Hector Balbastro Sanchez passed away unexpectedly in his home with his wife Mary on Dec. 31, 2019. He was 61 years old.
Hector was born on January 12, 1958 in Blythe, California to Meliton and Guadalupe Sanchez. Hector was raised in Blythe, attending the local schools and graduating from Palo Verde High School in 1976 where he played football for the Yellow Jackets. He was an all-around good guy, known by everyone. He would often tell stories of his childhood going up north to work in the garlic fields or whatever was in season. Later on, he was employed by Hi-Value Processors where he was known as one of their best and fastest melon packers.
After high school, Hector met his future wife (and the love of his life) and daughter in the year 1979. They had a son together and married in Sept. 1988. They built their life together and raised their son and daughter and was a very big part in helping to raise their grandkids, who loved and adored him. And he loved and adored them too.
He later became employed by PVID on Jan. 5, 2005 as a Zajero Supervisor: Night Patrol 2. He was employed there until his death.
Hector’s main focus in life was to take care of his wife, kids and grandkids. Spending time with his family is what made him happy. For the holidays and birthdays, he was always surrounded by them. He was also a hard-working man and very proud of his job at PVID. He would sit at the kitchen table telling stories about his job and co-workers, who he also enjoyed being around. Hector was a homebody; you could also see him doing yardwork or whatnot at this home on his days off. He would also take his grandkids, Hector and Rihauna to school every morning after working all night.
Hector leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife, Mary Helen R. Sanchez; his daughter Shanna M. DeLeon (Cesar Sambrano); his son Hector A. Sanchez; his granddaughters Abrianna A. Garcia, Anissa V. Sanchez and Rihauna A. Rodriguez; his grandsons Audelio J. Solorio and Hector A. Sanchez Jr.; his father Meliton Sanchez Sr.; his father-in-law Santiago P. Burrola; five sisters and one brother, all of Blythe.
He was preceded in death by his daughter Guadalupe V. Sanchez; his mother Guadalupe B. Sanchez; his brother Meliton Sanchez Jr.; and his mother-in-law Guadalupe R. Burrola.
Viewing will be held on Thursday, Jan. 23rd from 6-8:00 PM, with Rosary beginning at 7:00 PM at Frye Chapel. Funeral Mass will be Friday, Jan. 24th at 10:00 AM at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church. A Celebration of His Life will follow the church services at the American Legion.
This is not a goodbye; it’s just a “I will see you later, my love”.
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