CARMELO GOMEZ RUIZ

June 24, 1935 - Jan. 6, 2021

It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my father, Carmelo Gomez Ruiz, on January 6, 2021, at the age of 8 5.

He was born in Bilbao, Spain on June 24, 1935. His journey to the United States w as a s a sheep herder in the mid- 1960s and he eventually m ade Brawley his home. He met my mother, Maria Ofelia, and were married on October 7 , 1969 and lived in Brawley until 2006 when my mother passed away. He w orked for Holly S ugar (Spreckels Sugar Company) as a seasonal worker for over 20 y ears. Before that he worked at several agricultural packing companies and feedlots.

He was a man of God, loved going to church every S unday, loved his family and enjoyed his garden. He w ould spend countless hours outside tending his fruit trees and his roses. When his granddaughter Jazmin, was born shortly a fter losing the love of his life, she brought new hope. He a dored her and loved their evening strolls around the neighborhood, as he would push her in her stroller. He loved spending time with her, telling her stories, singing to her and celebrating her school and sport accomplishments throughout the years. His wish was to l ive long enough to c elebrate her 15th birthday. Sadly, he passed less than a month before he could see his wish come true.

He is survived by his daughter, Veronica Guerrero and granddaughter, Jazmin.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 7 , 2021 at 6 p . m. at F rye Chapel and Mortuary in Brawley w ith Rosary b eing said at 7 p.m. Service will be held on Monday, February 8, 2021 at 10 a.m. at S t. Margaret Mary Church in Brawley. Burial will follow at R iverview Cemetery in Brawley.