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Richard Chavez Obituary
Chavez, who helped his brother Cesar Chavez build the United Farmworkers of America, passed away at a Bakersfield hospital Wednesday of complications from surgery, union spokeswoman Maria Machuca said.
Born on the family homestead near Yuma, Ariz., the two brothers left farm work in 1949, spending a year working together in lumber mills in Northern California, Machuca said.
Eventually dedicating himself to union work, Richard Chavez organized the farmworkers' boycotts of California table grapes and other products in New York and Detroit during the 1960s and '70s. He was in charge of administrating union contracts in 1970, and later negotiated UFW agreements and oversaw union bargaining, Machuca said.
Chavez also designed the black Aztec eagle, the union's flag, and oversaw construction and helped build most of the major structures on the farmworkers' "Forty Acres" complex outside Delano, Calif., which became the union's headquarters and where Chavez joined his brother in the Delano Grape Strike.
Chavez is survived by his long-time partner Dolores Huerta — also a labor activist and farmworkers organizer — and his estranged wife, Sally. He also leaves behind nine adult children and more than a dozen grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
"He knew how to deal with all kinds of people," said son Federico Chavez. "I don't think there was ever a person he didn't like."
57 Entries
Francisco Bravo
March 29, 2018
He was a good man
Linda Sierras
September 20, 2011
I was honored to have met you many years ago approximately 17. I was a volunteer in San Jose for the "CFV" for those years. I had the privilege to talk,dance,enjoy you as a charismatic gentleman. You had a gentle heart and a friendly smile. I embrace my meomories of you and your special families. May you REST IN PEACE. Respectfully, Linda T. Sierras
C
s
Beverly Morales
August 3, 2011
TO Ricky and the entire Chavez clan,
Just a few weeks ago I googled you and your dad to see if there could be some contact but to no avail. So sad the next time I did was to see the news flashes regarding your dad's passing. I'm a voice from your past back in the nineties and the City Kid /Earth Train thing. I'm William and Cynthia's mom remembering the tales you told us about your adventures with your dad and uncle Cesar and the movement for justice for farmworkers. They were both phenominal men and a great loss to our entire society. May you and your family feel the love coming from the world and find peace in knowing that your father made such a huge difference that he is mourned everywhere. And you Ricky, I know, will follow in his footsteps in one way or another and keep their legacy alive.
Look us up if you can on facebook, WIlliam Anthony Morales (William d'Anthony), Cynthia Roxanne Morales, and mama Beverly Morales at [email protected]
Again sincere condolences from all of us.
Sandra
August 1, 2011
I am so sorry for your loss of Richard. Just remember that God offers a wonderful future for us all, soon Christ will call all those in the memorial tombs and they will return, young and healthy to a beautiful peaceful earth. What a wonderful time to welcome them back to an earth governed and blessed by Jesus rule, “your kingdom come to earth...”, - John 5: 28,29 & Matthew 6:10
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Jerry Hernandez
August 1, 2011
Iam sorry to hear about Richard Chavez my condolence to the Chavez family
Mary Parra, DWK
July 31, 2011
My condolences to the Huerta/Chavez Family. To Alicia, Laura, Camila and Dolores Huerta
Gloria Serda Rodriguez
July 31, 2011
To Dorothy, your brother and Sisters, and your mom Sally...Just wanted to let you know that I am so sorry about your Dad Richard Chavez untimely death. I met your Dad and all your family way back in the late 60"s and I can say that your Dad was one the best Dads to all of you. He and I became friends within the Farmworker Movement, and I feel very honored and blessed to have know such a kind, forgiving, sensitive person as he. He was well liked by many including myself. May he rest in peace.
Rosario Salas Beall
July 31, 2011
Chihuahua envia condolencias a la Familia Chavez. Admiramos todo el trabajo y esfuerzo de la Familia Chavez. Un abrazo con mucho cariño. Nos sumamos a la lucha en apoyo a nuestros Connacionales en los EUA. -- Rosario Salas Beall (Chihuahua)
Christine Nava
July 31, 2011
Richard's efforts will, always, be remembered. And, may a new group of activists emerge to continue with the ongoing fights to better the working conditions and lives of our farmworkers and immigrants. God is with Richard, and, Richard is with Him, Cesar, and all those who preceded him, and, together, they will form such a strong force that those of us who are of their thinking will feel it and continue on with their fight. Dolores and Family, I didn't know Richard, but, I think he enjoyed the music of Rodrigo y Gabriela, their 2010 video, Hanuman. If it doesn't play, please, copy and paste it to the url search bar. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zklkfG47Th0&feature=fvsr
Aurelia De La Rosa
July 30, 2011
Our deepest condolences to the Chavez family. We are fourth generation on the Chavez genealogy family tree. We were fortunate to have met Richard at the Chavez Family Reunion last year. He has left a great legacy. God Bless all. Ramiro and Aurelia De La Rosa
Susana Valenzuela
July 30, 2011
I my thoughts and prayers are with you and familly. I recall all the hard work that was done back when this union started I was young and it had a big impact in my life. God bless each member of your family for you will alway live as your brother Cesar live now with all the legacy that was left to the people.
