My dearest Uncle Frank  

You will forever be filed under fond childhood memories in my book of life. You had more of an impact on all us kids than you will ever realize. I love my father dearly and wouldn't trade him for the world, but I remember a time (when I was a young girl) when I was so jealous of Georgia (being your daughter) because, from my perspective, she was living the dream. I mean, what little girl doesn't want to grow up on a ranch and have her own horse? 

Then one day, when you came to visit us in Simi Valley (for my father's birthday I think), you told me I could have a horse. WHAT!?!?! Are you serious? Yes, you repeated you went on to explain that you would give me the horse, free of charge (I'm still in shock to hear that), but that I would have to make sure I come down to the corral to visit and tend to the horse now and then (sounds good to me!), and also, make sure my Dad was ok with this plan and that my Pa help out by providing the horse's food. I couldn't wait to tell my Dad about this sweet deal! Well my poor Pa had the unpleasant job of plucking me off cloud nine and plopping me back into my reality. He had eight mouths to feed after all, (ten, actually if you include my parents) and that didn't include a horse. Not to mention we lived too far away from the corral and it just wasn't feasible. I knew my father was right it was a no-brainer, but still, somehow I had hoped that maybe it could actually happen. 

Nevertheless, I was so grateful for the generous offer. Never mind that it didn't come to fruition  the fact that you were nice enough to offer me a horse, spoke VOLUMES to your generosity and kind spirit. 

So although I will always see you as my bad-to-the-bone (cowboy) Uncle Franco, I also see you as a sweet and kind hearted, generous, hardworking, handsome man with swagger no one can touch. The Gonzales gene / character runs deep in you and in my father and in all my Uncles. Although you all have such unique personalities, I see a common thread among all the Gonzales men folk, including my own Pa, and it makes me so proud and grateful that God blessed us with men such as you to look up to and have as part of our overall family legacy. 

By the way, it might interest you to know that I did eventually get a horse  a Milwaukee iron-horse. It's not as warm and fuzzy as the one you proposed, but it suits me and there are no stalls to clean up after. 

I'm going to miss you Uncle Frank. I sure hope you're enjoying your reunion with all our family members who are waiting on us on that side of heaven. Please give them all our love.

Until we meet again
Monica  oxoxo

Tony & Theres Avila and Family extend our  prayers to the Gonzales Family.  I remember going to the Rancho with my Dad Tony, Uncle Pancho (Frank) and Uncle Neko (Thomas)Avila.  The good times running around that ranch looking at all the animals.  Franco is now in heaven with all his family and friends that have passed riding their horses.  Although I haven't seen him in many many years, I still have fond memories.

Tio, I know you are with God but I know my Tia is going to cry and miss you so much.  I will always remember the time that my dad took me to the rancho and you and him tried to convince me to get on a horse but I was too scared.  I love you Tio and all the Diaz family is going to miss you so much.  You will always be my Number 1 Charro in my heart...

❤ Uncle Frank, know that I love you and will forever miss you. I am so glad I got to see you before you went home. Give Jesus a hug for me and tell everybody I said hello and I'll see them when my time comes.❤

Franco my father in law was one of the strongest, loving, kind hearted man I have known. He was always there for us when we needed him. It's going to be difficult saying good bye. I know he is in a better place and I will see him again in heaven. Forever in our Heart❤

Uncle Franco, my childhood memories will always include you with your brother Salva and your dad, my Grandpa Celso. Horses, cows, corral dirt, hay and all of you together hold a place in my heart always.

OBITUARY

Francisco Gonzales

August 31, 1931 – October 25, 2015

Mt. View Mortuary & Cemetery

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