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Carpentry superintendent, mentor to many
Manuel Vazquez of Ontario loved simple things: humming birds, his dog, sunsets in Baja, early morning walks on the beach, football games and fixing things. To his family, his endearing passion for “all the beauties of life no matter how significant,” they wrote in a remembrance, made him more than a simple man. To them, he was a hero.
“He was always my hero,” said his daughter, Michelle Martinez. “We had this thing, I would say ‘I love you,’ and he would say, ‘I love you more,’ and I would say ‘No, I love you more’.”
Mr. Vazquez, an Ontario resident since the early 50s, died at his home on March 21, 2008. He was 79. Surrounding him during his dying moments were many family members, including his grandchildren and his grandchildren’s friends—who he treated as his own—along with his best canine friend, Paloma, who lay on his bed, by his side, as he died.
Born in Mexico City, Mexico on February 18, 1929, Mr. Vazquez came to the US in the early 50s, settling in Ontario where he lived for the remainder of his life. Just prior to moving to the states, he met Maryann, referred to as his “soul mate” by his family, in 1947.
For 35 years, Mr. Vazquez worked as a carpenter with several different companies. With Jimmy John Construction, he advanced from carpenter to foreman to superintendent. For the last 14 years, he had been retired, able to devote more time to his grandchildren whom he doted upon. He not only coached their soccer teams, he served as “a loving, inspirational mentor” for them, shared his family.
“He always encouraged them to strive for the best. He just influenced the grandkids so much,” said Ms. Martinez, who noted that this love and care extended to his grandchildren’s friends who often came to him with their problems.
“Little did he know that he would impact so many people throughout his life,” wrote his family in a remembrance.
Mr. Vazquez also adored animals and was a longtime supporter of the Best Friends Animal Society in Utah, a refuge for animals that he had always hoped to visit. His favorite animal, his dog, Paloma, entered his life after he walked across the street on an errand years ago while in Baja.
“He went across the street for a gallon of milk and came back with a gallon of puppy,” said his daughter, who referred to the well-loved pet as a “Baja mutt.”
Mr. Vazquez is survived by his wife, Maryann Vazquez of Ontario; by his daughter and son-in-law, Margie and George Cherry of Upland; by his daughter, Michelle Martinez of Ontario; by his son and daughter-in-law, George and Diane Flores of Rancho Cucamonga; and by his 14 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
Funeral services for Mr. Vazquez will be held at 10 a.m. today, Saturday, March 29, 2008 in the New Mausoleum Chapel at Bellevue Memorial Park, 1240 W. “G” St., Ontario.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Best Friends Animal Society, 5001 Angel Canyon Rd., Kanab, UT 84741.
