Plankowner
Posts: 5024
Location: Gulfport, MS | Subject: Sunday Obits
SANTILLAN, Rafael S., was born in Ordway, Colorado on January 4, 1928. On Thursday, July 20, 2017, he went home to the Lord and is reunited with his wife Emily, his daughter, Annie, his siblings and many friends. To Rafael's amazement, he lived to be 89 years old. At one time in his life, before he married and while he was living a bit recklessly, he really didn't think he would make it to 30 years old. His older brothers, Robert, Marcos and Ignacio had all served in the army during WWII. Marcos was killed at the Battle of the Bulge. After Marcos' death, perhaps it seemed natural that he should go to war. In 1946, at just 17 years old and a senior in high school, Rafael asked his father to sign a document to allow him into military service early and he joined the Navy. Though he never finished high school, he had a very high IQ and qualified for the submarine service. He received his training at the Naval Submarine Base at New London, Connecticut. He served in the submarine squadron based out of Pearl Harbor. He qualified in submarines in USS Bergall (SS-320) in 1947 and his duties were as a bow plane, stern plane, and rudder operator from 1946 until 1949. After Rafael was discharged from the navy, he headed to Los Angeles, California where his parents and several siblings had relocated. While out for a drink one night he met Rome Moreno, who invited him home for dinner. Ralph accepted the invitation. When he rang the doorbell, Rome's sister, Emily Moreno answered and for the next six decades they were inseparable. Soon after meeting Emilia, Rafael gained employment as a boilermaker in the Boilermakers Union, Local 92. He was a hard worker and a good manager and often found himself assigned to be the shop steward. His ability to be fair toward both union and contracting company Rafael was beneficial to everyone and meant that he was often called on to negotiate and make peace when things went wrong. Rafael had an innate understanding of the big picture, so, while his managers trusted him to do the right thing for the union, Rafael's goal was that both sides should benefit in the end. At the end of his career, he ran a team at the San Onofre Nuclear Power Plant in Southern California. That work was highly specialized and required months of training before they could begin. At times, they worked in the hot area and he deployed teams to work one man at a time for 7 minutes at a time. He enjoyed both the training and the work and was very proud of his team there. Rafael was a devoted husband to Emilia Moreno Santillan for 62 years until her death on Easter Sunday 2015. He was a devoted father to Annie, Victoria, Rafael (Rafe), Ed and Adel. He was also a good father to many more than just his own kids. Rafael was always there whenever family or friends needed a hand. He was a living example of Christian generosity and service. At the end of his life, Rafael was a father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great grandfather! Rafael was fit and healthy, requiring no medicines and being incredibly able into his late 80s! In the end, he fought his final battle with cancer and left us to enjoy peace forever with his Lord. Published in Denton Record-Chronicle on July 30, 2017
OLIVAS, James R., died on July 19, 2017, after a battle with cancer. He was born June 17, 1935. James is survived by his wife of 60 years, Viola Trujillo Olivas; his children, JoAnn Ireland and husband Steven, Richard and Angela Olivas and David Olivas and wife Kim; his grandchildren, Michelle J. McGuiness and Ian T. McGuiness and his sister, Frances Gutierrez. James graduated from Albuquerque High School in 1954. He was most proud of the 22 years he served in the Navy, where he achieved his dream of working in the submarines. After retiring, he spent 10 years with FEL Communications and 15 years with the State of New Mexico as a communications specialist. He was strong and determined, yet loving and kind. There are no words to describe how much he will be missed. A Rosary will be held Thursday, August 3, 2017 at 8:15 a.m., followed by Mass at 9:00 a.m. at St. Joseph on the Rio Grande, 5901 St. Joseph's Drive NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87120. A Graveside Service will follow at 2:15 p.m. at Santa Fe National Cemetery, 501 N. Guadalupe Street, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the New Mexico Cancer Center Foundation. Published in Albuquerque Journal on July 30, 2017
SCHULTZ, William Allen, was born on February 1, 1956 and passed away on Friday, July 28, 2017. William was a resident of Mason City, Iowa at the time of passing. A graduate of Nora Springs High School, class of 1974, Bill enlisted in the United States Navy, serving most of his time as a Submarine Sonar Technician before being honorably discharged in 1987. Per Bill's wishes, his body has been cremated, and a private Celebration of Life will be at a later date. Family suggests memorial contributions to the Wounded Warrior Project.
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Sunday Obits
