Rafael Quijas Munoz

In the song of life, Rafael Quijas Munoz was surely the composer. A very observant man who would rather spend his time creating than talking, Rafael preferred to live in a world of harmony where everything around him made sense. In fact, he depended on his sensory world to provide him with concrete data. A free spirit, Rafael believed that actions definitely spoke for themselves. He seemed to know what fit and what didn’t fit in everything he did. Rafael perceived that all of life’s possibilities were open to him, yet he lived with a definite sense of purpose. He was a man who was always ready to share his creations with those around him.

       His parents were Juan and Clara Munoz. Rafael was raised in Juarrez, Chihuahua, Mexico. As a young child, Rafael was optimistic in his outlook. He sought out the possibilities in a given situation and looked for ways to apply his creative energies. Rafael rarely calling attention to himself, but when he did speak out, his message was clearly understood by those around him.

      Early on in his family relationships, Rafael showed that he was a tolerant and flexible person, and he got along fairly well with everyone. He was raised with nine siblings. He had Alicia, Juan, Luis, Raquel, Antonio, Rebeca, Elizabet, Josue and Abigail. He was a calm and playful child who was adaptable to any situation.

      As he was growing up, Rafael developed into a person who enjoyed physically doing things, and he took pleasure in using his hands in order to create. Whether it was drawing pictures, working with building kits, or even just tapping out a rhythm to play by, Rafael liked concrete things. Growing up, Rafael took part in boxing. In his spare time he liked to swim in the Rio Grande. However, to Rafael, the most fun he had was simply playing, and spending time with friends.

      Those who didn’t know Rafael well might not view him as being an outgoing person, those who called him their friend knew differently. Rafael was shy and sensitive, a person who never forced his opinions and values on others. Close friends knew that his kindness was unmatched, and once you became a friend of Rafael’s, you understood how true a friend he could be. While growing up, some of his best friends were Manuel "El Hershey". Later in life, he became friends with Teodoro Hernandez, Victor Alvarez, Olivio Sanchez and Ruben Fregoso.

      A person who was sensitive to others’ feelings, modest and tolerant, Rafael had the ability to become completely devoted to another when that affection was returned.

      Rafael and his wife, Maria were married on May 8, 1966. Rafael was exceptionally sympathetic and compassionate when it came to his children. These emotional bonds made him as much playmate as parent. He gave his family unconditional love and kindness, sharing his artistic nature by turning everyday events into creative play. Rafael was blessed with four children, Dina, Lillia, Damaris and Eli Samuel. They were also blessed with thirteen grandchildren, Gabriel, Richard Jr., Caleb, Eli Jr., Jonathan, Matthew, Nehemiah, Natalie, Sara, Anesa, Jorge Jr., Daniel and Daniel.

      Rafael found ways to enjoy what he did for a living. He worked hard and did his best to succeed every day. His primary occupation was a Farm Laborer for 30 years, most of his life. Then latter part was a Pastor & Teacher at El Buen Samaritano Bible Institute. Rafael tended to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done without imposing his will on others.

      Rafael was in the Mexican Military in his early years of life. Rafael’s fellow soldiers saw him as a brother in arms and knew that he was as much a part of their family as their loved ones back home.

      Rafael enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were coin collecting and reading. Rafael was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others. He was relaxed in his approach to his leisure time because he wanted to savor the present moment.

      Rafael liked sports. In school, Rafael played Boxing. Recreational sports included Boxing. Rafael was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were all sports but most of all Boxing.

      Rafael’s faith was important to him. He was a member of El Buen Samaritano for 13 years. During that time, he worked at El Buen Samaritano Bible School and Radio Station. Rafael's passionate commitment to upholding his values placed him at home in his religion, where he took comfort in the company of others who believed as he did.

      Though he never set out to gain individual recognition, Rafael was given accolades for his many and varied accomplishments throughout his life. He often undervalued his achievements and abilities and simply viewed his performance as fulfilling his responsibilities. Some of his most prestigious awards included his Teaching Credential.

      Because he loved the world around him, Rafael enjoyed traveling and going away on vacations. It was an opportunity for him to kick back and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Rafael put his personal trademark on any leisure planning that he undertook. Favorite vacations included going to visit family in Cd. de Juarez.

      When Rafael’s retirement finally arrived in 1994, he was well prepared. His new life involved relocating to Hanford, California. In retirement, he found new pleasure in staying active at the Bible School as an instructor and often helped at other churches teaching and preaching. Even in retirement, Rafael continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. In these later chapters of his life, he became active in the community, feeling fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered him and simply enjoying what he had worked so hard to attain.

