Carlos Tamayo

1946 - 2022

Carlos (Chuck) Tamayo
April 8, 1946 - July 29, 2022
With his family at his side, Carlos entered into his eternal home on Friday, July 29, 2022. He was 76. He was preceded in death by his parents Mary and Jose Tamayo and younger brother Bernie.
He is survived by his wife Alayne and children Sam (Shallin), Jenny (Nat), and Katie. Also survived by brothers Tico (Delia), Willie (Dar), and Mike (Lucy). Devoted grandpa (Pop) to seven grandchildren- Alex, Lili, Semira, Giana, Payton, Kennedy, and Avery. Also many nieces and nephews.
Carlos was the oldest of five sons born to Mary and Jose in North Platte, Nebraska. He grew up in a kind, loving, and hardworking family to parents, who not only had a very strong work ethic, but put heavy emphasis on obtaining higher education. It was key to everything. Influenced by their values, Carlos eventually went away to college in Tempe, Arizona. Unbeknownst to him, he not only got an education, but he met his wife Alayne, who was to become his wife of 52 years! They married in October of 1969.
Upon graduating, his first "real" job took Alayne and Carlos to the San Francisco Bay Area where they settled into Fremont. A few years later the idea of starting a small tortilla business was born. As Carlos always said, "God puts dreams into the minds of men". After a lot of thought and research, Carlos found the perfect place to start the business and he and Alayne relocated to Santa Rosa where La Tortilla Factory opened its doors in August of 1977. What began as a small family run tortilla business, quickly grew into a much larger company, eventually employing and providing jobs for many people. Carlos' employees were important to him and he became known for his friendly demeanor and personally taking time to greet each person in the production plant or office, just to check in and say "hi".
Carlos will be missed by his family as well as his La Tortilla Factory family. He also had many friends and acquaintances at the Airport Club where he worked out every day. His wife Alayne liked to tease him about how much working out he really did, and how much socializing he did! He knew everyone!
Besides running the business and working out, one of Carlos' favorite pastimes was his passion for fly fishing and gardening. He took many trips to the Klamath River and a few bigger ones to Alaska. His salsa garden was his pride and joy where he grew tomatoes and jalapenos and made hot salsas to be given away to anyone who came to the house. Even if he didn't know you, you didn't leave empty handed.
His family and grandchildren brought great joy and Sunday night dinner brought all of the family together each week. He also loved traveling with Alayne in their travel trailer. One of their best trips was to all the national parks in Utah.
Friends are invited to join the family for a celebration of his life on Saturday, October 1, 2022 at Spring Hills Church at 10:30 AM. A taco bar lunch will follow.
The Tamayos would like to extend special thanks to Sutter Hospice as well as all the support and help he received from his many caregivers and therapists. Also, a special thanks to the many friends who visited him and gave so much support and encouragement.
In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be made to S.A.Y's (Social Advocates for Youth) Tamayo Village, 2447 Summerfield Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95405 or Sutter Hospice, 110 Stony Point Road #200C, Santa Rosa, CA 95401.