Baldemar Diaz

February 28, 1915 – April 8, 2017

Baldemar Diaz passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving and devoted family on April 8, 2017 at the age of 102.

Baldemar Diaz was born in Matehuala, San Luis Potosi, Mexico on Feb. 28, 1915 to Macedonio and Mauricia Vasquez Diaz. Baldemar was one of ten children. In his early years, he worked with his father on a small farm where they grew various vegetables and fruit to sell to the local market. Later he went on to work in a steel factory that produced steel used in weapon armory during World War II. His work in the steel factory exposed him to organized labor where he became a union member and learned valuable work ethics that helped shape his life.

In 1940, Baldemar met and married the love of his life, Margarita Mendoza. Always being adventurous, in 1942, the Diazes came to the United States and settled in Monte Alto, Texas. Baldemar and Margarita had ten children. They taught their children the Catholic faith. They migrated to Washington and other western parts of Texas, and as a devout Catholic, Baldemar would always look for the local Catholic Church wherever they worked and lived.

Baldemar Diaz enjoyed classical music and was an avid reader. He was a life long subscriber to Reader’s Digest and National Geographic. Another important activity that he enjoyed was planting his garden every year and adding fruit trees to his backyard. His joy of music was evident, when we would often see him playing the piano and singing to Agustin Lara, a noted pianist from the ’40s. Another skill that Baldemar enjoyed was carpentry. He became involved in a local HUD program where he learned the carpentry trade. The program enlisted 10 local families to build their own homes. These skills led him to build his own home and refine his carpentry skills through cabinet-making. Baldemar was always aware of current events, locally and worldwide. One could easily chat with him about music, news, and/or politics.

Baldemar was an active member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. He was a member of the Accion Catolica. He went on to become a Knights of Columbus member in his latter years. He also was a member of the former Grandview Latin American Organization.

Baldemar is survived by three sons Carlos (Rosa), Baldemar Jr. (Tammy) and, David (Edelina) and four daughters Guadalupe (Tino), Dalia (Pablo) and Irene (the late Juan Mendoza), all of Grandview, and Carolina (David) of Spokane. He is also survived by 46 beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife Margarita and three infant children Roberto, Martha and Baldemar II, and also by the recent passing of a sister Leonor, brother Gilberto and brother-in-law Valente Mendoza.

Viewing and visitation will be held Tuesday, April 11, 2017 from 1 to 8 p.m. with the recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6 p.m. at the Smith Funeral Home Chapel in Grandview, Wash. Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at 11 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Grandview, Wash. with burial to follow at the Grandview Cemetery, Grandview, Wash. Those wishing to sign Baldemar’s online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com. Smith Funeral Home, Grandview in care of arrangements.