Monterey Park residents and elected officials honor residents who have volunteers many hours of their lives improving the quality of life in their hometown with a tree dedicated in their name.

Harry Panagiotes, Director of the Recreation and Parks Department welcomed all to this special event on May 19 at the Garvey Ranch Park. He introduced Councilmembers Anthony Wong, Betty Tom Chu, David Lau, Frank Venti and Mitch Ing, City Clerk Dave Barron and City Treasurer Joseph Leon, Tree Memorial Committee members: Susanna Cheung, Sandi Lujan. Herb Motonaga, Linda Ortega and Sandra Tung and family members of the honorees: Marie Purvis, Horacio Diaz and Patricia Sabey.

This year is the first year that the memorial trees are planted at Garvey Ranch Park.  In previous years trees are planted in front of City Hall.

Councilmembers Anthony Wong, Betty Tom Chu, David Lau, Frank Venti and Mitch Ing, City Clerk Dave Barron, City Treasurer Joseph Leon and Harry Panagiotes honored former mayor Marie Purvis for her many years of dedication to the city. Mrs. Purvis, a long time business owner, served on the City Council and Design Review Board, founded the city’s first Fourth of July celebration and served on many local boards the included the West San Gabriel Valley Boys and Girls Club, the Chamber of Commerce, the Opti-Mrs. Club and MERCI Auxiliary.

Lucy Kelley introduced her friend Marie Purvis as a caring and loving person who enjoyed her family, friends and serving the city. She said Marie would enjoy this tree, as cherries were her favorite fruit.

Art Purvis received the honor in his mother’s name.  He said that his mother is looking down today. She took care of her family and friends. She never expected anything in return. She is missed. He thanked everyone of this dedication.

Councilmembers Anthony Wong, Betty Tom Chu, David Lau, Frank Venti and Mitch Ing, City Clerk Dave Barron, City Treasurer Joseph Leon and Harry Panagiotes honored Horacio Diaz for his many years of dedication to the city. Mr. Diaz served as a Commissioner on Aging, on the boards of Club Amistad and Cinco de Mayo. He also volunteered at other city events that included the Fourth of July and Tag Away Graffiti.

The Diaz children, Horacio Jr., Rosanna and Mario introduced their father as a loving and caring person who provided for his family. They praised their father for all he did for his family. He introduced them to the life of a volunteer and set a good example for the to follow. His ashes were scattered in Mexico near his childhood home. This tree represents his life.  Now they have a local place to come and visit with him. They thanked their mother Maria Diaz, the committee and elected officials for this honor.

Councilmembers Anthony Wong, Betty Tom Chu, David Lau, Frank Venti and Mitch Ing, City Clerk Dave Barron, City Treasurer Joseph Leon and Harry Panagiotes honored Patricia Sabey for her many years of dedication to the city. Mrs. Sabey, a longtime business owner, donated her time and money to organizing many city events that include Play Days and the Fourth of July. She also was involved with the Soroptimist Club, Kiwanis Club, Monterey Park Sports Club, Salvation Army and West San Gabriel Valley Boys and Girls Club.

Glenn Sabey with his uncle Jerry Linsford introduced his mother as a single mother who was involved in the city with her boys.  She worked at several banks before opening her own insurance agency. She was their best friend and a volunteer in Monterey Park. He thanked her friends, the elected officials and committee for this honor. He said he would be visiting her tree in the park.

The Cherry Trees with their plaques of honor are near the first set of the picnic pavilions at the entrance of the park.

The life span of a tree can be hundreds of years. It is a wonderful symbol of the human life that can be short but the roots or memories of a person can last for hundreds of years in the hearts and souls of their family and friends.