Gonzalo V Urquizu

Gonzalo Urquizu was born March 24, 1926 in Fontana, CA. to Guadulape and Refugio Urquizu. He lost his father tragically at the age of 8. He was second oldest of 8 kids, and took on responsibility at a young age. He took care of his younger siblings , and he went to work in the farms and fields of South Fontana at a young age. He was a World War II Army veteran in the Pacific (Philippines) theater. During the war he would write letters to his family, but also to the girl who worked at the local Magana grocery store, Mary "Chuy" Magana. Soon after he returned he courted Chuy, and then on November 25th, 1947 they eloped and married in Reno, NV. They would be married by the church a week later at St. Mary's church in Fontana. He would go on to have a great relationship with his in-laws Augustine and Enriqueta Magana and the entire Magana family. Chayo and Chuy their first son Benjamin "Benny" in 1948, and their second David "Tito" in 1949. Their third son, Luis "Louie " was born in 1962. He lived all of his life in Fontana, CA. until he moved to his current address in San Bernardino, CA. in 1989.

He was employed by the Southern Pacific Railroad from 1949 to 1958. He was employed by Kaiser Steel from 1958 to 1983, with most of his years there as a Millwright. He made many friends and memories there. He had excellent mechanical abilities. He was a very good handyman fixing almost everything around the house as well as with the cars. He was builder who helped build his first home and many other projects through the years. He valued learning very much. He returned to night school to earn his GED.

He was always available to help those who needed help, mostly family, but even strangers. Once he helped save a man's life who came to the house in the middle of the night with a gunshot wound. He once helped people whose boat had run out of gas and was headed for the rocks. He towed the boat to safety with his smaller fishing boat. He loved his family and would do anything for them.

He loved the outdoors and especially the nature and history of the Wild West. He enjoyed riding horses especially his longtime horse Sparky. He loved going deer hunting in Utah and Colorado. He also enjoyed fishing at some of the local nearby lakes. He enjoyed taking his family camping and visited many national parks and other sites all around the Western United States. He enjoyed watching Westerns, reading Western novels, and listening to country music. He loved his country, the USA, and loved his Mexican culture, especially the old Mariachi songs

He is survived by his wife, Mary "Chuy" (Magana) of the family home, and 3 sons, Benjamin(Maria) of Rialto, CA; David(Tina) of Fontana, CA; Luis of Canoga Park, CA; 10 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren also survive him. He is survived by his younger brother Richard Urquizu of Fontana, CA.