Refugio Saldivar

Refugio Saldivar passed away unexpectedly on April 14, 2021, at the age of 85.

Refugio was born to Tiburcio Saldivar and Cesarea Robles on July 4, 1935, in the small village of El Cargadero in Jerez, Zacatecas, Mexico. He was one of 14 children. At a very young age, Refugio learned the value of hard work - a lesson he carried with him his whole life. He first came to the United States as a young man as part of the Bracero Program, which allowed him to help his family in Mexico. After his marriage to Esperanza Ureño in April 1960, Refugio returned to the United States to Los Angeles, where he began to plant his roots and start his family.

He held down various jobs in many places and continually returned to Mexico, Los Angeles, and King City in constant search of work. He was a man of many trades, working in San Jose at a hotel; in Mexico as a farmer; in Los Angeles as a landscaper; and in King City as a fieldworker. After setting permanent roots in King City, Refugio became an American citizen and began working for LA Hearne Company in 1973, where he eventually retired after 27 years of hard work. Refugio humbly and graciously accepted any job so long as it allowed him to provide for his family.

Refugio was a very bright and curious man who loved to learn. Despite his limited schooling in Mexico, he deeply understood the value of education and made sure to pass these ideals down to his children and grandchildren with hopes of a better life for his future generations. He was grateful to be a citizen of both Mexico and the United States, and felt forever indebted to this country for the opportunities and the life it provided him. Refugio was a humble yet proud man who took nothing for granted and appreciated everything.

Refugio loved passing his time outside in his yard, working on various house projects, and planting foods in his garden to harvest and share with family and friends. He enjoyed watching boxing and UFC fights, and took pleasure in a good conversation with loved ones while reminiscing about his days in Mexico. He was always rich with life lessons, all of which he was eager to share with family at any opportunity.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Esperanza Saldivar; sons, Hector and Cristian (Erika Weiss); his daughter, Elizabeth (Chris Andrew); his four grandchildren, Matthew, Ashley, Noah, and Brooke; two brothers, Julian and Antonio; one sister, Juanita; and many loving nieces and nephews. Although his wisdom and lessons will continue to live on through his family, he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 22, 2021, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. followed by a 6 p.m. Rosary Service at Eddington Funeral Chapel on 429 Bassett St. in King City.

A Funeral Mass will be held 10 a.m. on Friday, April 23, 2021, at St. John's Catholic Church on 504 N. Third St. in King City. Burial will follow in the King City Cemetery.

For additional information, contact Eddington Funeral Services, (831) 385-5400, www.EFS-Cares.com.

Published in King City Rustler · April 21, 2021