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CARLOS AVINA Obituary

AVINA, CARLOS F. Carlos was born in San Diego on January 30, 1942 to Amelia and Pelagio Avina and graduated from Hoover High school in 1961. He met his wife Carol in 1965 and married in 1966. They had three children Kelli Pharis (Matt), Kevin, and Kristin Garvin (Chris). They have four grandchildren: Mallory Pharis, Morganne Pharis, Cameron Garvin and Caitlyn Garvin. He also has a brother, Rudy Cesena of San Diego. Carlos worked for San Diego Gas & Electric as a mechanic for many years and retired in 1999. He also had his own mobil lubrication business for 25 years. Carlos and Carol got involved in off-road racing taking pictures of Kevin and Matt at Barona Speedway and soon after started C and C Race Photo's in the mid 1980's shooting races in Mexico, Nevada, Arizona and Southern California. Carlos starting shooting the District 38 motorcycle/quad races and the Superstition Series Races for Fud and they grew to be his "desert family." But, still favorite times were spent with his family. Birthdays, barbeques, holiday gatherings and chasing trains at Cajon Pass with his youngest grandchildren were all so special to him. He was always interested in hearing whatever endeavors the kids were involved in. Carlos will be remembered as a friend to many; it seemed he never met a stranger and with a quick mind he could always rattle off what vehicle they raced and when. Carlos passed away September 18, 2011 at a Las Vegas hospital after suffering a massive heart attack.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Oct. 1, 2011.

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5 Entries

Mike Wager

October 5, 2011

I knew Carlos from SDGE and the Lube Truck days. He and Kevin would service our parts delivery trucks and we would sell him parts. We would talk about the Desert and camping and our families. He was one of a kind, a true family man who cared about everyone he knew. He always had a smile and a hearty laugh to brighten your day. I feel lucky to have known him

White

October 2, 2011

The White Family sends their love and blessings to the family!

Sincerly,
Allen Sr, Kevie, Kirsten, Allen Jr (Awhite 1a quads), Danielle White

Fischbeck Family

October 2, 2011

So sad to hear the bad news. My heart goes out to you guys.Much love

October 2, 2011

We met Carlos in the early 90's at the District 38 Fud races. We have quite a collection of photos that Carlos has taken over the years throughout Nevada, Calif, and Baja. Fond memories of days gone by.
Our condolences.
Tim Staab family, Pacific Beach

karen lee

October 1, 2011

Carlos was my brother in law. his wife,Carol Sue (Sue to me) was my sister in law. i have known them both since i was 14 1/2. i married sue's brother, Dennis, in 1971. to be in this family, was all about family dinners (nanny bean
wednesdays), birthdays, anniversarys, holidays, etc. carlos was a big part of these gatherings, making people laff. he was always coming up with new ideas to make money! whether it was selling stuff at the swap meet, dented can goods and groceries from their driveway ( i thought this was soo cool), to his mobil lube business, c&c photos to their latest endevour, giggles and wiggles. he was so proud of sues creations! last week at carlos's life celebration in the desert, that is when it really hit me! He is gone! i always assumed he'd be there. be here. he was loved by so many people, touched so many hearts. please watch over your family, carlos! especially sue. she is so special! rest in peace, gentle giant. xoxo auntie karen

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