RICHARD E. CHAVEZ: Memorial Services for Iconic United Farm Worker Leader
This announcement is sent at the request of Dolores Huerta
Dear Friends,
It is with a heavy heart that we will say goodbye to a longtime friend, colleague, mentor, loved one and iconic United Farm Worker leader - Richard E. Chavez, farmworker justice advocate and civil rights hero.
On Sunday, July 31, 2011, we will gather with family members and loved ones for a memorial service in honor of Richard Chavez. We encourage you to attend the candle light procession, which begins at 7 p.m. and will be followed by an all-night vigil.
A mass and reception will be held on the morning of Monday, August 1.
For the overnight vigil and the next day’s events, please consider the following:
- Arriving early
- Wide-brim hat and sunglasses
- Comfortable shoes and clothes with cotton fabric
- An umbrella to block the sun
- Cross body bag, fanny pack or small back pack
- Sunscreen
- Wet Wipes
- Water and reusable bottle
- Advil, Tylenol, etc
- Fruit or energy bars
Please see below for more details.
WHAT:
Memorial for Richard E. Chavez
WHEN/WHERE:
Sunday, July 31, 2011
7:00pm - Candle light procession from the Agbayani Village (10701 Mettler Avenue, Delano, CA) to the 40 Acres (31072 Garces Hwy, Delano, CA) , followed by an all night vigil.
Monday, August 1, 2011
9:00am - 11:00am - Mass at 40 acres (31072 Garces Hwy, Delano, CA)
11:00am - 3:00pm Reception
CONTACT:
Dolores Huerta Foundation (661) 322-3033
or Camila Chavez (415) 377-4184
Flowers can be sent to:
Delano Mortuary, 707 Browning Rd., Delano, CA 93215 (661) 725-0330
Donations for funeral services can be made to Richard Chavez Memorial Fund
(Account # 70975) Community Trust Credit Union, 2100 H Street, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Richard Estrada Chavez was born on November 12, 1929 in Yuma, Arizona to Juana Estrada and Librado Chavez.
He passed away on Wednesday, July 27th, 2011. He was 81 years old.
He was younger brother to Cesar Chavez, and is survived by his brother Librado Chavez, and sisters Rita Medina and Eduviges Chavez-Lastra.
He is also survived by his first wife Sally Chavez and their children: Federico Chavez, Dorothy Velazquez, Becky Chavez, Susana Chavez, and Lupe Chavez-Gilbreath; and his long-time partner, Dolores Huerta (labor activist and organizer) and their children: Juana Chavez-Thomas, Maria Elena Chavez, Ricky Chavez, and Camila Chavez. He has 17 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren.
"He was Cesar’s brother and best friend. He was a builder, not only with the buildings he built, but building the foundation for the movement. He will be sorely missed" said Dolores Huerta.
"He taught us social justice through his example, he took us to picket lines, we helped build the Forty Acres. We were raised in the movement and by the movement" said daughter Becky Chavez.
"Whether he was organizing, cooking a gourmet meal, or building something with his hands, he was meticulous and took great pride in his work. He was a true craftsman" said his daughter Juana Chavez-Thomas.
"The family unit was extremely important to my father. In October of 2010 utilizing only a telephone, handwritten letters, a few trips to Chihuahua Mexico and on a wing and a prayer he managed to carry out extensive family research and organize the first ever Chavez family reunion. During birthday and fathers day celebrations he declined presents and insisted instead that he be surrounded by his children and family in what usually ended up being a simple bar-b-que at his home in Keene, CA. During major family holidays he never failed to send out greeting cards to family and loved ones. If there’s one thing I learned from him it is that without family you have nothing." said his daughter Maria Elena Chavez.
"I remember my brother Richard teaching me to speak English and to ride my bike. He was always ready with a good joke. We had a lot of good times together and I miss him dearly" said sister Eduviges Chavez-Lastra.
