Fredrick Vasquez

1954 - 2010

Fredrick "Chris" Vasquez
1954 - 2010
Fredrick "Chris" Vasquez was born on November 14, 1954 in Palo Alto, CA. He was the third of five children born to Jose and Erma Vasquez. As a small toddler Chris endured an extended bout of measles that resulted in speech and vision impairment, and affected his motor skills development. After the family relocation to Santa Maria, and led by the tenacity of his mother, Chris received cutting edge evaluation and testing that allowed him to overcome his disabilities and be mainstreamed into local grammar schools. Although Chris lagged academically, he amazed his friends with his fearless and loyal nature. He loved the outdoors, enjoyed biking, and was a competitive track and cross country runner during his high school years. He exhibited livestock as a member of the Future Farmers of America, and continued to raise and sell project lambs after high school graduation. He attended Allan Hancock College and served in the local chapter of the CA National Guard. He was always drawn to outside work activity and became self-employed as a landscape and lawn care specialist. He took pride in beautifying yards for clients all over the Santa Maria Valley and enjoyed chatting with clients as he carefully coiffed their yards to perfection. He particularly enjoyed long distance biking, and could often be seen training or riding in various cycling events on the Central Coast. One of his favorite ways to relax was camping with family and friends in the more remote campgrounds of the local forests and mountain areas.
Chris loved to BBQ, and always looked forward to family get-togethers. While he loved to cook and eat, he was lovingly teased about his ability to consume twice as much as anyone else and still have room for a giant desert, all the while maintaining a slim and taunt physique! Chris' lasting legacy will be his loving and constant faith in God. Through all his ups and downs, Chris always proclaimed the Good Lord's greatness and was sure that God would provide. He attended mass at both St. Louis de Montfort and Saint Mary of the Assumption Catholic Churches, with his family and girlfriend Otilia. He was always ready to help others and cherished the opportunity for fellowship with parishioners.
Chris is survived by his father Jose Vasquez; sister Cynthia Davison (Danny) and nephew Shawn; brother Greg Vasquez (Patti), nephew Rayne, and niece Claire; sister Maria Gonzales, nieces Jennifer (Patrick) Silva, and Alli; and brother Joseph Vasquez. He also leaves his loving soulmate Otilia Espinoza and her family, all of whom cherished the love and support that Otilia and Chris gave each other. Among his many aunts and uncles, Chris also leaves Alex and Rhonda Mendoza of Nipomo, both of whom provided love and support to Chris through the years. He was preceded in death by his dear mother Erminia Vasquez, and his cousin Jenny Mendoza.

Dear Chris – Your sudden passing brings sadness and heartache to all of us, but we are strengthened by your true faith and belief in life everlasting. You remain a shining example of devotion to God and your spirit will inspire us always.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Chris Vasquez Memorial Fund at Santa Barbara Bank and Trust.
A Visitation will be held at 4:00pm on Tuesday, September 28, 2010 in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home followed by the Recitation of the Holy Rosary beginning at 6:00pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00am on Wednesday, September 29, 2010 at St. Louis deMontfort Church with Rev. John Mayhew, C.J. officiating and Rev. Riz Carranza concelebrating. A Private interment will be held at a later date.
Arrangements are in the care of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home and Crematory.