Ildefonso Q. Vidaurri

IDELFONSO Q. VIDAURRI
Ildefonso Q. Vidaurri, age 80, a resident of Kingsville, Texas passed away Tuesday, March 1, 2011 in a local hospital surrounded by his family. He was born on January 13, 1931 in Kingsville to Ildefonso H. Vidaurri and Ernestina Quinones Vidaurri.
I.Q., as he was affectionately known to students and friends, obtained his B.B.A. and Masters from Texas A & I. He was a true champion of education. Undaunted by pressure from many, he proudly fought the University's name change and could always be heard saying "Texas A & I till I die." His loyalty and gratitude to that great institution never faltered. He saw Texas A & I as an opportunity and a venue for many impoverished Hispanic students, who would never have been given a chance, to succeed – to become somebody.
I.Q. would never accept poverty, ethnicity or race as an excuse not to complete college studies and obtain a degree. "There is always a way", he would always preach. For over 26 years I.Q. was the single most influential person affecting student life at Texas A & I. He was a Financial Aid Director and Dean of Students. He helped and guided thousands of students from all over Texas, the U.S. and foreign countries. His success in working with college students to graduate and succeed was extraordinary. It was his passion. In South Texas he was and still is a legend and inspiration. I.Q. knew he could make a difference in a community once plagued by segregated schools and the belief that speaking Spanish or English with an accent were traits of an inferior people. He and his many success stories proved them wrong.
He is survived by his loving wife of 58 ½ years, Jilma Vidaurri of Kingsville; two sons, Hector (Rosamar) Vidaurri of Austin, Texas and David (Victoria) Vidaurri of Richmond, Texas; one daughter, Nelda V. (Rene) Rodriguez of Corpus Christi, Texas; five grandchildren, Robert Rodriguez, Marissa V. Panko, Kristi Vidaurri, Kate Rodriguez and Savannah Boon; and two great-grandchildren, Allison Boon and Luke Panko.
Public visitation will take place on Thursday, March 3, 2011 from 4:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the Turcotte-Piper Mortuary Chapel. Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, March 3, 2011 at the Turcotte-Piper Mortuary. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 4, 2011 at St. Martin's Catholic Church, 715 North Eighth Street, Kingsville. Burial will follow in Kingsville at Resthaven Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Javelina Alumni Association in care of Office of Alumni and Development, MSC 173, Kingsville, Texas 78363.
Services are entrusted to Turcotte-Piper Mortuary, 205 General Cavazos Blvd., Kingsville, Texas.
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