Manuel AGUILAR

Manny was born February 12, 1939, in La Angostura, Sonora, Mexico, one of seven children. His parents, Manuel Aguilar, Sr. and Maria Ruiz emigrated to Southern California when he was four years old. He grew up in Los Angeles, California, and graduated from Fremont High School, excelling in tennis and choral singing. He joined the USAF in 1957 and was first stationed at Geiger AFB in Spokane. In January 1962, he met Kathryn Theresa Kromholtz and they were married on July 7, 1962. Shortly thereafter, he was sent to Sonderstrom AFB in Greenland for one year. Upon returning home, they moved to Travis AFB, California.

After discharge, they returned to Spokane where he attended EWSC (now EWU) on the GI Bill, graduating in 1967 with a business degree. Manny worked in sales for over 40 years, both domestic and international. Manny had many talents and interests. He played tennis (64 years!) and later golf, too. He sang in church choirs all his adult life until a few months before his death. His strong Catholic faith led him into a prison ministry at Airway Heights Correctional Center for over 20 years. He was a member of Assumption Men's Bible Study (7:00 a.m. on Saturdays!) for 35 years. He was a devoted member of the Knights of Columbus serving in many leadership roles. He also volunteered at the Caritas Food Bank and Meals on Wheels. In his retirement years, he studied both French and Italian. He loved playing Bridge, Oregon Coast vacations with the family, and traveling to Europe several times.

Manny and Kathryn raised five children: David, Robin, Teresa, Martin, and Timothy. They were blessed with eight grandchildren who were their great joy. He is survived by two brothers in California, Roy Aguilar and Mike Franco, and several nieces and nephews. Manny had many friends, too numerous to mention here. He was a faithful, loving father and husband, His faith in Christ sustained him in all his endeavors. Manny died at home, surrounded by family, on April 19th, 2024. Vigil services will be held Wednesday, May 8th, at 7:00 p.m. and his funeral will be celebrated Thursday, May 9th, at 11:00 a.m. Both at Assumption Parish., Spokane, WA. Reception following. The celebrant will be Father Tim Hays. A burial will follow later at the Veteran Cemetery at Medical Lake. Sincere thanks to Horizon Hospice for their devoted care and support. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Caritas Food Bank. His online memorial page can be found at www.holycrossofspokane.org.