Francisco V. Sanchez October 9, 1933 ~ April 11, 2012 Born on October 9, 1933, in El Paso, Texas, to Encarnacion and Pedro Sanchez; Francisco Sanchez was greeted by our Heavenly Father on April 11, 2012. Tio Kiko was a very humbling, kind, strong, hardworking man who attributed his strength to our Lord Jesus Christ, who he accepted in 1979. My Tio was never a man who took credit for all his kindness and generosity. Seeing those he loved happy was enough for him. He would give you the shirt off his back to shield you from the cold, took food off his plate if you were hungry, and would lend both arms to those who had fallen. He was also a man of many talents. He loved to cook. His chile verde and baby back ribs were the best. His love for music was immeasurable. He played the banjo, guitar, and violin; but his greatest passion was the mandolin. His love for Bluegrass music was known. They say he played with the best. I say he was the "best." He never forgot about the elderly. He made sure to play at most convalescent homes on the weekends. He was employed by PG&E as a maintenance operator, later transferring to Oxy where he retired after his first stroke at the age of 70. Tio Kiko was preceded in death by his parents, Encarnacion and Pedro Sanchez; brothers, Antonio and Jesus Sanchez; sisters, Maria Nunez and Julia Sanchez; and his beloved Tommie Graves. He is survived by his baby sister, Guadalupe Nunez, who he adored with all his heart; and her children, Manuel Reyes, Sukie Morales, Jaime, Raul, Victor, Veronica, and Jesus Nunez, Ysela Munoz, and their respective families; his amazing friend, Mildred Hewitt, who was by his side whether it rained or shined. Most of all, by us, Jerry and Susana, Jerry Jr., Jeremy, Sal, Elva, Baby Jerry III Carrillo, who saw him not as an uncle, but as a father, father-in-law, and grandpa. Pallbearers will be Jerry Carrillo, Sr., Jerry Carrillo, Jr., Jeremy Carrillo, Salvador Carrillo, special friend, Rudy Gallardo, and Lucias Mosely. "Remember the life I lived, the lessons I taught you, the things I showed you and my love for you. Now go forward and make me proud, I am just a whisper away!" A chapel service will be held on Friday, April 20, 2012, at 2:00 p.m. at Greenlawn Southwest Memorial Chapel, 2739 Panama Lane, with burial to follow. For condolences please go to www.greenlawnmortuaryandcemetery.com. Greenlawn Southwest

Source: Bakersfield Californian, 4/18/2012