On November 28th, our world shattered. My dad, Tomas Luis Gonzalez Jr., survived esophageal cancer twelve years ago, giving us more precious time with him. He filled those years with love, laughter, Harley rides, and unforgettable moments with his wife Sofia, his children, grandkids, and friends. His presence was loud, joyful, and impossible to forget.

But tragedy struck suddenly and unfairly. On Friday morning, Dad fell as he headed to his bedroom. My mom found him on the floor, and despite her and my brother’s efforts, it was clear something was terribly wrong. Paramedics explained that the fall likely caused his reconstructed esophagus to rupture—an unforeseen injury that was too severe to survive. When I arrived, I wanted to care for him one last time, to give him dignity and let our family say goodbye. We cleaned him, covered him with his furs, and the funeral home helped us keep him close for one more night. Our children said good night to their Popo, and my mom, his hunny, slept by his side.

Daddy never wanted to burden anyone, but loss falls on those left behind. My husband and I took on the costs of his funeral home arrangements on our own. It's a heavy burden for us, but we couldn't let my mom scrape together her funds when she is left in the unknown financially.

If you knew my dad, you’d know how kind and friendly he was—no one met him and forgot him. A Coast Guard veteran with the Native name Tomas “Bear Hand,” he loved to talk and leave a mark. As Daddy often said, Ishka. (An Apache word meaning “Until we meet again.”)

Any support, no matter the amount, will make a difference for our family.

The visitation is Tuesday, 12/2/25, from 2:30-4 pm. Beck Funeral Home: 4765 Priem Ln, Pflugerville, TX 78660; https://www.beckchapels.com/obituaries/Tomas-Luis-Bearhand-Gonzalez-Jr?obId=46514260

Though I do not expect to recover the full cost of Daddy's funeral arrangements, I am hopeful that we will also raise enough to help my mother financially as she tries to navigate life without my dad.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.

-Janie Torrez and the family of Tomas Gonzalez