God has a timing for all things, and so it was when Cruz C. Gonzalez peacefully passed away at the age of 82, on Wednesday, December 28, 2022. Cruz was born on May 3, 1940, in Nuevo Laredo to his parents Concepcion and Julio Gonzalez, as the third of eight children that would follow. Cruz is preceded in death by his parents, who were later joined by his two sons, Raul Ché and Cruz (Ziggy) Gonzalez; his brothers José Angel, Gilberto, and sister Minerva. He leaves behind his children Lydia Montoya (Jesus) Sandy Levy, Cassandra Zell, Evita Garza (Michael) and Allison Hinojosa (Christopher). In addition, Cruz was blessed to have 15 grandchildren, and is survived by his loving siblings, Clara Cuellar (Joe), Maria Elena Medina (Juan), Rosa Maria Lopez (Fidel), Juan Manuel Gonzalez, Eulalio Cantu, Jr., Carlos Cantu and Sylvia Cantu.

The life of Cruz was one filled with adventure, tragedy, color, sports, boundless humor and most certainly family. He lived his life without limits. There was nothing Cruz believed he could not do and do well.

As a youth he fought as a Golden Gloves boxer in San Antonio and maintained an undefeated record. As a loyal Chicago Cubs fan, he followed baseball, football and almost all competitive sports. As an outdoorsman, he traveled in his RV to Canada and other coastal areas to the North and South of the United States to both fish and hunt.

In the warmer months, Cruz's carefree spirit would carry him by Harley-Davidson motorcycle cross country from Texas to Chicago, (woman on back, optional). During the colder months, you would catch him on his snowmobile, looking for the highest snow drifts to jump, or out skiing with his family. It was at these times that Cruz was at his happiest.

Cruz was also quite complex. He could discuss any topic with intelligence and speak to the corner store clerk with the same interest and respect he would show a white-collar professional. In his early thirties, he began his own construction business, naming it after his eldest son. If you went to a ball game with him, he knew the sports photographers, if you went out to eat with him, he knew the local politicians and notables.

For those who knew Cruz best, his strongest personality trait was his generosity. Whether you were a niece or nephew that was tasked with going to the store to pick up a pack of cigarettes, or soda—he would give you a $50- or $100-dollar bill and let you keep the change. He paid for the education of many, contributed capital for businesses and the housing of countless others. He bought cars, paid for weddings, vacations, and more for friends and close associates. – Without asking for anything but respect, in return.

Married four times, twice to the same woman, Cruz was the man who always looked and smelled good. His boots were custom made and his clothes were always top-notch. For a man of 5' 7—he could command a room with a look and when he was on --he was ON. Cruz had swagger before swagger was even a thing.

As we lay him to rest, we can all reflect on the depth of character and strength Cruz mastered during the many trials and tribulations of his life. The luxury he leaves us is how he taught us how to continue without him. –Even through his toughest times, he taught us how to be strong, how to survive, and most importantly how to LIVE.

The family of Cruz Gonzalez would like to thank the ICU and Acute Care staff at University Hospital and Vitas Inpatient Care for their generous and tireless care of our father.