Willie Galvan

1933 - 2024

Willie Galvan

1933 - 2024

In Loving Memory of Willie Galvan

Trailblazing Civic Leader, Advocate for Veterans, and Champion of Economic Development

Willie Galvan, a devoted community leader, U.S. Army veteran, and advocate for social justice, passed away, leaving behind a legacy of service, leadership, and transformative impact. His life was defined by a tireless commitment to uplifting others and empowering underserved communities.

Born and raised in Victoria, Texas, Willie's early life was rooted in hard work and perseverance. He farmed land gifted by his father, worked at Brown & Root and Union Carbide, and eventually transitioned into entrepreneurship, running small businesses while raising his four children - Elaine, Eddie, Elizabeth, and Erma.

Willie's passion for community service ignited during his early years in Texas, when he met Dr. Hector P. Garcia, founder of the American GI Forum (AGIF). Together, they confronted discrimination faced by Mexican-American veterans of World War II. As a newly discharged veteran, Willie helped Dr. Garcia organize AGIF chapters across Texas, advocating for veterans' rights and championing political and social change, encouraging Mexican-Americans to pursue public office, homeownership, and business opportunities.

In the late 1960s, Willie relocated to California, where he continued his education, earning a B.A. in Political Science with a Certificate in Criminal Justice from UC Santa Barbara and a Vocational Teaching Credential from UC Berkeley. His commitment to youth and community development flourished when he established SER-Jobs for Progress in 1977, a training program for youth and adults in Santa Maria. He also co-founded P.R.I.D.E. (People's Responsible Involvement Develops Esteem), introducing recreational programs to Evans Park to foster safer, healthier neighborhoods.

In 1977, Willie married Helen Rivas, whom he met at UCSB. Together, they raised two sons, Adrian and Willie R., in Santa Maria. Over the years, Willie and Helen's family grew to include six children, more than 30 grandchildren, and over a dozen great-grandchildren.

Willie's influence in Santa Maria was transformative. He spearheaded job training and computer literacy programs through SER and CETA during the 1970s and 80s. From 1980 to 2006, he facilitated youth development through the AGIF food booth at the Santa Barbara County Fair, where participants learned business operations, customer service, and goal setting-skills that motivated them to stay in school and pursue higher education.

Under Willie's leadership, the AGIF Education Foundation, which he co-founded, has awarded over $500,000 in scholarships to more than 500 students and has provided emergency assistance to 700 veteran families for essential needs like food, clothing, medical care, and lodging. His visionary efforts led to partnerships with the Public Utilities Commission, California Emerging Technology Fund, and Frontier Communications, bringing affordable Internet access and free computers to over 4,000 households, narrowing the digital divide for countless families.

In 1991, Willie guided the AGIF Santa Maria Chapter in purchasing two buildings, transforming one into a community health clinic, the Northwest Health Center. He managed the clinic until 1995, when Dignity Health leased it, and he continued to oversee operations until his retirement in 2007.

Willie served on numerous boards, including the City of Santa Maria Recreation Department and the State of California's 37th Agricultural Association. He was a founding member of the AGIF Education Foundation, LULAC Santa Maria Council #3252, Guadalupe Cultural Arts & Education Center, and the Alliance for Pharmaceutical Access, Inc.

His unwavering dedication earned him recognition from the City of Santa Maria, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors, Santa Maria Chamber of Commerce, California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, and the American GI Forum at state and national levels.

While Willie was a formidable force in the community, above all else, he was a devoted father. His family was his greatest pride and joy, and he always put them first. Charismatic and full of life, Willie had a unique sense of humor and a way of speaking his own "language" that few understood-if at all-but it always brought laughter and warmth. He loved to have a good time and would do anything and everything for his family, creating a foundation of love and support that his children, grandchildren, and extended family will cherish forever.

Willie Galvan's life exemplified resilience, perseverance, and the power of community. His unwavering belief in the potential of every individual to rise above adversity leaves a legacy of hope and opportunity. His spirit lives on in the countless lives he touched, the barriers he dismantled, and the communities he forever changed.

He will be deeply missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire for generations to come.

Willie's viewing and Rosary will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Dudley-Hoffman Mortuary on Tuesday, December 3. Willie's mass will be held at St. Mary's Church at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, December 4. Willie will be buried at the Santa Maria Cemetery followed by a Celebration of Life at the Eagles Hall.

Visit www.dudleyhoffmanmortuary.com to leave a condolence for the family.