Marco A Chavez

Marco Antonio (Tony) Chavez-Rivas passed quietly on Sunday, May 1, 2011 in his home in Meadow Vista, California. Tony was born October 20, 1919, in El Salvador, Central America to Dr. Marcos Chavez and Zoila Rivas.

He was the oldest of three brothers, first born and last to pass. His deceased brothers were Rafael of El Paso, Texas, and Jose Andres (Pepe) of San Salvador, Central America.

Tony is survived, and sadly missed by his wife of sixty-seven years, Barbara A. Chavez (nee Lawrence), daughter and son-in-law, Zoilita and Rick Grant of Longmont, Colorado, daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and Norm Reynolds, of Courtney, British Colombia, Canada, daughter and son-in-law, Julie and Otis Everon of Sacramento, California, son and daughter-in-law Mark Chavez and Mary Washburn of Mill Valley, California, son and daughter-in-law John Anthony Chavez and Terry Leavitt-Chavez, of Bellaire, Texas, daughter and son-in-law, Elizabeth(Tina) and Phillip Ramsey of Pittsburg, California, daughter and son-in-law Carolina and Ralf McCormick of Meadow Vista, California.

Grandchildren Mark Clevenger and Elizabeth Vasquez, Colorado, Bryon and Kevin Reynolds, Canada, David and Timothy Everon, Sacramento, Martha and Sarah Higgins, John Andrew Chavez of Mill Valley, Samantha Chavez, Texas, Christopher, Daniel, and Jennifer Ramsey, Pittsburg.

Great-Grandchildren Christiana and Marcus Vasquez, Colorado, Alexis and D.J. Everon, Sacramento, Ryley and Hailey Ramsey, Walnut Creek.

Beloved nephew, Jose Roberto Chavez and his wife Maria, and their two sons, Jose Eduardo and Family, of Orangevale and Christian and wife of Rocklin, California. Roberto, Son of sister-in-law, Marta Chavez, El Salvador, brother of Glorianna Chavez-Valencia and family, Marco Antonio Chavez and family, Carlos Chavez and family, El Salvador. Sister-in-law Haydee Chavez ,El Paso, Texas, children Amy McGill, Utah, Karen Chavez, Texas.

Brother-in-law, Hugh Lawrence, wife Pat, children, Peter and Michael Lawrence. Sister-in-law and husband, Margaret and Gordon Suits, children, Paul Suits, Switzerland, Lisa Weiss and family, Vacaville, Brian Suits and Family, Houston, Texas. Sister-in-law Judith Lawrence, Washington, nephews Robert and Richard Slover, Washington and niece, Margaret Meredith and her husband, Craig, and their family from Idaho were all part of Marco Antonio Chavez-Rivas extended family.

Tony was a great husband, an amazing father a good friend, and a spectacular grandpa, who loved his family dearly.

In 1939, Tony left his homeland to study and become a pharmacist like his father. His adventures began in school as he studied and embraced a new culture. His future grew bright as he excelled in his course work, and learned about life in America. At an International House dance on the Berkeley campus of University of California, Tony met and fell in love with Barbara Ann Lawrence. They were married on October 30, 1943 in Walnut Creek, California.

Having graduated from Pharmacy School, it was time to return to El Salvador to begin a new life. Wartime, in the United States, troubles in Mexico and Guatemala made the journey difficult. There was a revolution going on in El Salvador, so the decision was made to return to the United States.

He was then drafted, and sent off to Italy, where he served, honorably as a medic in an army hospital. His all-American dream came true with a great home in Meadow Vista, and starting in 1950, an amazing career at DeWitt State Hospital, in Auburn. Tony was a brilliant pharmacist with great professional work effort. He worked at DeWitt until 1970.

At the same time, from 1950 until the mid-1980's he worked at the Colfax Pharmacy, part-time. After DeWitt State hospital closed, he worked ten more years at the Vacaville Medical Facility.

Tony always had some important information, a funny story, a kind work, or just a friendly smile to share. He had a big golden heart filled with goodness and kindness for all. Tony always did things right, he made a positive difference in the world with his hard workand great attitude. Tony raised seven wonderful children who love him dearly, and cherish all the great golden lessons they learned from this amazing kindhearted man. Those lessons, dreams, and futures will live on in all who loved him.He was rich with so many treasures of the world. Tony had a loving wife, caring family, many grandchildren, good friends, and great health. Swimming was his joy. He loved to talk, watch Western movies on TV, and read. He was a great father who worked "Above And Beyond the Call of Duty" for his children, and for all he loved. Marco Antonio Chavez-Rivas (Tony) was a great man, and an inspiration to excel. Reach for the golden rewards of the American dream, work hard, bring joy to others, treasure family, cherish work, and make a difference in the world. Daddy, we love you dearly, forever in our hearts a Golden ray of hope, forever bright and good. Thank you.

A celebration of life for Marco Antonio (Tony) Chavez-Rivas will be held on May 15, 2011 at 1 pm in the home of Jose Roberto and Maria Chavez

Arrangements under the direction of Chapel of the Hills, Auburn, CA.