Virgilio Arellano Mendez

On October 16, 1959 the most wonderful man was born in Michoacan Mexico. Virgilio Mendez came into the world. This young boy learned to love his family, friends, and support them at a very young age. Virgilio worked hard his whole life from Texas, Florida, Virginia, Georgia and Michigan. Every restaurant he worked in he made it better, as well as keeping friends from everywhere he went. His crowing glory was working with his brother-in-law Larry at the Rancho Grande Restaurants they built in Traverse City. For 10 years it was the center of his life, next to the love of his life Mary. He married Mary Maxine Jacko on August 1, 1995 in Atlanta Georgia. They had known each other for several years and were always together through the many states he worked in. He felt he was so lucky to be with someone who loved him back as well. It was a sad day when Mary passed away on April 20, 2016, and this changed his life forever. When the restaurant closed, Virgilio made his way to the Grand Traverse Resort, where he worked for many years and made good friends with everyone there. He was proud of his job there. When you saw him at the Resort, he had a smile, and a clean white apron on. He took pride in his food and appearance at all time. He spoke often of John Kelley and other staff who touched his life. The staff at the Resort meant a lot to him, and he truly enjoyed all your company and friendship. The kind words spoken of Virgilio from everyone lets us know what a wonderful man his family had. He loved you all. Virgilio leaves behind two daughters, Marbel Garcia of Immokalee, Florida and Bianca Cristina Mendoza of Bradenton, as well as his adopted daughter, Martha Irais from Mexico. Martha was close to her Virgilio and he often talked with her. Irais often kept in contact with the Michigan family to check on her Uncle and they appreciated her help with this as well. We all know that Irais was important to him, just as much as his daughters. Virgilio will be missed also by his 6 Grandchildren. His daughters that are here with him today. Virgilio took many nieces and nephews under his wing and tried to do the best for them all. Whether here in the states or in Mexico. He visited his niece and nephews in Traverse often, and would help with anything they needed. Cindy, Katie and Christopher’s hearts ache today with the loss of their Uncle ‘V’. Prayers are with the family. He loved you all, and enjoyed watching and keeping in contact with them over the years and watching them grow and seeing how their families grew. One thing they learned from Virgilio was, “Work Hard and be Good to People”. He often let many of his family and friends know this as well, and with respect we all tried to have him proud of us. Virgilio spoke often of the Band he used to sing in, and when he was signing all heads would turn to listen. He often sang to us in person, on the phone or through facetime. What a wonderful, father, uncle and friend he was. He often was very happy with all, listen when you needed to talk, and gave you good advice if he felt you needed it. “V” loved to fish and be outside, his joy of the water and his time there was treated with ‘peace.’ it was his calming moment and he would help anyone who asked or needed help. You could count on him. He loved you all. Those of you who did not get to meet Virgilio Mendez-Arlleno your truly missed out on a wonderful person we will never forget. Please share his stories here. We need to hear them too.

Virgilio Arellano Mendez

October 16, 1959 - May 10, 2021