Manuel Cardenas Del Villar

Our lives are like a musical composition- the notes are the people, places, events and memories that we have experienced throughout the years. In this song of life, Manuel Cardenas Del Villar was surely the composer. A very observant man who would rather spend his time creating than talking, Manuel preferred to live in a world of harmony where everything around him made sense. A free spirit, Manuel also believed that actions spoke for themselves. He seemed to know what fit and what didn’t fit in everything he would do. Manuel seemed to live with a definite sense of purpose, but he perceived that all of life’s possibilities were open to him at any given time. He was a man who was always ready to share his creativity with those around him.

From early on in his life, Manuel had a flair for the creative. He was born on September 12, 1926 in Jerome, Idaho. His parents were Manuel and Romona Del Villar. He grew up in Billings, Montana. He used his imagination in most things he did while growing up. As a young child, Manuel was optimistic in his outlook. He sought out the possibilities in a given situation and looked for ways to apply his creative energies. He was the type of person who rarely called attention to himself, but would rather let his creative output speak for itself. However, when he did speak out, his message was clearly understood by those around him.

All throughout his life, especially in his familial relationships, Manuel showed that he was a tolerant and flexible person who got along fairly well with everyone. He was raised with six sisters and seven brothers. He was a calm and playful child who was adaptable to any situation.

As he was growing up, Manuel developed into a person who enjoyed hands-on activities, whether it was drawing pictures, building model kits, or even just tapping out a rhythm to play by. Some of his favorite pastimes were gardening and playing pickle ball. His creative side came to the surface quite often as a child.

Those who didn’t know Manuel well might not have viewed him as being an outgoing person, but those who called him their friend knew differently. He would truly open up and show his good humor with his close friends. Still, he was generally shy and sensitive, a person who never forced his opinions and values on others. Throughout his childhood, the most fun he had was simply playing, and spending time with friends.

A person who was sensitive to others’ feelings, Manuel had the ability to become completely devoted to another soul when that affection was returned. This was very true when he met Ofelia Chaidez Guzman. They were married at San Jose de la Boca, Durango, Mexico. Being together, no matter where, was for his, the very best thing he could imagine.

Manuel was always able to find the best in other people. This was particularly true with his friends.

Manuel was a man who took great pride in upholding his beliefs. He took an active role in his community because of his convictions. A loyal contributor, he was a member of several community groups. He was able to serve his community well, thanks to his open mind and faithful commitment. Throughout his life, Manuel was a doer and was always actively involved in professional and community organizations. Since he had a tendency to bring peace to his relationships, he was seen as a valued member of any organization.

Manuel was exceptionally sympathetic and compassionate when it came to his children. These emotional bonds made him as much of a playmate as parent. He gave his family unconditional love and kindness, sharing his artistic nature by turning everyday events into creative playtime. He had two children, Alonzo and Nancy. It wasn’t uncommon for him to find himself brimming with pride and joy over his children's accomplishments.

Though Manuel’s creative and artistic flair always made for an interesting and exciting home, he made sure to provide a safe and nurturing place for his children to be raised.

Because he loved the world around him, Manuel enjoyed traveling and going away on vacations. It was an opportunity for him to relax, to visit new places and experience new things. He tried to personalize just about all of the planning that he put into the family's trips.

Manuel found ways to enjoy what he did for a living. He worked hard and did his best to succeed every day. He brought his creative flair with him whenever he went to work. While some of his methods may have been a little unorthodox at times, he was generally able to enhance any work task with a new and imaginative approach. His primary occupation was working as a ladelman at a steel mill.

Though he wasn’t the type of person to draw attention to himself, Manuel did appreciate the accolades he would sometimes receive. Manuel was willing to jump in and do whatever it took to get the job done and make a meaningful contribution.

Manuel tended to be a team player, and thus made a number of friends in the workplace.

Manuel enjoyed his leisure time by engaging in various hobbies. He had a number of favorite pastimes, some of which included gardening and inventing gadgets to fix things at home. While he was the type of person who enjoyed working alone on his hobbies, he was always willing to share his interests with others.

There were many things in Manuel's life that brought a smile to his face. He liked to play pickle ball and watch the Seahawks, Mariners and Huskies.

Looking ahead toward retirement, Manuel tried to make sure that he was well-prepared. The day finally arrived in 1991. He stayed in Burien during his retirement. He went to the health club almost every morning.

In retirement, Manuel continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making some new ones as well.

In these later stanzas of his life, he became active in the community, feeling fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered him and simply enjoying what he had worked so hard to attain.

Manuel Del Villar left us on March 20, 2011. He passed away Highline Medical Center in Burien, Washington. He was 84. He died of a heart attack. He is survived by his wife, Ofelia Del Villar; his son, Alonzo Del Villar; his daughter, Nancy Del Villar Vive and grandson, Emiliano Vive. Services were handled by Yarington's Funeral Home in Seattle, Washington. Manuel was laid to rest at Washington Memorial Park in SeaTac, Washington.

This is where the song of life has taken Manuel Cardenas Del Villar. He was a kind and good man who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being warm and deeply caring. He conducted his life with a unique rhythm and harmony all his own. He leaves behind him a treasury of lifelong friendships and wonderful memories. Manuel always had much to give and was able to make those connections in his life where his gifts were appreciated. Manuel was a faithful, practical and loving person. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Manuel Cardenas Del Villar with a kind thought and a warm heart.