Andrews
July 30, 2011
My deepest sympathy goes to the Chavez Family. Your friends and family can find comfort at Isiah 25:8. This scripture tells us that God will swallow up death forever. May this comfort you'all in your time of distress.
Loretta Calfee
July 30, 2011
God bless you and your family/
Ralph Lyke
July 30, 2011
I also join in my condolences to the Chavez Family. Both Richard and Cesar were great human beings. My union, the UAW, has a close relationship with the United Farmworkers of America.
Richard Chavez's work will not be forgotten.
Ralph Lyke
Local 624, UAW
Upstate New York
Robert & Maxine Gomez
July 30, 2011
Our sympathy to the"family", and a big thank you for all your sacrafices. Mr. Chavez and Dolores Huerta have made great impact on lives of so many. I can only hope the next generations understand and realize your hard work and sacrafices and appreciates all you have done. God Bless you and may he wrap his arms around you as he takes you home.
James Goltz
July 30, 2011
We will miss you brother. We heard you speak of your brother at his induction into the Labor Hall of Fame in Washington D.C.. You told of the credit union and how you didn't know about money lending. You said you simply made "face loans" to people that had honest faces. :-) Go in peace.
Evelia Hanna
July 29, 2011
May they both rest in peace together with the Lord. What great men achieving great sucesses for all the Mexican-American Farm Workers/Laborers, who are still not treated well.
Frances Frederickson
July 29, 2011
I join with all who deliver condolences to the Richard Chavez family. I remember meeting his brother in Chicago and Ceasar came and enbranced my and called me his sister. Ahora los dos hermanos se juntan en la precensia de nuestro Dios. La recepcion ser una celebracion merecida. Descansen en paz. Frances
Tom Gannon
July 29, 2011
My condolences to the Chavez and Huerta families. I had the pleasure of being on the road with Richard and Cesar forty years ago. Richard was always very kind to me and he kept our stress levels down with his great sense of humor and jokes. Viva Richard!
Hilda Enriquez
July 29, 2011
Our Condolences to The CHAVEZ & Huerta Family.A Bouquet of beautiful memories,
Sprayed with a million tears,
Wishing God could have spared you,
If just for a few more years.
We love you, we will miss you and
We are proud to keep your dream and vision alive.
Ricardo Enriquez & Fam. Oceanside CA
Sylvia Arsiniega
July 29, 2011
Thank you for your accomplishments in helping the Farmworkers, my dad brought us up knowing your brother he was also a Farmworker & told us the stories, may you rest in peace.
Francine Aragon
July 29, 2011
My condolences to the Chavez family. May he rest in peace. Our prayers are with the family.
Peter Ulicny
July 29, 2011
Mr. Chavez accomplished so many great things. May he rest in peace. God bless his family and friends.
annie guenther
July 29, 2011
My heart goes out to the Chavez family. Richard and Cesar did so much for the farmworkers. I remember boycotting grapes for years, and lettuce for sometime..and rejoicing every time the Chavez family had a victory. Few people have done so much for so many.
M. TERRY
July 29, 2011
RIP MR CHAVEZ.. Thank you for dedicating your life to helping the farm workers. GOD BLESS his love ones at this sad time. He will be remembered and missed like his brother.
Denise Di Biase
July 28, 2011
God bless Mr. Chavez for his many fine contributions to our world. Heartfelt wishes of peace are extended to his beloved family and friends during this time of sadness.
Gallardo family
July 28, 2011
Our thoughts & prayers go out to the Chavez family. May GOD keep you strong during this time of need.... R.I.P Richard
Maria Elena Galindo
July 28, 2011
The United States of America is blessed to have heroes like the Chavez Brothers. Gracias. May we all honor their work by supporting and respecting all farm labor.
Pearl Lopez Delgado
July 28, 2011
Many prayers of
condolences
GodBless you
Richard
thankyou for all
you have done `rip`
Beatriz Lopez-Flores
July 28, 2011
Because he sowed kindness and always treated everyone with respect and appreciation, Richard will always be remembered as a leader who cared deeply. He also touched and made a difference in those of us who were fortunate to meet and witness his humility and sense of humor.
My condolences to all his children and familia.
July 28, 2011
My condolences to the family of Mr. Chavez. Many thanks to him and his brother for making the union movement strong. Moreno Valley, CA
R Golay
July 28, 2011
To the the family of Richard Chavez - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that he will be missed by many.
Martha Vasquez
July 28, 2011
God bless Mr. Chavez for dedicating his life to making our world a better place. My condolences to his loved ones.
