Victor Escamilla
Tio Ruben was the definition of being a strong admirable Tio. I remember him in my youth as stern, in my teenage hood as steady and supportive, and as an adult as a source of admiration and family values. Tio was a source of support for me and my father Adan Escamilla. He helped my family very much, and he always gave my stubborn self sound advice. He encouraged me when I decided to join the Navy, and he encouraged my father to let me go. I remember him on the grill at his home in Weslaco and I remember he would make me take off my cap and shoes at his house. He helped me when I was trying to earn money by finding me odd jobs like helping him paint and do landscaping at the apartment he and Tio Noe owned in South Padre. A very young memory seared in my head was when I was younger than 9 yrs old, living at the Casa de Saul next to grandma Margarita and grandpa Bernabe II's home. He would grab me by the head by cupping my ears and lift me up in the ear, it was very uncomfortable but I must have enjoyed it because he did it multiple times; somehow that stuck in my child brain. He almost was a bigger part of my life when he considered a bid for Elsa politics, but instead ended up in La Villa. I am told he was stupendous leader and Elsa would have been very lucky to have him. I was able to visit Tio at South Padre Island the spring before his passing, and it is one of the best trip decisions I have ever made. I was able to join Tio nightly for drink because he opened his home to and my wife. We'd make small talk in the evenings and enjoy each other's presence sharing stories of my father. Rest in peace Tio. You lived exactly how you wanted to live, and it is clear you were surrounded by the loving family you helped create.