Elisa Sol

Irineo Solis Benitez

June 26, 1958 - April 16, 2014

This altar is in remembrance of my beloved tio Irineo. He and his family lived rightacross the street from us growing up, making him the closest and most present relativein my childhood, which made his death four years ago all the more difficult. Among hisfavorite things were beef jerky, spicy peanuts, and carne asada- extra crispy. He alwayscarried a tape measure with him, as well as a notebook and a carpenter’s pencil in thelittle pocket of his shirts. He was also a huge believer in the Virgen de Guadalupe. Mydad and him often flew out to their hometown of La Union de Guadalupe, Jalisco to helpfund and participate in the annual fiestas for the Virgin Mary. My dad and him were bestfriends. They often hung out in our backyard after a long work day, having a drink oftheir favorite tequila, laughing, grilling, singing Vicente Fernandez songs, and telling metheir epic stories. My tio Irineo, a humble laborer, was the hardest worker I ever didmeet. He once told me that growing up, he wanted to be an architect. Today I studyLandscape Architecture here in CED. And let me just say, it is such an honor andblessing to have this connection with him, feeling like I’m making him proud from up inthe heavens. You’ll never be forgoetten, tio.