Manuel Collaso

Manuel Collaso, a man whose life was a testament to kindness, humor, and creativity, passed away on September 8, 2023, in Orange, California. Born on February 8, 1942, in El Paso, Texas, Manuel's journey through life was marked by love, adventure, and a passion for creating joy for others.

Manuel attended Lincoln High School in East Los Angeles, where he was known for his infectious laughter and quick wit. It was at Lincoln where he met Ida Hernandez, the love of his life. From the moment they met in 1957, their bond was unbreakable, leading to over 51 years of a beautiful, loving marriage until Ida's passing in 2012. Their love story was one that many admired, a testament to their dedication and commitment to each other.

Manuel was a man of many talents, but his creativity truly shone in his professional life. For over 40 years, he worked as a Park Decorator for Disneyland, the happiest place on earth. Manuel's magic touch brought smiles to countless faces, adding to the enchantment and joy of the beloved amusement park. His exceptional skill with an upholstery sewing machine was legendary, and his creative flair was evident in every piece of work he touched.

Outside of his work, Manuel was a lover of life's simple pleasures. He had a deep love for travel and camping, often taking long road trips to places like Sedona, San Francisco, and Northern California. These journeys were not just about the destination, but the joy of the open road, the beauty of nature, and the opportunity for new experiences. Manuel's love for food was renowned, and he relished the opportunity to try new restaurants and dishes. He typically would end his conversations with the words “now lets go eat.”  His sense of humor was infectious, and he had a unique ability to find the joy and laughter in every situation.

Manuel is survived by his son, Brian, and his wife, Lisa Collaso. He is also remembered by his two sisters, Katherine Alvarado, Elizabeth, and her husband, Michael Bradley, and his two brothers, Michael and his wife, Sabria Alvarado, and Alfred and his wife, Linda Alvarado; his sister in law, Mercedes Collaso, wife to his late brother Jess; many nieces, nephews and extended family that absolutely adored him.  He was preceded in death by his son, Eric Collaso;  mother, Molly Alvarado; brother, Jess Collaso and godson, Jess Jr. Collaso. Each of them played a significant role in Manuel's life, and their memories of him are filled with love, laughter, and warmth.

Manuel Collaso was an extraordinary man who lived an extraordinary life. His story serves as a beautiful reminder for all of us to live with kindness, to find humor in every day, and to embrace our creativity. Manuel's legacy is not just in the joy he brought to Disneyland, but in the love he shared with his family, the laughter he brought to his friends, and the adventures he experienced throughout his life. His life was a journey filled with love, laughter, and creativity, and his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. In the words of Walt Disney, "Laughter is timeless, imagination has no age, and dreams are forever". This perfectly encapsulates the life of Manuel Collaso, a man who made the world a happier place through his laughter, his imagination, and his dreams.

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