Fernando Madrigal

FERNANDO MADRIGAL May 30, 1944-May 14, 2017 Devoted husband and father, FERNANDO MADRIGAL, passed away peacefully with his loving wife and daughter at his side and with other family members present. Born in Canelas, Durango, Mexico, he spend his childhood in Mexico before settling in San Diego,CA as a teenager. Just before joining the U.S. Army, where he served from 1965 to 1967, he met the love of his life, MARIA AURORA HERNANDEZ. They were married in 1968. FERNANDO always greeted people with a smile. He loved to talk and make new friends.He would always try to help a friend out. Even though he was sick with kidney disease and other infirmities, he always had a positive outlook. His mantras were ,"Never give up...there's always hope!" and "Always have faith!". FERNANDO had a passion for music. He would often be heard belting out Mexican ballads or a Frank Sinatra tune. He would often say, "Music is life!" Before eye disease limited his vision, reading was another of his passions. He enjoyed reading poetry and novels from Miguel de Cervantes, Octavio Paz, Pablo Neruda, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, etc. He was a huge horse racing fan. He could name every horse and jockey that won the Kentucky Derby along with their stats. Soccer and baseball, especially the San Diego Padres were also some of his favorite past time . He was an animal lover. If he could, he would bring home every stray dog and cat he came across. He would often take the family dog to walks to the local Starbucks or park. He had a special relationship with TJ and Roxy, the family's pet cat and dog, respectively. But the greatest passion and love he had were for his wife and daughter. His devotion to his wife and daughter were endless and difficult to put into words how much he loved them. Anyone who knew FERNANDO will be able to tell you how much love and pride he had for his wife and daughter. He will greatly be missed. FERNANDO is survived by wife of 49 years,the loves of his life: MARIA AURORA and his daughter, MARISOL DRAGER (nee Madrigal). He is also survived by his brothers; Ramon, Marco-Anotonio, Rolando Madrigal and their families, and other close family members. He proceeds in the passing of his mother, Rosa Madrigal. "THE bEST IS YET TO COME"