Pedro Sanchez

“Anything is possible.” That is what Pedro Sanchez believed about life. He was a creative man, a perpetual inventor, who seemed to be able to find a solution for any difficulty confronting him. He had faith in his ability to find those solutions. Pedro thoroughly enjoyed understanding how things worked. He possessed an inquisitive, confident, and rational nature matched with a versatile and agile mind. Pedro was a person who believed that he could achieve whatever he set out to do.

Pedro was born on July 20, 1946 in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico. His parents were Pedro Sanchez and Maria del Rosario Hernandez. Pedro was raised in Mexicali. He showed his ingenuity even as a child. When he was confronted with a problem, Pedro could develop an imaginative solution, and he derived satisfaction from knowing he had that ability.

This same talent for finding solutions had a positive bearing on Pedro's family relationships. Pedro was raised with two siblings. He had Rosario and Eladio Manuel Fonseca. When a difficult situation or dilemma arose within the family, Pedro was always there to help figure out a solution for making things work.

As a young boy, Pedro could be found building and inventing new and different things. He was curious, resourceful and interested in anything original. Pedro took part in basketball and track. In his spare time he liked to collect trains.

Pedro was socially resourceful, an expressive person who was willing to try new things. These qualities drew a lively circle of friends around him. Always interested in his friends’ activities and interests, Pedro was uncritical of his acquaintances. He was sought after by people who recognized that he was generous with his time and energy, and these same friends found Pedro to be very stimulating company. Pedro's humor and curiosity were contagious for those around him. Later in life, he became friends with Louie.

On April 1, 1973 Pedro exchanged wedding vows with Irma Simental at Registro Civil of Tijuana, Mexico. Pedro was adept at devising original and creative ways to enhance and improve the marriage partnership. Pedro was seldom a critical person, but rather the one who was able to bring out the best in others. Pedro was an entertaining conversationalist who was quick to respond to his spouse’s needs. He was a vibrant personality and he enjoyed verbally sparring with Irma. In fact, those who knew him often remarked that Pedro loved to argue for argument’s sake. He was very perceptive in recognizing others’ feelings, especially regarding Irma's.

Pedro's remarkable talent for being inventive influenced his relationship with his children. He would create original, clever and fun games for his kids and had a knack for finding ways to make everyday events, even chores, enjoyable to them. Pedro was blessed with ten children, Pedro, Antonio, Carlos, Pedro, Jose, Ruby, Esmeralda, Perla, Joshua and Manuel. They were also blessed with 16 grandchildren, Danny, Mariana, Ivette, Andre, Antonio, Pedro, Jose, Robert Jr., Christina, David, Mellisa, Amairani, Amairi, Kimberly, Indi and Frankie. Someone who was quick to laugh, Pedro found it easy to spend lots of time with his children, but he was never overbearing or guilty of pushing himself on them.

As a born inventor, Pedro was definitely in his element in his work place. He could easily create new and innovative systems, and incorporate those changes to bring a fresh approach to any work situation. Pedro was a focused worker with a strong drive for achievement. He could assess all of the options before him and, using his analytical skills, could comfortably find answers that no one else had even considered. His personal initiative inspired those around him. Pedro was always good at getting a project started and then, at the appropriate time, handing it on to a colleague. His primary occupation was farm laborer. Pedro always made an effort to be a team player, doing what needed was necessary in order to get the job done.

Pedro's “never say die” attitude and his ability to face any challenge no matter how difficult it might be were tremendous assets that Pedro carried with him into the military. Pedro was an Army veteran.

Pedro's passion for finding a better way to do things was often an end in itself for him. In fact, that interest by itself became something of a hobby for this perpetual problem solver. Since Pedro was always searching for new and unusual activities, he developed many interests and leisure pursuits. Some of the things he became an “expert” in might come as a surprise to those who knew him, but most friends and family understood that Pedro simply couldn’t be limited to just a few activities or ideas. His favorite pursuits were playing guitar, riding bikes, reading, singing, story telling, shopping and the bible.

Pedro's calm demeanor and eternally positive outlook served him well in sports. In high school, Pedro played basketball and ran track. Recreational sports included bike riding and walking. Pedro was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity.

Faith and religion were important to Pedro. He was a member Seventh Day Adventist Church.

Having the opportunity to visit and explore a new place always intrigued Pedro. Traveling and going away on vacations offered yet another opportunity for Pedro to expand his ever-growing inventory of knowledge. Favorite vacations included traveling to Mexicali.

Even while in retirement, Pedro never stopped exercising his inventive talents, and this new phase of his life provided new opportunities for stimulating his interests. Even in retirement, Pedro continued to stay in touch with his old friends and while making plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled.

Pedro passed away on February 6, 2014 at Pomona Valley Medical Center. He is survived by Pedro, Antonio, Jose, Ruby, Esmeralda, Perla, Joshua and Manuel. Services were held at Custer Christiansen Chapel.

During his lifetime, nothing appeared impossible to Pedro. He met the words “it can’t be done” with the enthusiastic challenge of a “wanna bet” attitude. Pedro was able to recognize the possibilities a new idea held, even when those around him could not. For Pedro, the traditional way of doing things fell short of his expectations, especially if there were original and untested methods for handling a challenge. For Pedro Sanchez, the fun of living his life could be found in the challenge.