Rafael R. Perez

Rafael Perez November 22, 1966 ~ September 7, 2021 On Tuesday, September 7, 2021, Rafael Perez, beloved husband and father of four, passed away peacefully in the loving presence of his wife at the age of 54. Rafael was the second son born to parents Jose and Georgina Perez. He and his siblings grew up in a wonderful, close-knit family in Oxnard, California. His grandparents, aunts and uncles all lived within a three-block radius, giving way to days filled with celebrating family, music, dancing, food, faith and love of life. His love of music began early. He learned to play trumpet in the fourth grade which led to him becoming drum major of the Hueneme High School Viking Marching Band and his study of music at California State University, Long Beach. He would later enjoy teaching trumpet to students and loved to impress his family with his extensive knowledge and memory of classical pieces of music. After college, he began his impressive 25 year career in manufacturing by taking a job at Technicolor. He credited his father for the incredible example of hard work and dedication that pushed him to advance his career into the defense industry and later as a sales engineer and manufacturing software consultant. He became highly regarded by his colleagues as a genuine and thoughtful leader and a joy to all who knew him. He married the love of his life, Pamela, in 2005 and settled in Ventura, California. Rafael and his family relocated from Ventura to Vancouver, Washington in 2017 and loved becoming part of the community and enjoying the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Rafael lived his life to the fullest while enjoying long Sunday drives with his family, garage sales, his Mom's cooking, faithfully watching Notre Dame Fighting Irish football and the Tour de France. He served as Cub Scout committee chair in his boys cub scout packs and was known to help them craft the fastest pinewood derby cars. His children will remember him for his favorite quote "to be early is to be on time" and special memories of woodworking, teaching them to ride a bicycle and family movie nights. He had taken to speaking regularly at school board meetings and was passionate about being part of his community and improving education. His wife will remember him for his warmth, thoughtfulness, humor and wit who wouldn't let a day go by without making her smile or laugh. He most enjoyed ending his work week with a relaxing outdoor happy hour, a good friend and a hard cider. He was a man of great faith, patriotism, honor, respect and decency to all those around him. Rafael was preceded in death by his father, Jose Perez, and brother, Peter Perez. He is survived by his wife, Pamela, of 16 years and four children, Zachary (Emily) of Grove City, Ohio, Anastacia of Ventura, California, Mateo and Nina. He is also survived by his mother, Georgina, sisters Mary Ellen (David), Soledad and Ana. Services will be held at Evergreen Memorial Gardens on September 21, 2021 and the Proto-Cathedral of St. James the Greater on September 22, 2021. Flowers for the services can be sent to Evergreen Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catholic Community Services of Western Washington at ccsww.org/donate-ccsww/ or the Gary Sinise Foundation at garysinisefoundation.org/donate/

Rafael R. Perez

November 22, 1966 - September 7, 2021