OBITUARY: Henry Gonzales

Surrounded by loved ones, Henry Gonzales, 78, of Bakersfield, sadly passed away in his home on the morning of Dec. 31, 2020. Henry served as an inspiration for others throughout his life, and it was no different in his final years as he bravely battled with a serious heart condition. Despite the difficulties of his struggle, he never gave up on life but stayed strong to the end, continuing to love his family and his dogs, exercise, and care for his garden and citrus trees.

Henry knew cars well, so he worked primarily in the auto-body repair industry, either fixing vehicles himself or starting, operating and selling auto-body repair businesses. He also had experience working as a freelance insurance appraiser. He took great pride in his work, giving his best in service to his family and leaving a fine example for his children and grandchildren to follow.

Henry was a faithful, caring and devoted father and husband and his family was the most important part of his life. He truly was happiest when life was at its simplest. To him that meant cooking a delicious meal for his family and then sitting nestled cozily on the sofa with his wife as they cherished their time together along with a glass of red wine. It was the simple pleasures in life that he pursued, and he was a happier man for it.

If Henry ever made time for himself, it was to go fishing, but he usually brought his family along for that, too. Apart from cooking, gardening and working out, this was one of his favorite activities. Henry also had an artistic side. In his younger years, Henry played the saxophone in bands called Los Diamantes and Los Reyes. As a high school student, he won an art competition by submitting a portrait drawing of one of his sisters, Belinda Capilla.

From his first marriage, Henry is survived by his former wife, Victoria Gonzales; their daughter, Sharon Gonzales Flores and her husband Robert Flore; their son Gary Gonzales; and grandchildren Christopher Gonzales, Jason Gonzales, Briana Flores, Sarah Flores, Ariana Flores, Robby Flores and Gabriel Michel. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Yolanda Gonzales, and great grandson, Adrian Flores.

From his second marriage, Henry is survived by his wife, Alma Gonzales,; their son, Francisco Gonzales and his wife Azumi Gonzales; their son, Ricky Gonzales and his wife Kacey Gonzales; Alma's daughter, Yvonne Cadena; and their grandchildren Isaac Gonzales, Reina Gonzales, Anthony Valdez, Savannah Zundt, Sky Byrne and Alex Byrne.

Henry's life will be honored. A rosary will be held on Monday, Jan. 11, at Peter's Funeral Home, 844 E. Lerdo Highway, Shafter at 6 p.m. A service will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 12 at St. Therese Catholic Church, 300 W. Lerdo Highway, Shafter, at 10 a.m. The graveside service will follow shortly after at Shafter Memorial Park, 18662 Santa Fe Way, Shafter. Following the graveside service, a reception will be held at Lamont Assembly of God, 8300 Collison St., Lamont.

Lastly, Henry's family would like to thank everyone for their love, support and prayers. Henry lived a beautiful life on earth, and now he is in heaven for his eternal one.