Julian Q. Sanchez

April 6, 1931 – August 3, 2021

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Julian Q. Sanchez, 90 years of age, went on to his next journey on August 3, 2021. Born in 1931 in Strawn, Texas, as a teenager Julian, along with his mother (Elvira), father (Bardomiano), and numerous siblings, moved to Michigan to realize the American dream.

During his high school years, Julian met the one true love of his life, Julia L. Trujillo.  Together for 67 years, Julian’s heart, devotion, and dedication belonged to Julia. From high school sweethearts to fiancés and spouses, Julian and Julia’s life would travel many roads together, making them true soulmates.

Post his high school graduation and engagement to Julia, Julian was inducted into the Army in 1951 where he was on the front lines of the Korean War and discharged as a Corporal in 1953. He spoke fondly of his fellow servicemen and the people he met. He had great affinity for his time in the military and this continued until his passing, maintaining a lifelong membership to the American Legion. While serving in the war he successfully completed automotive training, and this helped form Julian’s next career steps. We greatly appreciate your time served in the military.

Returning home to Michigan, Julian dove into civilian life, joyfully marrying Julia (1954) and started his career at Oldsmobile. Through hard work, determination, and drive, Julian forged the trail for minorities, working his way up from a lineman to an executive-level position with General Motors. Julian thrived while attending leadership courses at General Motors Institute, working at GM, and helping the love of his life Julia, raise four children.

Julian leaves behind his children, Susan Sanchez-King (John King), Gregory Sanchez (Jan Butler), Loretta Sanchez (Joe Carney, deceased), and Rebecca Sanchez (Joseph Kikukawa), as well as numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. His children would like you to know the following about their father:

• He loved mom with all of his heart. His last concern and words were always focused on ‘taking care of your mother.’ Rest assured dad, we will do that.
• As a child, dad worked in the fields as a migrant worker and from there he steadily persevered, determined to rise through the ranks to become one of the first Hispanics in the GM management team. This took intelligence, courage, and a steely determination.
• Dad loved to show us how to do things, even if he didn’t know how. Oftentimesthis would end up in funny escapades that we still tell to this day! Ask anyone of us about them and we’ll share.
• His love for music was a neighborhood legend. You could often hear Mexican music coming from the garage while he tinkered around the house. Our neighbors in Dewitt MI, where he lived for nearly 30 years, never complained.
• Susan, Julian’s eldest daughter, recalls when she was a small child he would dance with her by having her stand on his feet while he gently held her hands. The music would play and he danced around the room with her having a huge smile on his face.
• He always said that there are four things in life that are important to learn: how to play golf, how to shoot pool, how to play poker, and how to bowl. All four of us know how to do these things well.
• Whenever we asked for anything, dad’s response was “with the money, dance the doggy.” While funny, we learned the lesson he was trying to teach us.
• We will miss you. You made us laugh and we learned many things from you. But most importantly, we learned that a family can be imperfect and yet perfectly beautiful and full of love. Thank you.

The family of Julian Q. Sanchez would like to thank Hospice at Home of Arizona for their gentle and loving care of their father in his last days. His peaceful and pain-free passing provided him and his family comfort during this difficult time. This devoted team allowed Julian to pass peacefully in the home he shared with Julia in Mesa, Arizona.

Service is Friday, August 6, 2021, 9:30 AM at St. George Roman Catholic Church, 300 East 16th Ave, Apache Junction, AZ, followed by a military tribute at Mountain View Funeral Home, 7900 East Main Street, Mesa, AZ.