Julio Morales

We are sad to announce the death of the longtime and beloved Estacada resident Julio Morales. He passed away peacefully in his home on Wednesday, December 6, 2023. He died of natural causes, surrounded by loved ones at the age of 81. Julio lived boldly, actively, and fearlessly to realize a full and vibrant life. He was a beloved family man, a cherished member of many communities, and a devout man of faith.

Julio was Born on July 24, 1942, in Sugarland Texas to Able Fuentes and Mary Terrasas. He would begin school in Texas while also starting to plant the seeds of outstanding family values and a superb work ethic by working in the fields. In later elementary he would move to Phoenix Arizona where many of the major milestones of his life would occur. 

In the winter of 1958 Julio would meet Beatriz Gonzales, also lovingly known simply as Bea. They would later begin dating and embark upon a year of courtship. On May 20, 1961 they were to be wed and would remain so for 62 years. Over the next 22 years they would have 7 children and would live across 4 states. Various locations in Arizona, Oregon, California, and Alaska would be called home until 1983 when they settled permanently at their Christmas tree farm in Estacada.

Julio maintained a long and substantial career in construction. As a member of unions, he would become a leader and foreman of many projects. In Arizona and Oregon, he was a pipe layer while gaining a broader experience and expertise across a wide range of construction work. He would be sought out for many major projects across the states for his exceptional building abilities and leadership skills. Some major projects included the Glen Canyon dam, Valdez oil spill cleanup, the Colton Oregon water pipeline, the Ft Richardson base in Anchorage, military installations in the Aleutian isles and the pipes of Seaside Oregon.

He walked into many life-threatening situations within his line of work and often walked out as if nothing had happened. 3 major cave ins, multiple collisions, and various accidents would be some of the moments he not only survived but often thrived while exhibiting incredible strength, determination, and dependability. He frequently continued right back to work against any advice to the contrary.

Officially retired from construction in 2001, he continued to work full time for many years as director of general maintenance for the Boys and Girls Club of Oregon as well as various contractual work across multiple states. Julio was almost always working in retirement. From side jobs in residential and commercial to vehicle maintenance repair to Christmas tree farming, his work ethic continued to glow, rain or shine. 

He loved studying the bible, driving vehicles of any kind (trucks, cars, bikes, trikes, tractors and lawn mowers) traveling, biking, fishing, gardening, nature, working the land and doing anything with his hands. He would most often be found helping others and being of tremendous service to the English and Spanish speaking communities he was a part of. 

Julio is survived by his wife, Bea; Children, Hope Tremillo, Eric Morales, Lisa Clawson, Gina Morales, Kelly Medina, Leonard Morales, and Marie Heroux; 15 Grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

His final milestone in Phoenix will be marked with a gravestone. He wished to be buried there to return to God in the earth of Arizona. A graveside service will be held at his burial.