Fred J. Aguilar (1922-2016) Fred was born on April 13, 1922, in Brawley, CA. Known as Ferdinand, Fernando or Freddy, he was the youngest of 6 (Hector, Guillermina, Henry, Celia & Judith). Their parents, Patricio Aguilar & Virginia Cunningham moved from Baja California Sur, Mexico to California in 1921. Fred grew up in National City where he sang in the church choir at Seven Day Adventist Church of National City. Growing up, he attended The Adventist Academy, National City Middle School, and Sweetwater High School. After high school, Fred was honorably discharged from the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1941. Soon after, Fred joined the Navy, and was in service from 1942-1945. Fred served in World War II on the USS Saratoga CV3 15th Div. as a Ships Serviceman Barber 2nd class. In 1948, Fred successfully completed the instruction and training required by the Civil Air Reputation at the South Bay Airport Company and became eligible to apply for a private pilot Certificate. As a civilian, he worked in highway maintenance, as a bulldozer operator, and a truck driver at G.V. Escalante National Liquor Co. In 1969, Fred moved to Loreto Baja California Sur, Mexico where he worked as a Hotel receptionist. He was a business owner of both a tire repair shop, (La Casita Curios), and two thriving restaurants (La Casita Restaurant, and Café Ole). As a hobby, Fred loved fishing, and horse riding in Rancho San Juan, just like a true cowboy! For about a year, Fred developed a love for farming. However, due to an unfortunate series of events, he became sick, and his love of agriculture was briefly interrupted by an open heart surgery. After a quick recovery, Fred continued planting only this time from his home garden. He was a great gardener.While at home, Fred enjoyed painting and listening to Mexican Mariachi music, as well as the great opera singers Mario Lanza, Pavarotti, Carreras, and Placido Domingo. Fred was an outdoor man. He admired nature and liked to take pictures of every place he visited. After getting Alzheimer’s, Fred had forgotten the lyrics to most of his favorite songs yet still made the effort to whistle the tunes wholeheartedly. Fred was loved by everybody and he will certainly be missed dearly. The memories of him will carry his legacy beyond his family and friends for the years to come. When asked to write a one minute testimony, Fred cited Psalms 23 as the biblical text that had been most encouraging to him. He wrote: “Thinking back when I was in my early years and going to church every Sabbath, these were the happiest years of my life, singing in the choir. Now that I’m alone I begin to need the Lord because of my health and also, I’ve wanted to be back [in] church because I know the time is close for His return, and I want to be ready.” – Fred J. Aguilar Surviving family: Spouse: Florencia Aguilar StepGrandchildren:11 Sister: Judy Great grandchildren: 12 Children: Cathy, Gwen, and Linda Step great grandchildren: 32 Step Children: Isabel, Jose, Carlos, and Paty Great-great grandchildren: 1 Grandchildren: 8 Step great-great grandchildren: 1