Richard Hernandez

Richard Isaac Hernandez was born August 29, 1960 in Yakima, WA to Alexander Hernandez and Rose Ella Johnson Barnick. He was raised in the Yakima Valley, originally from Wapato, WA. He attended Wapato High School, later received his GED and graduated from an apprentice program in 1978. He went on to attend Houston Texas University. He graduated with a 4.0 from Trend College, receiving a certificate in accounting. He worked for Yakima Industrial Furniture from 1990-1993; he also worked for forest products, Yakama Nation Housing Authority as a crew supervisor and continued construction until 2006. He enjoyed hunting, huckleberry picking and fishing. He loved the mountains, that was his great escape. He’d go up on numerous occasions for weeks at a time. The mountains were his greatest peace. HIs best friend was his chocolate lab Jake. He and Jake went on many adventures together. He loved rock ‘n’ roll and loved tacos. His greatest love was his grandchildren and his deepest sorrow was losing his son. He is survived by his daughters Sofia Juarez (Hector), and Maria Hernandez, five grandchildren, Alizaiah Hernandez, Anthony, Ilianna, Jalyza, and Noah Juarez; his mother Rose Barnick, sisters Teresa and Angela Hernandez, nephews Michael (Jacqui) Hernandez and Antonio Mendoza, nieces Suzi (John) Saiz and Anita Mendoza, and numerous more nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father Alexander “Sandy” Hernandez, his only son Isaiah Hernandez, his grandmother Esther Piel Johnson, and his brother Alex Jr. Hernandez. “I hope your wings are soaring like an eagle, dad.” Services will be held on April 3, 2018 at 2:00 PM at Valley Hills Funeral Home in Wapato, transporting to White Swan Longhouse for overnight services, with burial following Thursday, April 4th at 9:00 AM at the Reservation Cemetery in Wapato. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Richard Hernandez, please visit our flower store.