Tributes

* JOSE MIGUEL HERNANDEZ* Our loving father, and grandfather, Jose Miguel Hernandez, born February 14, 1927 in Pasadena, passed away on June 24, 2021, in Fresno, CA. Survived by his adult children, David Hernandez, Esther Hernandez, Gloria Cantu, Mona Yanez, Tonia Navarro and Carlos Navarro, and a very special nephew, thought of as a son, Raul Hernandez. All are currently living in the Fresno area. He is also survived by his younger brother in Mexico, Antonio Hernandez. Our Dad was Grandpa Mike to numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren, and was an uncle to many nieces and nephews. Preceded by his beautiful and loving wife Jennie Hernandez, daughter Mary Louisa Vega, and sons George Navarro, Country Joe Navarro and Alfonso Navarro. Jose, aka, Mike and Jennie lived in the Los Angeles area and moved to the central valley on or about the late 1940’s. Mom and Dad and all 10 of their children worked in fields in the surrounding areas of Biola, Madera, and Kerman area. Dad and mom taught us everything to do with the grape vineyard industry. At some point they bought one of their first homes and lived in Biola. In the late 60’s they purchased a 10 acre ranch in the Kerman area. Soon thereafter, they purchased a 2nd ranch, and 3rd and officially became farmers and owned 80 acres of grape. All family members worked collectively and made good and fun times out of this hard work. Our Dad Jose was a community leader in Biola and in Kerman. He loved music as did our entire family. Our parents often went to dances at the Biola Legion Hall. They attended hymikas, fun social events with outdoor food, beer, raffles and dancing in the surrounding areas of the central valley including Kearney Park. He played guitar and would almost daily, play and sing songs while mom cooked dinner, even after a hard day’s work. He competed in aficionados programs at the Azteca Theatre in Chinatown and was also in the good old Luis Gomez show which aired every Sunday. Later, he taught himself to read and write music and even recorded music on his very own label, known as “Uval Records” along with a beautiful bunch of grapes depicted on his records. Having been born in southern CA, he was a major Dodger’s fan and often went to see them play at Chavez Ravine. Dad enjoyed playing horseshoes with family and would almost always win. Lol. He enjoyed boxing and followed local boxer Gabe Terronez as well as Oscar De La Hoya and lastly Canelo. Our Dad really enjoyed gambling and would travel to Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe and Reno. Mom and Dad would go to the race track at the Fresno fair every day. He enjoyed going to all the local casinos. In fact, towards the end of his life’s journey, going to the casino was his favorite thing to do. Our Dad was an amazing, charismatic and an extraordinary man. He himself built things for us like, a patio with a fish pond, a laundry room, added a second bathroom a shower etc. Again, self-taught, he acquired a skill set that left us in awe. Our patriarch and rock of Gibraltar will be very sorely missed by all. We will cherish memories of him and all the big and little things he taught us, not by telling us, but because he led by example. We love you Dad and we will miss you. We “thank you” for all your words of encouragement and all the love and support you gave us. Go in peace and join mom.

Tributes

Jose Miguel Hernandez

February 14, 1927 - June 24, 2021