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Blas Diaz

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Blas Diaz

Birth
Gomez Palacio, Gómez Palacio Municipality, Durango, Mexico
Death
22 Sep 2009 (aged 103)
Visalia, Tulare County, California, USA
Burial
Visalia, Tulare County, California, USA Add to Map
Memorial ID
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Obituary - Visalia Times Delta

Blas Diaz, 103, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away on Tuesday, September 22, 2009. Born in Gomez Palacios, Durango, Mexico on February 3, 1906, he and his family immigrated to the United States in 1914 to escape the turmoil of the war upon Mexico. Later, Blas received about six months of formal education in Arizona and then moved to Visalia, California in 1918. There, he worked for the Santa Fe Railroad Company and performed seasonal agriculture harvesting. Blas's work experience took him to various cities and states until he finally settled with his wife, Lucy, back in Visalia in 1924. Purchasing two plots of land for a mere $15 was the beginning of his investment into this small community. He realized the need for community involvement and activism. Blas took with great seriousness and commitment the message of his local catholic church. Returning to night school in the '40's helped him to earn his eighth grade diploma and encouraged him to continue his education at home between working hours. Teaching himself English and becoming involved in local politics encouraged his efforts with La Alianza España Americana. His hard-work ethic flourished as he dedicated himself to improving the status of his community. Local politics became the focus of his next venue. Mr. Diaz's contributions to various organizations include, Knights of Columbus, Friends of Scicon, the Community Service Organization, Sequoia District Hispanic Program, The American Cancer Society, Holy Family Parish, MAPA, Sociedad Guadalupana, City of Visalia, Phi Delta Kappa Tulare King's County Chapter, United States Postal Services and numerous other community organizations. His dedication always centered upon the enhancement of the status of Mexicans in the United States and a life lived in service to his community. Blas was preceded in death by his wife Lucy, second wife Maria, brother Albert, sisters Maria and Ramona, and sons Blas, Jr. and Alejandro. He is survived by his daughter Mary (husband Danny), daughter Louise, daughter Veronica, daughter Dolores, son Ernest (wife Rachel), son Ignacio (wife Emily), 22 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Rosary will be recited at 6pm on October 2, at Miller Memorial Chapel (1120 W. Goshen Ave., Visalia) preceded with a viewing from 2-6pm. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Family Catholic Church (1908 North Court St., Visalia) at 9am on October 3 followed by interment at the Visalia District Cemetery. Donations may be made to a charity of your choice in the name of Blas Diaz, Sr. Under direction of Miller Memorial Chapel.
Obituary - Visalia Times Delta

Blas Diaz, 103, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away on Tuesday, September 22, 2009. Born in Gomez Palacios, Durango, Mexico on February 3, 1906, he and his family immigrated to the United States in 1914 to escape the turmoil of the war upon Mexico. Later, Blas received about six months of formal education in Arizona and then moved to Visalia, California in 1918. There, he worked for the Santa Fe Railroad Company and performed seasonal agriculture harvesting. Blas's work experience took him to various cities and states until he finally settled with his wife, Lucy, back in Visalia in 1924. Purchasing two plots of land for a mere $15 was the beginning of his investment into this small community. He realized the need for community involvement and activism. Blas took with great seriousness and commitment the message of his local catholic church. Returning to night school in the '40's helped him to earn his eighth grade diploma and encouraged him to continue his education at home between working hours. Teaching himself English and becoming involved in local politics encouraged his efforts with La Alianza España Americana. His hard-work ethic flourished as he dedicated himself to improving the status of his community. Local politics became the focus of his next venue. Mr. Diaz's contributions to various organizations include, Knights of Columbus, Friends of Scicon, the Community Service Organization, Sequoia District Hispanic Program, The American Cancer Society, Holy Family Parish, MAPA, Sociedad Guadalupana, City of Visalia, Phi Delta Kappa Tulare King's County Chapter, United States Postal Services and numerous other community organizations. His dedication always centered upon the enhancement of the status of Mexicans in the United States and a life lived in service to his community. Blas was preceded in death by his wife Lucy, second wife Maria, brother Albert, sisters Maria and Ramona, and sons Blas, Jr. and Alejandro. He is survived by his daughter Mary (husband Danny), daughter Louise, daughter Veronica, daughter Dolores, son Ernest (wife Rachel), son Ignacio (wife Emily), 22 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Rosary will be recited at 6pm on October 2, at Miller Memorial Chapel (1120 W. Goshen Ave., Visalia) preceded with a viewing from 2-6pm. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Family Catholic Church (1908 North Court St., Visalia) at 9am on October 3 followed by interment at the Visalia District Cemetery. Donations may be made to a charity of your choice in the name of Blas Diaz, Sr. Under direction of Miller Memorial Chapel.

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