Ambassador Phillip V. Sanchez

Found many photos in the middle of
Book from Fresno California. Wondering if this has any relation to Phillip Sanchez

I first met Phillip as a high school student in 1972 when my mom was U. S. Treasurer under President Nixon. He was charming and funny to a very nervous teenager. Whenever we met he made time to chat with me. He briefly joined us at Pan American Bank and as he drove us to an appointment he stretched his arm to the radio; that is when his elegant French cuff revealed a tattoo. I asked him why and he told me was young and dumb, that who knew he would reach the success he had achieved. I will always cherish my memories of this funny, humble, charming man.

I entered the U.S. Foreign Service, June, 1988. My second post was our embassy in Tegucigalpa, Honduras as an Assistant General Services Officer. On my first day there I went up a short flight of stairs to the the Ambassador's office to introduce myself as one of his new officers. There was a staggered line of photos of previous ambassadors on the wall to my right. I was taken by surprise on seeing the portrait of a Fresno State College classmate of mine from the 50's: Phillip Sanchad been away from Fresno for a long time and had not known of his many accomplishments leading to his appointment as ambassador. It was most heartening to me, a new officer to have a familiar face reassuring me I was in the right place.

My sincerest condolences to all his family. A fine man, an outstanding man, you are all blessed. As a retired Consul, I thank you for sharing him in service to our country. Earline Mason Reid, U.S. Foreign Service, Ret., '95, FSC, '52

I remember turning up scraggly and grubby at the US Embassy in Tegucigalpa, 1972 or 73, it must have been. I had to leave my backpack outside with the marine guards to go meet Ambassador Sanchez (who didn't know me from Adam).

My pretext for calling in was that I was from Clovis, and knew Mark and cousin Ronnie. I was welcomed into their home for three glorious days of hospitality and joyous conversation. Philip and Juanita Sanchez treated me like family.

Our paths never crossed again. But I still have fond memories of the kindness and generosity they showed me. Philip Sanchez was a man of grace and spirit.

I remember years ago,my uncle would drive me to church on Sundays with hopes of my redemption.he would many times drive through northwest fresno neighborhoods to study and appreciate all the landscaping and architecture.he would always be in deep thought,so it left me to my own imagery,and off we would go to pray.many years later I never got the chance to tell him that those wonderful drives appreciating all the beauty and imagination that man had to offer,became my church..... So uncle Phil,thank you ever so much.

I would like to dedicate ( with the family's blessing) these following words as If they were his own,because he never forgot his roots in pinedale or fresno it is entitled: shooting star

While traveling through eternity
I passed a small town
Where roads were quite narrow.
And life seemed to frown
But as I stayed longer,
To listen and hear
It seemed like forever
But all became clear
Seems people talked of love
And how dreams could come true
If only for more time ,and bad souls were few
And in that small town,they brought me to test
And taught me to live ,with even the best

In passing of time ,I will remember them all
For soon the great lord will beckon and call
......and on that great day,as Iay down to rest
My children will know,I gave it my best.

Way Way back in the day my Aunt Agnes Lopez went to school with him and maybe had a date or 2 back when they were teenagers. I only know that my Aunt spoke very highly of him all the time. She passed away in 1996. May "GOD'S BLESSINGS be with all of you at this difficult time.
Very Respectfully
Donna Pollock

A trailblazer for many has left us, but his legacy and many good memories will last with us forever. May you now be in peace Brother Sanchez. In Hoc Signo Vinces, Brad S Fischer