Victor Jose "VJ" Ayala

1983 - 2021

VICTOR VJ JOSE AYALA

August 28, 1983 August 22, 2021

Victor VJ Jose Ayala, age 37, passed away on the morning of August 22nd, 2021. He was born on August 28th, 1983 in Bakersfield, California to Lisa Herrera and Victor Ayala.

VJ was a devout Catholic and dedicated son, brother, grandson, nephew, To, Nino, cousin, and friend. He had a special place in his heart for his nieces, godson, and his dogs. He liked to joke and play around; you were never safe around him and a birthday cake. One of his favorite pastimes was hanging with good friends with a Jack and Coke in hand. VJ was an avid sports fan; he loved baseball, snowboarding, golfing, shooting, and horseback riding. He rooted for the Lakers, Dodgers, Cowboys, and Kings.

In 2001, after he graduated from Ridgeview High School, he joined the U.S. Navy and was enlisted until 2006. During his service, he was an Aviation Search and Rescue Swimmer and flew in H-60's. The traveling he did in the Navy fueled his desire to continue to explore the world. He later received his Masters of Business Administration degree at the University of Phoenix.

In December 2017, riding horses became a passion as VJ began riding with Mastering Abilities Riding Equines (M.A.R.E.) as part of the veteran group and looked forward to the future it could bring. M.A.R.E. then created the role of Veteran Coordinator for VJ and after a short time, he was a very loved instructor at the barn. He felt so fulfilled in helping children and adults with disabilities. This program allowed VJ to help veterans and bring them together so they would all feel less alone. Duke was his favorite horse and believed he accepted him for who he was and learned a lot from him. VJ also enjoyed volunteering for Wounded Heroes Fund, Heroes and Horses, Brave Hearts Riding, and he was recently patched into the Fraternity of the Ruptured Duck.

Through these programs I found a new passion in life. A new purpose in life. These programs have brought happiness and light to my life. - Victor Jose Ayala

VJ is survived by his mother Lisa, father Victor, his sisters Angelica (Vincent) Ayala, Tina Ayala, his beautiful nieces Aryanna, Khaleesi, Mia, and Freya, as well as numerous cousins, family, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother Augustina Urrutia, paternal grandfather David Ayala, and step-father Robert Herrera.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 2nd beginning with the rosary at 9:30 A.M. at St. Francis Catholic Church followed by the burial at 12:30 P.M. at the Bakersfield National Cemetery. VJ's celebration of life will be at The M.A.R.E. riding center following the burial. Memorial contributions may be made to his favorite organizations: M.A.R.E., Heroes and Horses, Wounded Heroes Fund, and Brave Hearts Riding.

www.bakersfield.com/obits