Eugene “Gene” Manriquez
Be not afraid. I go before you always. Come follow me, and I will give you rest.
-John Michael Talbot
Eugene “Gene” Manriquez, lover of art, golf and, especially, family and friends, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday morning, July 1, 2018, after a long illness. Proud native of Santa Barbara, Gene was born on November 13, 1932. He attended Lincoln Elementary School, Santa Barbara Junior High, and Santa Barbara High School, where he met many of his long-time and dear friends. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Army and became a member of the 187th Airborne Ranger Company, serving his country in the Korean War. Gene was a “jack of all trades” and worked in many different capacities, keeping the engines running at Varo Electrokinetics, Imco Container Co, and Hughes Aircraft Santa Barbara Research Center, from which he retired in 1991. He was an avid golfer and long-time member and Hall of Famer of the Paisanos Golf Club of Santa Barbara. When he wasn’t out on the golf course, he could be found at any one of his favorite scenic Santa Barbara County locations which he would beautifully put to canvas. In addition to participating in many creative art classes at Santa Barbara City College Schott and Wake Centers, he was a member of the Santa Barbara Art Association and the Goleta Art Association. He was also a dedicated volunteer at the Assistance League of Santa Barbara, and a member of the Knights of Columbus of Santa Barbara. Gene is survived by his wife of 47 years, Judy Manriquez, daughter Jeanie (Manriquez) Cornet and husband Dan Cornet, sons Eugene Manriquez, Jr., Ralph Grijalva, and Jeffrey Grijalva and wife Brenda Garcia. He was a proud “Boompa” to Bryan Cornet, Shanice, Sanoe, and Ella Grijalva, and Carolyn and Sawyer Grijalva. Gene also enjoyed the love of his many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son Tom Manriquez, his brother George Manriquez, and his parents Gregorio Manriquez and Tomasa and Joaquin Sepulveda.
A Catholic Mass was held in his memory on Friday, July 6, 2018, at 10:30 am at San Roque Church, 325 Argonne Circle, Santa Barbara. Donations in his honor can be made to Visiting Nurse and Hospice Care, who were our angels on earth in our time of need.