Fernando Y. Baldenegro

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Fernando Y. Baldenegro who was indeed a born leader. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Fernando was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Fernando knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

Fernando was born on April 18, 1943 at Florence Hospital in Florence, Arizona. His parents were Enedina and Fernando V. Baldenegro. Fernando was raised in Eloy, Arizona. Even as a youngster, Fernando learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

As a young boy, Fernando was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, he liked to organize and direct. Fernando was raised with four brothers and one sister. He had four younger brothers, Wilfred, Daniel, Gabriel, Efren and one younger sister, Yolanda. Fernando had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Fernando, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.

An objective and conscientious individual, Fernando reveled in the security of his family. Fernando was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Fernando would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. Fernando was blessed with five children, four sons, Fernando III, Miguel, Armando, Estevan and one daughter Eliza. They were also blessed with twenty grandchildren, Fernando IV, Rosanna, Veronica, Erica, Andrea, Marissa, Abraham, Mathew, Alianna, Alex, Nick, Mark, Aaron, Adam, Anamarie, Estevan, David, Armando, Carlos and Christopher and eight great grandchildren, Maddie, Elijah, Wyatt, Gianna, Giovanni, Xander, Nicholas and Vincent.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Fernando was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Fernando was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Fernando upheld his standards. His primary occupation was farming. He was employed for his entire life in the farming industry. Fernando was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Fernando to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were Diamondbacks baseball and boxing.

Fernando was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Fernando’s favorites was Brutus, a rotwieller.

When Fernando’s retirement finally arrived in 2010, he was well prepared. He used his critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. His new life involved staying in Parker, Arizona and driving daily in his pickup truck out to the farm to check up on things. In retirement, he found pleasure in enjoying family and friends. In many ways, Fernando loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends and tackle new interesting activities.

Fernando passed away on November 28, 2014 in Parker, Arizona. He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou and sons Fernando III, Miguel, Armando, daughter, Eliza, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Services were held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Parker, Arizona. Fernando was laid to rest in Parker, Arizona at the Parker Town Cemetery.

All who knew him would agree that Fernando was a pillar of his family. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Fernando did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.