Enrique Avila

Enrique Avila was born to Salvador & Anita Avila on July 15, 1943 in Aguascalientes, Mexico. Enrique was one of seven children. As a child he worked hard and also enjoyed spending time with his friends. In his teens, the family moved to Lincoln Heights, CA. Enrique continued to work hard, purchased his first car and loved to cruise down Whittier Blvd. He met Nena at the movie theater. On September 5, 1965 Enrique and Nena were married. Soon after, they started a family and moved to Hacienda Heights in 1971. Enrique and Nena had six children, 11 grandchildren, and one great granddaughter. He was a hard working father. Working as a butcher, and then later a mechanic, Enrique provided the best for his family. Not only did he provide material things but also instilled a good work ethic in his children. Enrique and Nena brought their children up in the Catholic Church, attending St John Vianney every Sunday. Enrique stayed devoted and faithful to the church, he later was part of the Spanish group, Juan 23. He made many friends in the church.

Family was key. We spent holidays with all of our aunts, uncles and cousins. Our parties were filled with music and laughter. The Avila's and Carrillo's always enjoyed these great times! Enrique enjoyed dancing to his music ; you could always catch him doing his special moves, twists and "gritos”. He also made the tastiest tamales for Christmas and passed his recipe to many. Our best memories were our camping trips in the camper to Ensenada and Rosarito. We spent our days swimming in the beach, riding horses, and shooting BB guns. Our nights were spent telling scary stories at the campfire and waking up to Enrique's homemade menudo. Enrique and Nena enjoyed traveling to Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, Hawaii and locally with their friends.

In 2010, Enrique lost the love of his life. Although he was devasted, he became the strength and the foundation of the Avila’s by giving advice and making sure the family kept their strong ties. He enjoyed time with his grandchildren and made sure he always had a piñata for Christmas! He loved to watch Tom & Jerry and Steamboat Willy with the kids. Enrique enjoyed his weekends going out with friends, taking trips, hosting dinners and brunching with his friends from the club.

In 2015, Enrique lost his eldest son, Gilbert. Losing Gil was devastating. Though he continued with his life, his health began to take a toll. Enrique was diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis of the Lungs. The disease slowly weakened his body yet he gallantly trekked forward. During this time, his focus was still on his children. He shared how important it was to leave us united, and more importantly, to leave us with faith in God. Enrique knew his time was coming. A few weeks prior, he was awakened by beautiful music he believed to be a gift from God. This encounter subsided all fear. Enrique passed February 3, 2021. He is dearly missed.