Jose Joe Cruz

Published 7:40 am Wednesday, August 22, 2018

Jose Joe Cruz, age 77, died while resting in his Bend, OR, home with family on August 6, 2018.

A beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and mentor to many. Joe certainly left his mark on the lives of those he met. He was one of six children, growing up in Fontana, CA, who then married his college sweetheart, Glenda, in 1964. A degree in forestry from Humboldt State University soon followed in 1966. During Joes 34 year career with the United States Forest Service, he served as supervisor of the Deschutes National Forest, Director of Fire and Aviation Management for the Pacific Southwest Region and San Francisco, CA, and ultimately as National Director of Fire and Aviation Management in Washington, D.C.

Known for his strong work ethic, humility and desire to do the right thing, Joe led by example. And, while not necessarily known as a joke-teller, he had a surprisingly warm and endearing sense of humor, matched with a smile that put everyone in the room at ease. A man of many passions, Joe enjoyed spending time with family, working on his property, cooking for other, golfing and fishing. He was dearly love by his family and will be missed.

Donations to the Parkinsons Foundation and/or Wildland Firefighters Foundation may be make in lieu of flowers.