Obituaries : Hector G. Mata; Ballet Folclorico Founder

Hector G. Mata of Oxnard, founder of the Oxnard-based Ballet Folclorico Mixteca, was killed in a single-car accident Monday in Sierra Blanca, Texas. He was 42.

Mata was born March 22, 1954, in Tamaulipas, Mexico. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business in 1976, and a master’s in business administration in 1994, both from UC Santa Barbara.

He promoted his native culture through dance, music and the practice of its customs, and he enjoyed teaching children the history of Mexico.

He is remembered by his peers as an advocate for children and revered for his work in Oxnard’s La Colonia area.

“Hector was instrumental in bringing forth the culture through dance,” said Javier Gomez, founder and artistic director of Inlakech Cultural Center and Theatre Company and a longtime acquaintance of Mata and his wife, Martha.

“I salute him for his diligent work ensuring that young children are given the opportunity to fulfill their dreams,” he said. “He ensured children develop the self-esteem that is so important for them to have to believe in themselves.”

For his efforts, Mata, who was also founder and executive director of Educational Dimensions Inc., was presented the Mexican flag by Mexican Consul Humberto Ramirez.

He was a former president and treasurer of El Rio School District PTA, member of the National Assn. of Folclorico Groups and coached a Little League team in 1984.

Mata spent his free time gardening and camping. He was traveling in Texas at the time of his death. The crash occurred about 98 miles east of El Paso.

In addition to his wife, Mata is survived by three sons, Tishi Angel, Joshi and Jerediah; two daughters, Janelle and Naomi; his parents, Ignacio and Cipriana Mata of Oxnard; four brothers, Rueny Mata of Santa Maria, Dr. Israel Mata of Ettingburg, Texas, Manuel Mata of Fillmore and Ruben Mata of Colorado; and three sisters, Zenaida Delgado of Oxnard, Noelia Gercelia of Woodland Hills and Ludy Perez of Oxnard.

A rosary will be recited at 7 tonight in Santa Clara Chapel, Oxnard. A funeral Mass will be said Saturday at 10 a.m. at the chapel. Interment will follow in Santa Clara Cemetery, Oxnard.

Arrangements are being handled by Garcia Mortuary, Oxnard.