Alejandro P. Galaviz

1921 - 2010

Surrounded by his family, Alejandro Parra Galaviz went home to be with the Lord on Nov. 9, 2010 in Oxnard at the age of 89.

He was born on Aug. 27, 1921 in Nogales, Mexico and was the third of 10 children born to Alejandro and Carlota Galaviz. Growing up in Arizona with a large family during the Great Depression meant great personal sacrifices as a child. He often missed school to help support his family by working in the cotton fields or by taking any other job that he could find.

By the time he was 12 years old, Alejandro quit school altogether and began working permanently. Through his hard work and perseverance he was able to acquire many different talents. Over the years, he performed jobs that required skills in construction, mechanics, electricity, masonry and plumbing. Even later in his life, he did not forget these skills and was always ready to give a helping hand to anyone in need.

On Jan. 1, 1941 Alejandro married Veronica A. Hernandez. They lived in Arizona and Mexicali before permanently relocating to Oxnard in 1960. He was a dedicated employee of 20 years at Saticoy Country Club as an irrigation technician. He had a very strong work ethic and took pleasure in his job.

On Oct. 22, 1961 Alejandro accepted the Lord as his Savior and was baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. He subsequently received the gift of the Holy Spirit on Nov. 3, 1963. Alejandro was a faithful and active member of the Oxnard Apostolic Assembly Church for many years, the last 23 years under the pastorship of his son, Richard Galaviz. He thoroughly enjoyed the fellowship with the church members and as a musician would play the electric or bass guitar during church services.

Alejandro took great pleasure in his family and helped to raise some of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was affectionately called "Tata" by most of the family. As a very affable person, Alejandro liked to spend time socializing with family. He could talk on the phone for hours, and he would also visit his children's homes and those of his sisters in Oxnard on a regular basis. In his earlier years he would visit family members still living in Arizona and also San Jose, Calif. Due to his engaging personality, he was often the center of attention at any family gathering, and that's the way he liked it.

Being outdoors was something Alejandro enjoyed. Some of his hobbies included gardening and landscaping. He took special care of his yard and constantly kept the grass very green and well manicured. Neighbors and friends would often comment on how nice the yard looked.

Alejandro and his beloved wife, Veronica ("Noni"), celebrated 69 wonderful years of marriage prior to her death on Jan. 13, 2010.

Alejandro is survived by his four children: Alex (Jovita), Charlotte, Richard (Esther), and Joel (Patty). He was a proud Tata to his 12 grandchildren: Rachel Crouch (Harold), Sandra Soto (Jesse), Alex Galaviz (Jennifer), Robert Galaviz (Tiffany), Veronica Gonzales (Ron), Isaac Bustillos (Maria), David Bustillos (Gilma), Ruben Cortez (Anel), Roger Cortez (Melissa), Esther Louey (Quon), Richard Galaviz (Sherri) and Samuel Galaviz. He also leaves behind 37 great-grandchildren, nine great-great-grandchildren, two sisters, Rebecca Sanchez and Anita Suniga of Oxnard, and many nieces and nephews.

The Galaviz family would like to thank the nursing staff in the ICU at St. Johns Hospital and the staff of FMC Dialysis Services Channel Islands, especially Cecilia, for all their exemplary care and support.

"Tata, nunca t olvidaremos y por siempre t amaremos."

A Memorial Service will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 19, and Funeral Service at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 20, at the Oxnard Revival Center, 2640 Alvarado St., Oxnard. Burial will follow at the Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, 5400 Valentine Rd., Ventura. Officiating the services is Pastor Richard Galaviz, son.

Assisting the Galaviz' family with the funeral arrangements is Funeraria del Angel, 401 W. Channel Islands Blvd, Oxnard.