Jose Millan's Memorial: A Family's Tribute

Hello, my name is Melissa Millan, and I stand before you today with a heavy heart. My family and I are facing one of the most difficult moments of our lives as we mourn the loss of our beloved father, Jose Raul Millan Gutierrez. His sudden passing has left an unimaginable void in our hearts.

Jose was a man of many layers—strengths and weaknesses, talents and imperfections, determination and struggles. Like all of us, he was not perfect. Yet, despite his silent battles, he carried himself with a sense of pride, joy, and unwavering hope.

From as far back as I can remember, my father was a man who valued honest work. In his final days, he sought comfort and wisdom in his faith, drawing strength from God. Though he may not have been flawless, in the eyes of our Lord, he was a husband who brought flowers to his loving wife, a father who cherished his three daughters and one son, and a playful grandfather to his only grandson.

Jose’s journey began as a young man who arrived in the United States from Mexico with little more than courage, hope, and a dream. With determination, he built a life here, starting a family and pursuing his passion for cooking. A master in the kitchen, Jose crafted meals with love and skill, working at some of the finest dining establishments in the Bay Area. At home, he proudly prepared buffet-style feasts, filling our table with dishes made from scratch, each one a testament to his love and talent.

But cooking was just one facet of who he was. Jose was a naturally social and extroverted man, a person who could strike up a conversation with any stranger and light up a room with his humor. He found joy in simple pleasures—soaking in the sun at Half Moon Bay Beach, or watching a hand-made kite soar high in the sky, its string slipping through his fingers until it was just a dot against the clouds.

Jose had a strong love for soccer. He was an avid fan of the game and especially loved watching his favorite Mexican club team, Club América, on TV. Some of his happiest moments were spent watching his children, Melissa and Jose, play soccer when they were young. Cheering them on from the sidelines brought him so much pride and joy, and those memories remain close to our hearts.

His personality and passions extended far beyond the field. His creativity and love for cooking inspired our sister Stephanie to discover her own passion in the kitchen. And his extroverted, talkative nature—always ready with a joke or a story—undoubtedly helped shape our sister Jessica, who went on to graduate from UC Davis with a degree in Communications. In each of us, he planted something beautiful that continues to grow.

Above all, my father loved, and he was loved. He endured life’s challenges with hope, leaving us with a treasure trove of memories and a legacy of simple yet profound lessons:

• A love for cooking, creating joy through shared meals.

• A love for nature and the great outdoors, where life’s beauty is best appreciated.

• A competitive spirit that fueled his passions.

• A gift for connecting with others, marked by his charismatic, extroverted nature.

In his memory, our family stands stronger and more united, held together by the eternal love he left behind. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support and condolences we have received. Many have asked if they can offer a donation to honor his memory, and while this was never something we imagined needing, the financial burden of his funeral and memorial services has been overwhelming.

If you feel moved to do so, any donation, no matter how small, would be a tremendous help in giving our father the respectful farewell he deserves. Your contributions would help cover:

• Funeral and cremation costs

• Transportation and preparation of remains

• Memorial service expenses

• Any additional unforeseen costs

Even if you are unable to donate, sharing this page or simply keeping our family in your thoughts is deeply appreciated.

Thank you for your kindness, love, and support during this incredibly difficult time.

With heartfelt gratitude,

The Millan Family