Jose Guillen, loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend went home to heaven on Aug. 7, 2020.

Jose was born in 1938 in Michoacan, Mexico, and immigrated to this country in 1961. He made Santa Barbara his home and met the love of his life, Martha Alicia in 1963. They went on to have three children.

He began his career working at the Four Seasons Biltmore & then moved to La Cumbre Country Club working special events. He was very social, and genuinely enjoyed meeting and serving people. He was proud of the relationships he built that went on to become great friendships.

His love for cars drove him to a position as a mechanic at Mel Clayton Ford that lasted 30 years.

His love for his family was evident and continued through his volunteer work at school functions and dedicated his time with St. Raphael’s Church and Bishop Diego High School.

Jose cherished spending time with family and friends. His smile, stories and jokes were inspiring to all who were fortunate enough to know him. He shared his love of happy hour and always jumped at the chance to entertain loved ones with a nice cocktail.

He was a man of great integrity with a big heart. Despite health issues over the last few years, Jose never gave up or gave in. He overcame and never lost his sense of humor. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Besides leaving the friends and family who loved him, Jose is survived by his wife of 54 years Marta Alicia Guillen; daughter Cristina Esparza (Manny); sons Javier, Jaime (Melissa); nine grandchildren Garrett, Grant, Gavin, Grayson, Blake, Alyssa, Kayla, Jessica and Isabella; and sisters Eva and Maria Guillen.

Preceding Jose in death are his brothers Ramiro Guillen, Mauro Guillen, and nephew Eduardo Rangel.

Due to coronavirus, services will be limited.