Maximo V. Barela

Max, born May 5, 1920 and raised in Derry New Mexico with his family of 4 brothers and 2 sisters. When he was 15 years old he lied about his age so that he could enroll in the Civilian Conservation Corp to help his family. This is where he first learned some of the skills of road building. He moved to North Hollywood, California in 1940. In 1941 he was inducted into the Army and served his country as a medic in World War II throughout the European and the African theatre. Following the end of the war Max returned to the San Fernando Valley to work, marry and raise his family. Max was involved in the development of the southern California freeway system thru his work with the Operating Engineers Union for 25 years. Then he continued his career with Los Angeles County Flood Control for 15 years.

He spent the last years of his life with his daughters, splitting time in Livermore, CA and Miami FL. Always a curious mind Max loved to travel and experience the world and loved Princess Ship cruises. His other passions aside from family were anything western related including reading western novels and watching the Western Channel on TV.

He is survived by his daughters Maria Elena Blattman and Rebecca Barela, his son in law Keith Blattman and his grandson Arthur Blattman.

He was very loved and will be missed by his immediate family as well as his extended family through out New Mexico , California and Colorado.