Arthur Ayala Cano

Birth: February 27, 1930 | Died: September 21, 2021

Arthur Ayala Cano – Who he was in a nutshell. The greatest, loving father, grandfather and dear friend to all – Pop passed September 21, 2021 at the age of 91 peacefully in his sleep after he fought the good fight with a 5 ½ year long battle against a difficult stroke. He was a pure, hard working Catholic man who walked with the Lord all his life and had faith and love for our Father God, Our Lord Jesus Christ and prayed religiously to Our Lady, La Virgen de Guadalupe. He had all the traits of a Godly man; honest as the day is long, Pure of heart, slow to anger, patience, never gave up, Devoted to God, humble, generous and obeyed the word of the Lord to the end.

Born February 27th, 1930 in Anaheim CA to his father Florencio Magana and Mother Catalina Ayala Cano. He was raised in Anaheim and he went to Anaheim High School where he was a member of the band, Colonist Club and FFA Club he graduated in 1948. He received his BA in Agriculture from Fullerton. Art had 6 sisters and 3 brothers who he loved dearly. They have all passed except His sister Virginia Cano, who is still living and he would say lovingly that she is the last of the Mohicans. He was the youngest of the boys. Truly a momma’s boy. At the age of 18, He bought 5 acres in Fullerton, CA that he farmed but he had to leave it to his mother to grow strawberries and tomatoes because he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1951. He was a proud American soldier and fought in the Korean War on the front lines. Upon his return from Korea, he built a Mexican Restaurant Named Arturo’s Little Mexico. His life ambition was to be a priest but his mother wanted him to be a father of children. He married Diolinda Garciacano and they had their children, Arthur Jr., Andrew, Diolinda Jr. and Diana. He was a successful businessman who later built a bigger restaurant and named it Arturo’s. In 1978, he had the foresight with the help of investors to develop the back acres into a 40-space Mobile Home Park. Pop dedicated the acres to La Virgen De Guadalupe and he died loving his acres in Fullerton hoping to develop the land into apartments by his children one day.

Arturo was so proud of his 4 children and loved them and his grandchildren with all his heart. It was an intense love that was evident every time he saw his family. He was always whistling a happy tune and was so positive and would give the shirt off his back for anyone that ever needed him. He loved going to church, spending time with his grandchildren, watching movies, drinking coffee, and listening to Mariachi music. Pop (Arturo) was a humble and simple self made man who will always be remembered as a man who followed the Lord and loved his family to his very last breath.