Ernie T. Facio, Sr.

A resident of West Sacramento passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 24, 2015. Ernie was born in Denver, CO on November 7, 1937 a place where he spent several summers cheering on the Rockies all the way to the World Series. As a young boy, Ernie’s family moved to Wapato, WA in 1943 where he began a difficult, yet humble, life as a migrant farm worker. Despite the extreme poverty the family experienced, they were taught to work with pride and dignity. As a young man, Ernie took his wife and first child, Elisa, to West Sacramento, in search of a better life. He moved from working in the fields to Marks Meat Company to being a truck driver for Applegate and Yellow Freight Lines for 32 years. Ernie believed in the rights of working people and was a proud Teamster, Local 150. He and his wife Petra had two more children, Ernie Jr. and Cynthia. Ernie was a loyal, committed 49er fan since the late 60s, and an A’s fan as early as the 70s. Later, he became known for his love of golf and played in a number of tournaments including a couple with his grandchildren, and enjoyed playing on the weekends with his brothers, his son-in-law, and his nephew. His favorite player was none other than Tiger Woods. He also had the privilege of being the past President of the Azteca Golf Club. And, you could always count on watching classic Western movies with Ernie, having a cup of coffee at McDonald’s, having breakfast after church with his wife at IHOP or Denny’s, watching the Niners and Cowboys with his son, watching The Godfather with his daughter Cynthia and grandchildren, visiting his daughter Elisa while she was in Denver, or catch him playing pool at the Senior Center in Broderick, CA. In addition, he was a long time member of The Elks Lodge #6 in Sacramento, CA.

Ernie now rests with his brothers Maximino, Lutero, Ralph and Chris, Jr., his sister Dora, and his parents Cresencio and Margarita Facio. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Petra (Pat), his children Elisa of Spokane, WA, his son Ernie, Jr. (Deborah) of Elk Grove, daughter Cynthia Ortiz (Javier) of West Sacramento. He is also survived by his brothers Lupe Martinez, Jim and John Facio (Sacramento), sisters Teresa F. Ortega (West Sacramento), Patty Gonzales and Mary Munez, (Yakima, WA), and brothers Larry and Benny Facio (Wapato,WA), Joey Facio (Toppenish,WA), and Kenny Facio (Yakima,WA). Grandchildren Vanessa (partner Mandy), Christopher (girlfriend Becca), and Cecily (boyfriend Tony) and his great-grandson Aiden (his boy) were his life force and eternally are his greatest joys. Ernie is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. He deeply and unconditionally loved his family, and taught his children and grandchildren to honor, respect and accept all family members without reservation. And finally, Ernie’s pet companions, Isaac, Apollo (PeeWee), and Desea miss him dearly.