he was drafted into the U. S. Army, he brought his guitar overseas while deployed during the Vietnam War. He especially liked country music, although he also liked ’ 90s hip- hop. He took his kids to the Tejano Music Awards in San Antonio, where they first saw Tejano star Selena.
It was only a short time from when Montoya was admitted to the hospital with COVID- 19 symptoms to his death, Vicente said. Per Montoya’s wishes, the family arranged a service and burial, but Vicente still feared the possibility of an outbreak. Attendance was limited, and masks were worn. Vicente was grateful for the opportunity to honor his father and gain closure after his death, knowing that many other families couldn’t hold memorials during the pandemic.
“I’m sad that my dad died of this, but I’m hoping that his death won’t be in vain,” Vicente said, “and that people will think about actually wearing the mask more than they do and really take it seriously.”
— Thuc Nhi Nguyen