Alvaro Avila

Al Avila was born in Guadalajara Jalisco, Mexico. He came to California in 1973 and lived in Rohnert Park and Oxnard. Al recently moved to Turlock, CA to be closer to his grandsons. His life ended too soon and without warning.

Al was a generous man, giving and caring; always willing to lend a helping hand and always thinking of others first. He loved playing with his grandsons, fishing with his son-in-law, and everything football and 49ers.

He was very proud that his daughter, Janessa was pursuing her college education and told her numerous times that his biggest responsibility was to ensure that she received greater opportunities and more success than he achieved in his life.

He really enjoyed the outdoors. Al loved grilling, camping, fishing, and taking long walks with his dogs. He was looking forward to the walks he would take with his new Doberman puppy, Nixon. When indoors, Al liked to play card games such as Gin, Phase 10, and War, and was known to get competitive from time to time. Above all, his favorite activity was spending time with his family and friends. Al cherished his grandsons, daughter and son-in-law, mother, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, and countless cousins. He truly was the stone we all leaned on and the greatest man we have ever known. He made new friends everywhere he went. He loved talking, joking, and could often be heard asking, “How much does Grandpa love you? Un Chingo.” Al’s passing came unexpectedly and has left a hole in our hearts and in our family. “We miss you, Al… You will forever be remembered, never forgotten and always in our hearts. WE LOVE YOU!”

He is survived by his daughter, Janessa Marie Avila; son-in-law Rafa Madrigal; grandsons, Damian Rafael Madrigal and Jacob Andrew Madrigal; mother, Maria G. Sala; and brothers, Max, Jesus, Tony, and Joe; sisters, Norma, Mary and Catalina; and, many loving family members and friends.

A visitation will take place at the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road in Ventura, on Tuesday, April 30, 5:00 P.M. with a vigil following at 6:00 P.M.

A catholic mass for Al will be held at the Santa Clara Catholic Church, 323 South E Street, in Oxnard on Wednesday, May 1, 2013, at 10:00 A.M. with Father Bartholomew Salter officiating. Burial to follow at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, 5400 Valentine Road in Ventura.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home. Condolences may be left at TedMayrFuneralHome.com.