Reyes Medrano

Reyes Medrano passed away on November 16, 2017 at the age of 68. He was born on January 6, 1949 in Phoenix, Arizona and raised in Tolleson. A man of great character, Reyes was incredibly kind, dignified, caring, and generous. His philosophy was that the heart's capacity to love is unlimited and will grow to accommodate all who enter it. He lived life to the fullest as a family man, cherished friend, teacher, mentor, coach, athlete, world traveler, barber, and Chicano activist. He is greatly missed by his family and his many friends whom he considered family. Many of us consider Reyes to be the kindest person we've known. He is remembered for always offering a helping hand, a thoughtful perspective and advice, a humorous anecdote, and providing love and support in any way he could. As his family, friends, and thousands of students can attest, he made it a mission to encourage scores of people to stay in school and reap the benefits of a strong education. Reyes is survived by his wife, Francia Parmenter, and her children and grandchildren, his children, Reyes Jr. (Elisa), Juan (Dani), Hubert, Manuel, Zanya, Adriana, niece, Alyssa Villarreal, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Candelario and Rita Medrano and his sisters, Julia Villarreal, Vicki Trejo, and Maria Elena Medrano. A celebration of his life will be held on December 2, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at King of Kings Church, 3095 N. 140th Ave., Goodyear, AZ with a reception immediately following. In lieu of flowers, donations ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­may be made in Reyes' name to the Hispanic Leadership Forum for student scholarships at P.O. Box 371, Avondale, AZ 85323.