Hermosillo, Sonora.- The passing of Samuel Ocaña García, the esteemed former governor of Sonora, on December 31, 2024, marks the end of an era defined by service and commitment to the development of the state. At the age of 94, Ocaña left behind not only a family but also substantial contributions to Sonora's cultural, educational, and infrastructural advancements.
Born on September 7, 1931, in Arivechi, Sonora, Ocaña's life was woven through the fabric of the state’s history. He began his education at the primary school Gabino Barreda before his life took drastic turns during his childhood. At just ten years old, he suffered a significant head injury after being struck by rocks during a confrontation. This incident led to his education at the orphanage school for children from the Mexican Revolution, propelling him toward a disciplined life.
Pursuing higher education, he entered the Instituto Politécnico Nacional and later the Escuela Superior de Medicina Rural, which shaped his concern for public health. This inclination toward healthcare propelled him to become director of the Regional Hospital of Neumology and Thoracic Surgery. It was here he began to cultivate his political career, eventually returning to Sonora where he actively participated as president of the regional medical community.
His political career blossomed as he returned to Sonora, first serving as mayor of Navojoa from 1973 to 1976. A notable incident from his tenure involved his direct intervention in the investigation of a crime when he discovered evidence implicative of police involvement, earning him respect from constituents.
After his time as mayor, Ocaña was appointed governor of Sonora for the term starting from September 13, 1979. His gubernatorial tenure was marked by visionary projects, such as creating new institutions to promote education and culture, highlighting his commitment to improving the quality of life for Sonorans. He established the State Institute for Development and Rural Urban Planning, emphasizing sustainable growth.
Under his leadership, Sonora witnessed the creation of several public initiatives, including the establishment of the Popular Music Development Fund and the Sonora Educational Funding Agency. He spearheaded the construction of the Ford plant, strategic irrigation projects, and cultural restoration initiatives throughout the region, fostering both economic and cultural growth.
Ocaña also had remarkable contributions to public health; he inspired the creation of the National Institute of Neumology, which became pivotal for healthcare policy and service delivery. His tenure redefined public service engagement with citizens through “Miércoles Ciudadanos,” which facilitated community meetings to discuss local governance directly.
After completing his governorship, he remained influential within the PRI party and the public sector, demonstrating his dedication to public service through various roles, including his position as the first rector of the Universidad de la Sierra.
Samuel Ocaña's extraordinary life has created ripples across generations. The recent expressions of condolence from the Sonora State Prosecutor’s Office encapsulate the impact he made: "The Fiscalía General de Justicia del Estado de Sonora expresses its most heartfelt condolences for the sensitive death of Dr. Samuel Ocaña García, recognizing his legacy of service and commitment to the development of our entity."
This compassion echoes throughout the community who, alongside his family and friends, reflect on the loss of such a significant figure. His legacy, characterized by integrity and dedication to the citizens of Sonora, is firmly entrenched within the annals of the state’s history and continues to inspire future generations.
Ocaña’s family includes five children: Arcelia and Samuel Ocaña Maceda from his marriage to Virginia Maceda González, as well as Juan Carlos, Lucía, and Cecilia Ocaña Zaragoza from his marriage to Albita Zaragoza Otero. He also has his stepdaughter, Alba Elena Bátiz Zaragoza.
Although Ocaña may have left the stage, the essence of his contributions and the goodwill he built remain, ensuring his memory will linger as one of the most influential governors of the 20th and 21st century.