Enrique Navarro, 70, of Jacksonville, Alabama, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday, April 26, 2024 in his daughter's home in Lehi, UT. He was a beloved son, father, grandfather, & friend, leaving behind a legacy of love, compassion, & joy.
Rick was born in 1954 in Mexico, the cherished son of the late Juan & Bertha Navarro. His upbringing in Phoenix, AZ shaped the kind-hearted & generous man he became. He leaves behind a rich tapestry of memories, touched by the love of his three children, Ricky Navarro, Alicia Smith (Steven), and Alvin Stewart (Natalie). His pride & joy extended to his eight grandchildren: Mareina Navarro, Hannah Smith, Ruby Smith, Katy Smith, Frank Stewart, Ethnie Stewart, & Olivia Stewart and preceded in death by his grandson Benjamin Smith.
Throughout his life, Rick found joy in the simple pleasures, from wrestling & playing baseball to the thrill of drag racing & the tranquility of fishing. His passion for teaching was undeniable, & he shared his knowledge with dedication & enthusiasm, inspiring countless lives along the way. His love for travel took him far & wide across the world, where he embraced new experiences & cultivated lasting friendships.
Rick’s 27 years of service in the Air Force took him to various corners of the world, including Texas, South Korea, & Germany, where he served with honor & distinction. But beyond his military service, Rick’s true legacy lies in his unwavering kindness & generosity. He possessed a rare gift for making friends wherever he went, powered by his warm smile & welcoming spirit.
Rick lived by a simple yet profound philosophy: “You can always make more money, so take time to make memories.” This mantra epitomizes his outlook on life, prioritizing moments shared with loved ones above all else. He was the embodiment of selflessness, always willing to offer a helping hand, a listening ear, or the contents of his wallet to those in need.
Though Rick may no longer be with us in body, his spirit will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to call him friend, family, or kindred soul.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to his daughter Alicia Smith for private ceremony in the near future where Rick has requested his ashes be spread.
A celebration of Rick’s life will be held on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at 4310 E Southern Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85042
The viewing will start at 9am and the service at 11am, where we will come together to share stories, laughter, and memories of a life well-lived. He may be gone, but his light will continue to shine brightly in our hearts forevermore.
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