Gonzalo 'Charlie' Zavala

Gonzalo "Charlie" Zavala, 75, of Othello, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2008.

Gonzalo was born in Andice, Texas on Jan. 10, 1933, the son of Juan and Maria Zavala and the baby brother to 15 brothers and sisters. He attended school in Edcouch-Elsa, Texas and Granger, Wash.

In 1955 he married Aurora Garcia in Lynden, Wash., settling for a short time in the Yakima Valley. Gonzalo and Aurora made Othello their home in 1959 where they raised their four children: Viola, Gloria, MariaAnita and Norma. Together they experienced their Cursillo and in August 2005 celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

As a husband, father, grandfather of 10 and great grandfather of three Gonzalo taught and shared with us the value of family, cultural and religious traditions through his living examples of wisdom and faith.

Gonzalo was a man blessed with many gifts. Having worked in agriculture, as a truck driver, and a meat cutter he appreciated the value of his work and those who worked with him. Gonzalo's contribution to his community came in many forms. You may have been the recipient of fresh garden tomatoes, clothing for the winter, a visit during your recovery from an illness, or gentle "words of guidance."

Gonzalo took great pride in his civic responsibility having served as a member on the first board for the Columbia Basin Health Association, running for a position on the Othello City Council, volunteering on numerous committees with the Sacred Heart Parish, entering produce in the Adams County Fair agricultural exhibits, and participating in the community Cantata. Most recently his advocacy for health and wellness by participating in a medical study through The National Institute of Neurological Disorder and Stroke of National Institutes of Health contributed to the advancement of knowledge in stroke prevention and the Relay for Life American Cancer Society.

For all those who have worked, laughed, sang, gardened, cooked and prayed with Gonzalo you are invited to join his family on Friday, Feb. 22, 2008, at Stevens Funeral Chapel, Othello from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. with the Holy Rosary beginning at 6 p.m.

A Mass will be celebrated in his memory on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2008, at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Services under the direction of Stevens Funeral Chapel.