Adolf Ofo Vidal

Adolf Vidal was born on September 27, 1927 to Enrique Vidal and Concepcion Celedon in the city of San Fernando, at a time when beautiful lemon and orange orchards dominated the scenery. Having lost his mother at the tender age of three, the family got by on what meager money they made from the orchards. Despite the hardships of the Great Depression, Adolf and his siblings Angie and Joe were united by their strong faith in God, and deep love for each other and their father. Adolf learned lifelong habits of responsibility, hard work, studying and saving for a rainy day. He transmitted these principles to his children and grandchildren.

Adolf attended San Fernando Elementary, San Fernando Middle School ,San Fernando and Hollywood High School . He graduated from Hollywood High School, Class of 1946. In high school, he participated in track and was awarded the Ergon Kalon Scholarship Banner -A Class. During this time he also worked at Tony's Market were he trained as a butcher.

In 1947, Adolf enlisted in the California National Guard. In 1950 he was activated and was sent to the Korean War. He was shipped to Japan along with 600 men in the USS Miggs. From Japan he went to Kaesong near the Iron Triangle where the fighting took place. As a Corporal he was a firing battery cannoneer for the 105th artillery battalion. Later he went to the C Battery and then to the headquarters battery. At headquarters he became a battery clerk and then he was transferred to the kitchen because of his butcher training and served as a chef. After the Armistice in 1952, he returned home as a Non Commissioned Staff Sargent Officer (NCO).

After his arrival, he trained to become a barber. He worked part-time as a barber for the next 65 years. He retired from Sylmar Barber shop at the age of 84.

Although Adolf came from simple beginnings, he worked his way through a long, successful career as a Structural mechanic at Lockheed Martin. He worked at Lockheed for 39 years and retired in 1991. He was assigned to the illustrious Skunk Works Program and worked on such projects as the SR71 and F117 as well as commercial aircrafts such as the L-1011.

In 1960, Adolf met his beautiful wife Bertha Olvera at a church dance. They were happily married on February 4, 1961 and were blessed to have recently celebrated their 53rd anniversary. Adolf and his wife travelled extensively throughout Mexico, the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada. They also vacationed in the Caribbean Islands, Central and South America.

Adolf was a member of Acción Catolica de Jovenes Mexicanos, the Knights of Columbus Council 3016, the St. Ferdinand's 50 Plus Club and the Las Palmas Club. His pastimes included bowling, ping pong, photography and taking long Sunday drives. Adolf was an avid gardener and handyman; he could fix almost anything around the house. He enjoyed listening to a range of music from big band, jazz, salsa, and Mexican music but his favorite activities were dancing and spending time with family and friends.

Adolf was a loving, kind, generous, hardworking and selfless man who was beloved by his wife Bertha Olvera Vidal, his three children, Leticia, Giselle, and Gustavo, his sons-in-law, Michael Márquez and Ricky Cueva and his grandchildren, Katarina, Xenia, Clarissa, Xiomara and Xochitl-Ximena. He is survived by his sister, Angelita Yribe, his brother Joe, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Army Vidal, Graciela Cedano, Laura Arevalo, Lupe and George Negrete, Irma and Rudy Herrera, nephews, nieces, and cousins.

The best thing that Adolf left behind for us is his example. His lifetime of commitment to community, dedication to family and strong faith in God serve as a monument to the exemplary man he was. His optimism, kindness, loving nature and integrity continue to inspire all those who knew him.