Octavio Colina passed away Wednesday, October 11, 2023. Octavio was born the oldest of nine children to Rogelio and Carmen Colina in Montenegro, Quindio, Colombia on July 26, 1929.
When he was 13 years old his father passed away in Tulua, Valle, Colombia. Following his father’s passing he took on the responsibility of helping his mother support the family. He became a tailor and at the age of 16 traveled to Bogota without any job prospects. In a new city where he didn’t know anyone, he worked very hard to help raise his siblings. Later, he had the opportunity to emigrate to the United States where he held different jobs making it possible for many family members to follow in his footsteps so they too could seek a better life for their families.
In 1955 Octavio married Blanca Lilia Prieto with whom he had his son German. Years later Blanca Lilia passed away.
Octavio is survived by his wife Maria Emma Avila, his children German, James, Nathalie, and Jennifer. He had five grandchildren with a sixth on the way, Stephany, Gary, Briget, Julian, and Noah. He also had two great-grandchildren Benjamin and Madelyn.
Octavio’s siblings were Jaime, Edith, Mariela, Lida, Roberto, Alicia and is survived by Aura and Rogelio.
Octavio was a big believer in offering support to people who were willing to help create a better future for themselves. He believed that education was a great path to success and a better way of life. To him the only thing greater than education was the perseverance to keep fighting in pursuit of a better future because even if you fail, you would be further ahead than if you gave up. His influence and legacy will live on in the many lives he impacted.