Simeon A. Valenzuela

Simeon "Simon" Anthony Valenzuela passed away on Sunday, August 8, 2010 in his home with his love Antonia "Toni" Valenzuela at his side. Simon battled a long history of heath conditions, yet his positive attitude and undying dedication to family motivated him to work through those challenges.

Simon was born on July 24, 1939 in San Luis Obispo, California to Rose M. Gress, and Antonio P. Valenzuela. Rose and Anthonio moved to the Yakima Valley where Simon graduated from Wapato High School. Simon met and fell in love with Antonia "Toni" Esparza in 1956. He pursued her until she agreed to marry him on July 30, 1960. They recently celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary with six of their seven children, family and friends.

Simon worked many jobs to support his large family. He worked for National Can Company, Associated Grocers (of which he retired) and finished his working career with the Yakima School District before becoming disabled. He lived and loved for his wife and children. His wife and children were his priority in life. Simon spent many years teaching his children kindness, respect, dedication, hard work, humor, and the importance of being a family. Additional passions included, tying flies, drawing, painting, watching old western movies, reading non-fiction, taking long Sunday rides, gardening, cooking, spending time with all his children and writing love poems to his wife.

Beside his outstanding role of husband and father, he relished with delight to see so many of his children and grandchildren take up the art of fishing. "Poppa Si," you were an extraordinary human being and we dedicate ourselves to continue to live you and be you, and of course, take care of "Momma Bear."

Simon's health conditions began to deteriorate in the late 1990's until his brother donated a kidney to him. Simon and his family have greatly appreciated this unique gift. This allowed his wife and children extra years with an unforgettable man. Thank you Uncle Fred, Aunt Ricky, Andrea, Monica and Erica for the sacrifices you all made. Your selfless gesture gave us more precious moments with "Poppa Si."

Simon is survived by his wife, Antonia "Toni" Valenzuela, six children, Simon P. Valenzuela, Juliana and Perry Salazar, Andy Valenzuela and Wanda Jones, Netty and Ted Hull, Joey Valenzuela and Ricky Valenzuela all of Yakima, Washington and daughter of the heart Gloria Hancock of Bremerton, Washington, brothers Greg Valenzuela and Fred Valenzuela, sisters Eva Valenzuela-Villalovos and Angie Allen of Yakima, brother Joe Valenzuela of Kelso, WA and sister Elenor Ward of Rochester, WA. He will leave his legacy with 14 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, multiple brother and sister in-laws and many friends. He is preceded in death by his daughter Nicole "Mushy" Valenzuela, Brother Primitivo Valenzuela, Mother Rose Gress, Father Antonio Valenzuela and his mother and father in-law Connie and Raymond Esparza.

Simon's wife and children would like to extend their great appreciation to all the doctors, surgeons, nurses and assistants that took great care of Simon these past years. Your expertise, dedication and kindness allowed us to take advantage and cherish additional moments with him.

Visitation will be held 4-8pm on Thursday, August 12, 2010 at Keith and Keith Ninth Avenue Chapel. Vigil service will start at 6:00 pm on Thursday, also at the funeral home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 am Friday, August 13, 2010 at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.