RAFAEL HERNANDEZ

1962 - 2022

RAFAEL ARIAS

HERNANDEZ

Dec. 12, 1962 Mar. 21, 2022

Rafael Arias Hernandez, 59, went home to the Lord on March 21, 2022, at the Chino Valley Medical Center surrounded by his three adult children and his loving family after fighting a lengthy illness. We are saddened by the loss of our father, brother, uncle, and friend, but we are rejoicing that he is now in the Kingdom of Heaven until we meet again. Our Champion is gone, but he will forever live strongly in our hearts. We will miss you so much Dad.

Rafael was born in Mexicali, BCN, Mexico on December 12, 1962 to Rafael Orozco Hernandez and Maria Luisa Arias Hernandez. Rafael came to the United States along with his parents and five brothers in 1977. He attended Fremont Jr. High School in Calipatria and graduated from Calipatria High School in 1982. He attended Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology in Tulsa, Oklahoma and Imperial Valley College in Imperial, California. He married his high school sweetheart, Maria Elena Nava in 1986 and they had three children together; in 1987 their firstborn, Ralph in 1989 came their only daughter, Priscilla Elena and their youngest son, Andres Michael in 1993. Although, as a marital union, they went their separate ways, they remained close lifelong friends and co-parents until his passing. When his children grew up they all had the opportunity to live with him while attending college and working in their adult years. They bonded immensely with so much love and quality time spent with each other. In his younger years, Rafael worked in agriculture bailing hay and also worked in the cattle industry in Calipatria for many years. In 2000, he was so proud when he applied and received his certified Class A, CDL Truck Driver license. Rafael traveled cross country and traveled all over California hauling retail freight until his retirement in January 2021. During his trucking years, he had lived in Ontario, Pomona and Upland, California. Upon his medical retirement, he moved back to his home county Imperial Valley, and last resided in Calipatria. Rafael maintained a positive and optimistic attitude throughout his illness and enjoyed spending time and caring for his pet dog Pinky Boo which he adored so dearly.

Rafael was a strong yet humble man just like his father El Campion Don Rafael O. Hernandez and had many hobbies such as listening to music, singing, writing out his dreamer-like desires, playing the lottery, watching telenovelas, and spending quality time with his family and friends. Rafael was a hardworking man that enjoyed trucking, traveling, family gatherings, and loved to eat Mexican food and Mariscos. He will be sorely missed by everyone that knew him. Rafael cherished his family and many lifetime friends.

Rafael was preceded in death by his mother, Maria Luisa Arias Hernandez.

Rafael is survived by the mother of his children, Maria Elena (Christian) Froelich; son, Ralph Nava Hernandez of Calipatria; daughter, Priscilla Elena (Bryan Salazar) Hernandez of Upland, CA; son, Andres Michael (Areli) Hernandez of Brawley, CA; father, Rafael O. Hernandez Sr., of Calipatria, CA; brother, Jose (Kayla) Hernandez of Mexicali, BCN, Mexico; brother, Roberto Hernandez of Calipatria, Miguel (Connie) Hernandez of Downey, CA, brother, Luis (Carmen) Hernandez of Chino, CA; and brother, Jorge Hernandez of Mexicali, BCN, Mexico, as well as Rafael's adoring grandkids; Cesar and Denisse, his pet dog Pinky Boo. He leaves behind many extended family members and many lifelong friends.

Viewing and Services will be held on Wednesday, April 13, 2022 at Frye Chapel, 799 S. Brawley, CA from 6-9 pm with a Rosary at 7 pm. A Funeral Catholic Prayer Service officiated by Pastor Claro Ortiz will be held on Thursday, April 14, 2022, at Frye Chapel at 10 am. Burial will follow at the Riverview Cemetery, 4700 Hovely Road, Brawley, CA. Everyone is invited to attend a reception to be held at 239 E. California Street, Calipatria, CA. The Hernandez and Nava family would like to extend a warm thank you to everyone for all the prayers, condolences, love, and donations provided to our family during this difficult time. May God Bless you all.