Rafael "Rafa" Leaños

Rafael Leaños, 48, “Rafa” to his friends and family, of Santa Clara, passed away on November 18, 2022. He was born to Angel and Sofia Leaños on February 26, 1974 in Santa Ana, CA. He started his career as a Maintenance Tech for Hadco/Sanmina but his life changed when he got sick. That is when he pivoted and became a Medical Marijuana advocate; often stating it saved his life. He spent the next 20+ years as a Master Grower with a compassion to help anyone who was sick or in need.

While in high school, he met his wife Kristine, they spent the next 26 years together and he took on the role of father to her daughter Breianna. He was an avid poker player and enjoyed traveling playing in tournaments and cash games with the other sharks. He loved going on Roadtrips with his wife, whether it was to Reno, Las Vegas, visiting family, or to just explore somewhere new, they were each other’s “Ride or Die”. He enjoyed trying new recipes and testing them on friends and family, and when he wasn’t cooking he appreciated going out for a good meal. Rafa loved life.

He is survived by his wife Kristine, daughter Breianna Fernandez (Andrew), grandson Isaac James, sister-in-law Angie Flor, brothers Miguel (Claudia) and Alvaro, nieces/nephews Sofia, Michelle, Rafael, A.J, and Alex, godchildren Jose, Saira, and Ezekiel, and many friends whom he took as family.

He was a caring husband, loving father, supportive brother, and a devoted friend to many.

A visitation for Rafa will be held Sunday, December 18, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM with Rosary at 6:00 PM at Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary, 466 North Winchester Blvd, Santa Clara, CA 95050.

Funeral mass will be on Monday, December 19, 2022 at 11:00 AM at St. Clare Church, 725 Washington St, Santa Clara, CA 95050.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.limafamilysantaclara.com for the Leaños family.