Victoria&Andrew VZJ
July 28, 2011
So sorry,
My Sentiments to
all of the
"CHAVEZ FAMILY"
sad times best of times
Inspired Admired Brillant
words of strong Wisdom
Rest in serene peacefulness
~RICHARD CHAVEZ~GodBless you
Spirtually your not far as
earths cry Heavens smile~@
T B
July 28, 2011
My sympathies to the family ! Thank you for making the world a bit more humane.
L T
July 28, 2011
It's so nice to read about a man who helped the union movement! RIP, Mr. Chavez
Roberto Rivera
July 28, 2011
Federico y toda la Familia Chavez y Huerta,
Mis sinceros pesamos, gracias a tu papa, su familia y todos los trabajadores por un ejemplo positivo y fuerte. Que descanse en paz.
A O
July 28, 2011
To The Chavez Family and Friends,
My prayers are with you. What a truly giving person. May the pleasant memories that you have of his life bring you comfort in your time of grief, in addition to the cards, flowers, and many well wishers. May you find strength from your family and friends. 10Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness 22Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.
July 28, 2011
My condolances to the Huerta and Chaves family for their loss. Richard was a sensitive and kind man. I have known him and family since the 1960's. My family along with Richards share alot of beautiful memories...He will be missed. Vaya con Dios
[email protected]
JULIAN NATIVIDAD
July 28, 2011
Job well done! Rest in peace.
Julian L Natividad
Board Member AFSCME RETIREES # 97
Timothy Rodriguez
July 28, 2011
Que Viva La Causa! Thank you Richard for continuing the Hard work and message you and The Huerta and Chavez Family started and continue to push for.Si Se Puede!
Rest in Peace.
Eduardo 'ED' Delci
July 28, 2011
Dolores, Ricky, Helen, Paul, Berdie and the entire Chavez-Estrada Familia...Favor to accept our most sincere and humble condolences for Richard's passing. QEPD, he is now in better hands; and he'll always be remembered here in Arizona, and the entire USA, for his dedication, great spouse & compan~ero, father and Tio. Our most humble prayers go out to Dolores, Ricky, and the entire familia.
Eduardo Delci y La Dra. Virginia Pesqueira
Kino Springs/Nogales, AZ
July 28, 2011
Thank you for all that you have done for us!
May God Bless You and May You Rest in Peace!
July 28, 2011
Thank you.
Kerry Chavez
July 28, 2011
I am part of a Chavez family in michigan. We have family all over.
They even named a street by us in your brothers name..
Rest In Peace. and my great condolances to the Chavez family
Juan and Kerry Chavez
Pontiac, MIchigan
Maggi Curran
July 28, 2011
I was in Delano during the grape strike and sang for a fund raising event while there. I was in awe of masses who came to hear the Chavez brothers and witness their hard work. Vaya con Dios, Senior Chavez!
Manuel Cisneros
July 28, 2011
My deep condolences to the Chavez family for the loss of our great leader Richard Chavez. I remember Richard as a kind and sensitive man, who was quick to befriend anyone he met, including me. My heartfelt sympathies to my good friend and classmate Federico Chavez in his loss. I am there with you Federico. My family's prayers are with you. -- Manuel Cisneros, Phoenix AZ
quoVadis wright
July 28, 2011
we really needed and are thankfull for these 2 wonderfull brothers who did so much for the common man.god bless your families
Richard Ybarra
July 28, 2011
Richard Chavez - Master Carpenter and Joke Teller, a wise and good man, researcher and keeper of the family tree (discovered original Chavez brothers were Portuguese sailors named Llaves)..loved to joke about the "Chavez Curse"... down to earth, achieved greatness through simple works and acts, always fun to be around...best as a loving father and grandfather... hasta luego Tio Richard - we will always respect and love you Richard Y
Liz Smallwood
July 28, 2011
Rest in Peace Amigo. Thanks for stepping up and helping my Latino families overcome one of Americas obstables. Things aren't the best for our paisanos that still work the fields, but they are better thanks to your family. My condolences to the Chavez Familia.
July 28, 2011
Mr. Chavez was truly a great American. My condolences to his family and loved ones for their loss.
Becky Sanders Topeka Kansas
rachel lopez
July 28, 2011
may the lord be with your family during this hard time, as he is now once again reunited with his brother "Cesar"...peace be with u all...
JANET FRITZ
July 28, 2011
I REMEMBER ALL THE HARD WORK YOU AND CESAR DID. I PARTICIPATED IN THE GREAT GRAPE STRIKE PROUDLY AND I STILL HAVE MY BUTTON TO PROVE IT. REST IN PEACE MR. CHAVEZ AS YOU HELPED MANY PEOPLE.
July 28, 2011
"My condolences to the Chavez family. I hope that you will find God is a source of true strength, and is willing to help us cope when we are faced with the sorrow of losing our loved one in death. May Psalms 46:1 give you some comfort. (G.W. Al.)
natasha chambers
July 28, 2011
My condolences to the family on your loss
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