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1946
2020
11667 SE Stevens Road
Happy Valley, Oregon
Desiderio 'Cuba' Fajardo
July 15, 1946 - Jan. 9, 2020
Desi was born July 15, 1946 in Santiago de Cuba, in 1961 with his younger brother Danilo, they left Cuba under the Peter Pan Program sponsored by the Catholic Church. Desi was educated at Colegio de Dolores Jesuit Prep School from 1950 to 1960. His first couple of years in U.S. were in Miami where he attended Coral Gables HS, in 1963 the family moved to Portland to start a new life. After graduating from Cleveland HS Desi worked at Hyster a few years before entering the U.S. Marine Corps. In 1967 he was deployed to VietNam where he spent 14 months as a brave and outstanding soldier, he was awarded two Bronze Stars with "V" for Valor and three Purple Hearts, he was also awarded many Meritorious Medals and with his company Delta-1-5 received 13 Presidential Citations. Because of his wounds he was sent to Japan for rehab and then Camp Pendleton. After returning from the war Desi worked at a couple of local manufacturers until he started with Cascade Ship Repairs, where he was a Project Manager until he had to retire due to disabilities from the war. Desi's life was not the usual of a growing child, at the age of 14 with his brother Danilo left his country to escape communism, they were in a Peter Pan Foster Home for a few months until their mother was able to leave Cuba, in 1963 they were able to relocate to Portland to start a new life, his father was kept in Cuba until 1965 when he was able to escape and go to Spain and then USA. Desi had three sons, Michael "Mike," Mark and Desi, in 1997 his younger son Desi died in a car accident and five years later his son Dr. Mark A Fajardo died of natural death at the age of 34. The loss of his two sons was devastating, a couple of years later he became disabled due to Agent Orange and had to retire. Desi's life had many great moments, he was an avid skier both water and snow, during the summer he and his brother Daniel water skied almost every day, in the winter he was a Certified Ski Instructor of America, he loved to hunt, boating with his grandchildren and coaching Little League Baseball. About five years ago his health started to decline, he was diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus which he was able to beat, then a couple of years later started having respiratory problems and about a year ago one of his lungs collapsed and he was with fibrosis of the lungs. Desi was a true warrior, very generous man, loving father, husband and grandfather. During his time in the war he was credited with saving the lives of many of his Brothers in Arms.
Desi is survived by his wife, Mary; son, Mike; grandchildren, Kevin, Patrick and Connor; brothers, Daniel and Danilo; and his uncle, Jorge Algeciras. To the end Desi fought the greatest battle of his life and at the end he went like the Brave Warrior he was. Go in peace Marine, Semper-Fi.
A memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 23, 2020, at St. John's Catholic Church in Milwaukie, Ore.
Please sign the online guest book at www.oregonlive.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by The Family.
QUE DIOS TE TENGA EN SU GLORIA, NUNCA OLVIDAREMOS TU MUSICA. PEDRO LLAGUNO
January 26, 2020
We were part of the fun at Timberline Lodge teaching skiing back in the 70's with Desi. We never knew he was a Vietnam Vet - as was I - something we didn't talk about back then. Semper Fi - Jerry & Kaye Gomes, Sandy, OR
Jerry Gomes
Friend
January 23, 2020
It is with great sorrow that we send our sympathy and condolences to Mary, and the Fajardo family.
Godspeed Desi
Mr & Mrs Robert Larsen
January 22, 2020
Desi was a very good men with a big heart he will be missed our prayers are with him and the family. Jose, Olga Calderon and family.
January 22, 2020
Que decirte,....., nada. Se lo que se siente. Mis condolencias EPD. Un abrazo
Carlos Berenguer
January 21, 2020
John and I have heavy hearts knowing you have lost Desi. Know God is with you as you remember your lives together. We regret we are unable to attend, as we would love to do, but have an appt at that time we cannot change. Bless you and your family.
Mary Williams
January 20, 2020
a loved one
January 20, 2020
Our deepest condolences to Mary, Danielito, Danilo and the whole Fajardo Family.
We loved Desi, his entertaining ways, the twinkle in his eyes.
May he rest in peace!
Margrit Algeciras
January 20, 2020
What a wonderful person. His life story is really amazing. What an honor to have been introduced and be involved with this family. Thank you.
January 20, 2020
Rest in peace old friend
Barry Rosenlieb
January 20, 2020
Desi has been one of my longest and dearest friends. We have shared many great times and wonderful memories.
Desi has always displayed great strength and courage throughout his life. He has lived his life to the fullest with tenacity and passion! Always committing to 110%......even till his final days. He is; LOVED, RESPECTED and ADMIRED.
Our family has been blessed to have you and Mary in our lives. Rest in peace, my Marine brother! We will all miss you! Semper-Fi!!
Dick Moulton and Family
January 20, 2020
Desi was a dental patient of mine for many years. He was my favorite patient. He shared many baseball stories about his beloved grandchildren. I am sorry for your loss. Monica
January 19, 2020
My condolences to the Fajardo family. May you find some peace and comfort. Stacy Ramsay Brown
Stacy Ramsay Brown
January 19, 2020
Be in peace my little brother, I will miss you forever and will cherish the great memories we had together. I love you and miss you
Daniel Fajardo
January 19, 2020
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