Dad's Mother, Juana Terrones and Father, Pedro Terrones

Dad's parents immigrated from Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico in 1917. They found work and housing in the Silvis Rock Island Yards. They were involved in the development of the mexican community, moving to 2nd Street, now Hero Street, USA. They built the only cement block house on 2nd street. In 1929, they and all their American born children were deported back to Mexico during the depression. Grandpa Pedro sold his house and loaded a Model T and drove back to Leon, Mexico.

Dad, Ray and I went looking for Grandpa in Laredo, Mexico in the '60's. We looked and looked for him. We finally parked the car and waited. Here comes down the street an old mexican man with his cart and donkey. Dad said "there's my Dad". It was a wonderful reunion after all these years. We stayed with him for several days in Leon, Gto. a time I will never forget. A time with my Dad.

Dad and I visited Leon, Gto and saw these sites.

Trips to Leon, Gto. with Dad and Aunt Marie

I was so lucky to go with Aunt Marie and Dad to Leon, Gto. to visit relatives there. Dad always told me to maintain contact with relatives there. He wanted this maintained so we would not lose our connection with the past. He wrote to his Aunt Lucita Zermeno his entire life. We went and visited her many times. I have all these memories of the good times we had down in Mexico. I will never forget them Dad.

Brother and Sister Couple

Dad, Mom, Aunt Marie and Uncle Hank. Aunt Marie loved my Dad very much. She said the best brother anyone could ever have.

Dad's Homemade Christmas Card from the Family

A beautiful Christmas Card from Mom and Dad to me, he includes all his children. It is in his very own handwriting.

Dad's Growing Family

We had to have the TV come out in the picture. We were so proud we had one.

Dad in High School

Dad's Ob

Dad was an avid reader..

I picture him always like this...reading. He was a much better reader than I. He could finish a book in a couple of days. He would say "Son, you gotta read this book".

Dad's Letter Nov 12, 1972 - Click on letter for larger view

My Dad loved Santa

Mom and Dad were in a Wedding

Letter Dad wrote November 12, 1972

Dear Son,

I am writing this letter on the kitchen table. It is late in the evening. The party is over and everyone has gone home. It was a glass party put on by Celia and Mom. They sold about $200 worth of stuff. It is like a Stanley Party. They dont get the money but they get credit for it on any item they want. The items are made of glass. Everyone is fine. Mom is well after being sick last night like I told you on the phone. Now, Lillian has the flu and I hope she gets well by tomorrow in time for school. I am writing this letter on some of your notebook paper. I think you recognize it. I am sending a recent picture of Micheal and Patrick. I hope you like them and keep them in your wallet. They were taken in school where they are both doing ver good.

Well, now I better answer your letter, but first I better read it again. Oh, before I forget I gave Celia your address so you will probably get another letter soon. She told me not worry about you. "He's got the same determination that I have!"
I am glad that you like the people and the place where you live. If you treat them right they will do likewise. The same holds true for your job. Always be willing to learn something new everyday. Like they used to tell me as a busboy. "Never learve the kitchen empty handed". So whey you leave your old job take something with you, "Knowledge".

Do you mind my preaching! I hope not because I dont have much money. The Lord said; "the one who is the greatest is the one who serves the rest".
Enough! Enough!

O yes , son I missed you like I told you on the phone. But I dont have time to sit around and think. I do think about you when I am working an sometimes when I look out the backdoor. But I am getting used to it and I realize that you have to live your own life. And I am proud that you are doing a good job of it.
I am sorry that you are having trouble with Maria Lopez cooking. Well in time your stomach will get used to it. Get some baking soda like we have at home.

Well son that all for now. I think we said most of it on the phone last night. Write soon.
Your loving Dad
R.I. Terronez

Christmas Party with Mom and Dad

Going out for Breakfast

Mom and Dad would go out for breakfast at Hardys or Porkies to greet Ollie when she opened the door. They were always there to support us in our daily activities. Dad had his famous plaid shirt on and his cap.

Mom and Dad at JD loading dock.

Mom always talks about the loading dock where she used to eat lunch at John Deere Loading Dock. She insisted that this picture be taken as a memory. Dad is with here.

Aunt Mary Woods, Mom and Dad enjoying a beer!

Photo taken in Stovar, Missouri. We went to visit Aunt Mary and Gerald one summer. They had a gas station and small store they operated. We had a great time on that vacation. I believe Olie and Lillian went also.

Dad ignoring Mom