Manuel Ruiz Jr.

Manuel was born in Bakersfield to Dorothea (Vasquez) and Manuel Ruiz, Sr., and grew up with his older sister Carmen, and two younger brothers, Lawrence and Danny.
A graduate of Bakersfield High School, Manuel and his brother, Lawrence, served together in the Marines during the Korean War. Following his training in Florida, he deployed to work as an airplane engine mechanic. An active member of the Korean War Veterans Association in Bakersfield, he was honored when a photo of the two brothers was incorporated in the Korean War Veterans Memorial located in Jastro Park on Truxton Avenue.
After his service in the Marines, Manuel received his AA from Bakersfield College, BA from Fresno State University, and ultimately received his MA in Education Administration.  
Manuel met his wife, Patricia Kennedy, when they were members of the Catholic Social Club at Fresno State, and they married in 1961. They made their home in Bakersfield, and raised four children, Christine, Cynthia, Eric, and David, all of whom graduated from Garces Memorial High School.  
Manuel worked for the Bakersfield School District for 30 years. He began his career teaching metal shop, Spanish and English as a Second Language for nine years at Lincoln Junior High School, and then taught for three years at Baker School. He also taught in the Bakersfield Adult School. In 1973, Manuel became principal of Mt. Vernon Elementary School.
Throughout his career, he was active in many professional organizations: a 40-year member of Phi Delta Kappa International; served as president of both the Bakersfield City School District Men's Club and the Association of Mexican-American Educators; member of the California Adult Educators Association, Association of California Administrators in Compensatory Education, California Teachers Association, and Bakersfield Elementary Teachers Association; Corresponding Secretary of Chicanos Unidos por El Progreso.
Manuel was was also active in many community organizations. He was the President of the Boy's Club of Bakersfield; Board member of Camp Fire Girls and the California Avenue Multi-Service Center; Chairman of LA Lona Boys' Club of East Bakersfield; president of the Mexican-American Golf Association; Member of the Country Grand Jury from 1972-73 and the Bakersfield chapter of Sons in Retirement. He was he devoted Treasurer for the Knights of Columbus at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish.
Manuel was married to his wife, Patricia, for 53 years, until her passing in 2015. He is survived by his brother, Danny; his four children, Christine, Cynthia, Eric and David; his  grandchildren, Evan, Monica, Kevin, and Sofia; and his nieces and nephews.
The Rosary Vigil will be held at Basham-Hopson Funeral Home, 620 Oregon Street, Bakersfield on Thursday, February 2nd at 7:00 p.m., preceded by a viewing at 6:00 p.m.  The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 124 Columbus St. on Friday, February 3rd at 11:00 a.m., with a graveside service following at Union Cemetery, 730 E. Potomac Avenue, Bakersfield.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donations to the Lasallian Christian Brothers Foundation through their website (www.lcbfoundation.org) or by mail (4401 Redwood Road, Napa, CA  94558).