      Rafael passed away on Wednesday, July 4, 2012 at at his home in Hanford, California of Pancreatic Cancer. He is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years; Maria D. Munoz of Hanford, California. He also leaves behind his four loving children; Dina & Richard Harris, Sr. of South San Francisco, California, Lillia & Jorge Villalpando, Damaris & Ernie Munoz, and Eli Samuel Munoz all of Hanford, California. Rafael is survived by his four dear sisters and three dear brothers; Raquel & Elias Aguierre, Rebeca & Ramon Lechuga, Abigail & Joe Parra all of Juarez, Mexico and Elizabet & Jose Adan Hernandez of Cuauhtemoc, Mexico, Juan & Dolores Munoz of El Paso, Texas, Luis & Romelia Munoz, and Josue & Griselda Munoz all of Los Angeles, California. Rafael will be missed by his 13 precious grandchildren; Richard Harris, Jr., Caleb Harris and Sara Harris all of South San Francisco, California, Gabriel Villalpando, Jorge Villalpando, Jr., Daniel Villalpando, Jonathan Munoz, Natalie Munoz, Eli Munoz, Jr., Matthew Munoz, Nehemiah Munoz and Anesa Munoz all of Hanford, California and Daniel & Erica Munoz of Tulare, California.

A Visitation was held from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. with an Evening Service at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, July 9, 2012. A Funeral Service took place at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 10, 2012 all at Koinonia Christian Fellowship; 12536 Hanford-Armona Road, Hanford, CA 93230 559-582-1528. Burial followed at Kings River Cemetery; 10499 Dover Avenue, Hanford, CA 93230 559-584-3937.

      Rafael was a good man, a kind man, and a practical man who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being warm and deeply caring. He leaves behind him a treasury of life-long friendships and wonderful memories. Rafael always had much to give and was able to make those connections in his life where his gifts were appreciated. Rafael was a faithful, practical and loving person. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Rafael Quijas Munoz.

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Rafael Quijas Munoz, 65

Rafael went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, July 4, 2012 at his home in Hanford, California with his family at his bedside. Rafael was born to Juan & Clara Quijas Munoz on September 11, 1946 in Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico. Rafael and his wife, Maria were married on May 8, 1966. He worked most of his life as a Farm Laborer until retiring in 1994. Rafael and his wife moved to Hanford, California in 1982 where they have lived for the past 30 years.

Later in life after working in Agriculture, Rafael devoted his life to the Lord. He was an ordained Pastor after attending school for 3 years. Immediately after he began teaching for the next 5 years at EBS. Rafael also worked in ministry for El Buen Samaritano Radio Station. Rafael always stayed busy and active at the Bible School as an instructor and often helped at other churches in the area teaching and preaching. He enjoyed watching all sports, but especially boxing! Rafael also liked collecting coins and reading as a pastime. Rafael served in the Mexican Military in his early years. Rafael always took an opportunity to visit his family in Juarez, Mexico when he was able.

Rafael was preceded in death by his parents; Juan & Clara Munoz and his siblings; Alicia Munoz and Antonio Munoz. Rafael is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years; Maria D. Munoz of Hanford, California. He also leaves behind his four loving children; Dina & Richard Harris, Sr. of South San Francisco, Lillia & Jorge Villalpando, Damaris & Ernie Munoz, and Eli Samuel Munoz all of Hanford, California. Rafael is survived by his four dear sisters and three dear brothers; Raquel & Elias Aguierre, Rebeca & Ramon Lechuga, Abigail & Joe Parra all of Juarez, Mexico and Elizabet & Jose Adan Hernandez of Cuauhtemoc, Mexico, Juan & Dolores Munoz of El Paso, Texas, Luis & Romelia Munoz, and Josue & Griselda Munoz all of Los Angeles, California. Rafael will be missed by his 13 precious grandchildren; Richard Harris, Jr., Caleb Harris and Sara Harris all of South San Francisco, Gabriel Villalpando, Jorge Villalpando, Jr., Daniel Villalpando, Jonathan Munoz, Natalie Munoz, Eli Munoz, Jr., Matthew Munoz, Nehemiah Munoz and Anesa Munoz all of Hanford, California and Daniel & Erica Munoz of Tulare, California. He also was adored by his great-grandson; Marcus Munoz of Tulare, California.

A Visitation will take place from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. with an Evening Service at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, July 9, 2012. A Funeral Service will take place on Tuesday, July 10, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. all at Koinonia Christian Fellowship; 12536 Hanford-Armona Road, Hanford, CA 93230 559-582-1528. Burial will follow at Kings River Cemetery; 10499 Dover Avenue, Hanford, CA 93230 559-584-3937.