Our beloved Husband, Dad, Grandpa and Father Dear, Henry M. Guevara, 85, passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 8, 2016, surrounded by his family.
Henry was born in Visalia, CA on January 18, 1931. At a very young age, he moved with his family to Santa Paula. Santa Paula was the place Henry called home for 80 years. He was a graduate of Santa Paula Union High School, class of 1949. It was there where he was to meet his future bride, Alice Salas. Henry was an outstanding athlete, better known for his exceptional football and baseball talents. He was part of the first winning CIF football team in 1948 and playing the hotspot position – third base on the 1949 baseball team.
Shortly after graduation, Henry joined the Army earning the title of Corporal as part of the 505 Military Police Battalion. He served his country loyally during the Korean War conflict receiving an honorable discharge. He was a life member of the Korean War Veteran’s Chapter #56 and the American Legion Post #339.
Henry married his high school sweetheart, Alice Salas on January 23, 1952. Together they shared a beautiful marriage of 65 years. It was during this time that Henry and Alice purchased their first home in Santa Paula where they raised three sons; Chuck, Brian, and Brad. Henry was the family patriarch, hardworking, loving, and devoted to his family. He not only served his country proudly but his church and community.
He was an employee of General Telephone Electronics (GTE), where he retired after 35 years of service as a Central Office Technician. When Henry was not working, you could find him volunteering in support of many community events and youth sports. He was a member of the; Korean War Veterans and Honor Guard, Knights of Columbus Council #3608 3rd & 4th Degree, serving as Grand Knight assembly #0082; Saint Sebastian Church usher; Boys Club, youth football, baseball and girls’ softball coach. Henry was an assistant coach for the Santa Paula High School Football team. Henry earned the respect of the many young athletes whose lives he touched through his dedication to the various programs he volunteered to support and shared his many talents. The players became part of his extended family.
Henry and Alice had a beautiful life together, enjoying retirement traveling, attending the Knights of Columbus conventions and making life-long friendships along the way. Henry had the opportunity to visit many of the states and various countries with his children and grandchildren. One of his favorite vacation spots was South Lake Tahoe, his second home. A place where he could enjoy the serenity and beauty of the area.
Henry had a gift of many talents and could fix almost anything that came his way, a skill that he passed on to his sons. He could always be counted on, to help them with their household projects and to give helpful guidance and advice when needed.
He was a voracious reader, with the ability to retain and recall facts, especially anything relating to the history of Ventura County. He consistently encouraged his children and later, his grandchildren, to work hard, excel in school and obtain a good education.
When his grandchildren came along, he spent many hours doting on them and becoming their favorite cheerleader as he traveled to see them through the various sports. He was the perfect “Grandpa” anyone could ask to have.
Henry set a beautiful example of what a loving husband, father, and grandfather should be; he led by example.
Henry leaves his wife of sixty-five years; Alice; his three sons, Chuck (Lorraine), Brian (Jeongsook), and Brad; grandchildren Lenay (Manny), Kimberlee (Steven); Brandon and Eli. His great-grandchildren, Manny Jr., Marcus, Mason, Hunter, and Harper.
The family would like to thank Dr. Gary M. Deutsch, Dr. Kevin Q. Chang, Emily and staff members @ the SPA nursing team, Community Memorial Hospital 5th & 6th-floors, Santa Paula County Hospital especially the Emergency and ICU departments, for the loving care of Henry. Special thanks to Irene Genet and Henry Villareal.
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Visitation will be held at Skillen-Carroll Chapel on Wednesday, February 17, 2016, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with Rosary at 7:00 p.m., located at 738 E. Santa Paula Street, Santa Paula, Ca. Funeral Mass to be at Saint Sebastian Church on Thursday, February 18, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. at 235 N. Ninth St., Santa Paula, with Military Honor Guard services following at Pierce Brothers Santa Paula Cemetery.
Honeybunch, Dad, Grandpa, Father Dear, you will be missed; until we meet again.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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