Antonio Huizar

A gentle soul, Antonio Paredes Huizar, 70, of Yakima, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on March 9, 2014. Antonio was deeply loved by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife Elena of 47 years; son Antonio Huizar Jr.; daughters Elena Huizar, Antonette (Silvestre) Guerrero, Amy (Rafael) Cardenas, Eve Huizar, and Misty Soliz. He is also survived by 12 loving grandchildren; Pedro, Jasmine, Jessica, Biankah, Antonio III, Daniel, Sofiah, Sebastian, Elena, Alejandro, Julianne, and William. Antonio was a loving father, doting husband, caring grandfather, and friend to all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Antonio was born in 1944 in Crystal City, Texas but spent the majority of his life living in the Yakima Valley. It was in the Valley where he felt most at home. He married his beautiful wife Elena in Wapato, and together they raised their five children in Yakima. Antonio loved the outdoors and working with his hands. He worked for over 50 years in agriculture, until he gave up work to care for his wife after she suffered a stroke. Forever the devoted husband, he cared for her with a loving tenderness that only he could provide. When he was told she would use a wheelchair, he immediately remodeled their home to be handicapped accessible. He built ramps, added extra handles to doors and widened the hallways, all to make their home more accommodating for her. He was the type of man who simply did what needed to be done, and did so with a positive attitude, an open heart, and a great sense of humor. Antonio could make even the most serious of strangers crack a smile and even laugh with his endless array of jokes, riddles, and sarcastic comments. His honest sense of humor remained intact until the very end, as did his unwavering faith. Antonio enjoyed reading the Bible daily and always had the perfect scripture for every situation. No matter what anyone was going through he could quote a scripture that would bring them peace and help them understand that what they were going through would soon pass. His grandchildren were blessed to have been introduced to prayer by him, and he took great pride in that fact. He was always praying for those he knew in need, and even those he didn't. He was a constant giver, always lending a hand and never asking for anything in return. This was evident in his work with Alcoholics Anonymous. He was responsible for starting several bilingual meeting groups in the Yakima Valley. He was a sponsor, a friend, and a guide post for those new to the program. Antonio volunteered countless hours at the Washington State penitentiary in Walla Walla, leading A.A. and N.A. meetings for inmates imprisoned for alcohol and drug related offenses. In 1995, former Gov. Locke presented him with the Washington State Volunteer of the Year Award for logging the most hours helping inmates recover from addiction. Antonio, a pillar of strength, was always there to help friends with everything from household projects to rides around town, or whatever else they needed him for. He was not only loyal in his friendship, but was also unselfish in every way. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and the community he called home. A special thank you to the Memorial Hospital Hospice for their loving care and support during his final days. Also thank you to Valley Hills Funeral Home for all of the arrangements. Funeral services for Antonio will be at New Destiny Missionary Church on Friday March 14, 2014 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Flowers may be sent to Valley Hills Funeral Home, 2600 Business Ln., Yakima, WA 98901. Share your memories of Antonio online at www.valleyhillsfh.com To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Antonio Huizar, please visit our flower store.