Respects Honorably Paid To Joey Abeyta, Jr. And Paul Varela
Just as the mid-May day was beginning, it seemed as if a sign from above was symbolically sent down to earth, as sunlight broke through the dreary overcast conditions, just in time to shine down on a very touching ceremony for old Groupe Car Club members, Joey Abeyta, Jr. and Paul R. Varela.
Sadly, on March 28, 1977, a tragic car accident claimed the life of Paul Varela and 15 years to the day Joey Abeyta Jr, his son and father's lives were all taken while they were driving on Highway 138 in Southern California. Aside from the major loss of three generations and five family members in one tragedy, Groupe Car Club, which is a club that has been in existence for decades, also lost two key members, as well as a part of its history. Paul was one of the original founding members, and Joey held the all-important position as Club President for 14 years.
Current President of the mother chapter of Groupe, Johnny Monugian, decided that after 32 years, this memorial cruise was definitely much needed and long overdue. Johnny feels that while these fallen comrades are gone, they are certainly not forgotten, as evidenced by the many droves of people that participated in the cruise to pay their respects to their deceased fellow club members. He also spoke highly of Paul and Joey, noting Joey's commitment as a longtime, dedicated member of Groupe. "Joey dedicated his life to the club", Johnny remembers, "and was part of the main force that got the club to where it's at today." While nothing could ever replace the losses the immediate family surely deals with it to this day. The members of Groupe put forward an amazing effort in this memorial cruise to show them just how much those individuals meant to them, and to their community.
Original members came from as far away as Redding, California and Las Vegas, Nevada to make their way down to the meeting location at Legg Lake in El Monte, California. From there, these men and over 325 current members, family members and Groupe associates cruised on over to Resurrection Cemetery in San Gabriel. Over 175 lowrider cars, trucks, bombs and motorcycles cruised through the streets with a clear path, thanks to the help of certified motorcycle escorts and traffic officers. Groupe Car Club chapters in attendance included San Diego, Arizona, East Los Angeles, Riverside County, Orange County, Bakersfield and "Bombs".
Upon reaching the cemetery, Eddie Flores delivered a powerful, and touching eulogy at Paul's gravesite, sending a myriad of heartfelt emotions to all who were in attendance.Afterwards, the crowd then made a walk over to Joey's headstone, where Club President Johnny Monugian echoed Eddie's sentiments and relayed a dedicated speech regarding the life and times of his departed friend.
After the ceremony, everybody headed back to Legg Lake where club members enjoyed food and drinks, as well as each other's company. The majority of the crowd traded stories about the members, reflecting on their passing, while sharing the common theme of tragedy and lives taken all too soon. Tears were definitely shed that day, but just as the morning sun had broken through the ominous clouds earlier in the day, the smiles broke through the sorrow, as happy memories abounded among the attendees involving these two great men and the lives they led. They are truly missed, and our heart here at Lowrider goes out to all who have experienced the tragic loss of a loved one.