Francisco Perez

Francisco Perez was born in the small town of La Lagunilla, in the State of Jalisco, Mexico. He was born to Francisco Perez Sanchez and Cesarea Medina Nava. Francisco’s siblings included Rosario, Antonia, Manuela, and Maria. He was married to his first wife Hermelinda Sanchez, together they had ten children. Francisco traveled as a migratory worker of Mexico in the years between 1942-1964. During his commutes to and from Mexico he became involved and committed to becoming an active member of the “Alianza de Braceros” known as the Bracero Movement. He then became a member of the Washington Farmworkers Union. Francisco (Frank)stayed in the valley and continued to work in the state of Washington. Several years after his divorce, he met Juanita Garza. He fell in love with her the day he met her and said she would someday become his wife. Juanita had ten children from a previous marriage, but he did not divert. He found the woman, that he would spend the rest of his life with. On December 5th 1970, they married and made their home in Wapato, Washington. On January 31st 1972 Francisco and Juanita had a child of their own. Francisco enjoyed the many birthdays, quinceñeras, graduations, and weddings of their children and grandchildren. Frank had a tremendous work ethic, and he encouraged everyone to help. In the Summer the whole family traveled together in a Ford pickup with a camper. They traveled to Nebraska for several summers to work in the sugar beet harvest. When they returned to Washington they continued with the apple, pear and hop harvest. In 1980 he joined the work force at Inland Fruit and retired from there in 1989. After his retirement he started a small farm “El Rancho De Pancho” where he raised cows, pigs, goats, roosters, and chickens. He also slaughtered them on occasion and had Juanita make his favorite dish “Birria de Chivito” Often you could see him licking his fingers as he savored his favorite dishes. He also loved to make “Chicharrones”. Whenever he could, he would go fishing. He was always excited to get home to cook and eat whatever he caught that day. Many camping trips were made to the Columbia River where sturgeon was the prize. Francisco loved music especially Mariachi. He was not shy about singing along whenever possible. You could also catch him around a fire, singing and playing his guitar. He was an avid storyteller and I am certain everyone remembers a story or two that he told. Another pastime, was watching soccer he spent many afternoons practicing. He could kick the ball in the air four, five, even six times without letting it hit the ground. This was his legacy to us, be honest, work hard, celebrate, and enjoy life. Be respectful of others and thank God for the time he gives us here on earth. Frank was so blessed to be here with us for 93 years. His words of wisdom will be remembered always. And he will be deeply missed by his family and friends. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Francisco Perez, please visit our flower store.