Obituary of Daniel Velarde Rubalcava

Daniel V Rubalcava a loving family man, Class A driver by profession, and United States War Veteran, passed away August 31, 2019 at the age of 72, due to an agent orange related health matter at VA Hospital in Palo Alto, Ca. He peacefully joined his creator with his beloved wife and sister at his side.

Daniel was a Resident if Hollister for 38yrs. He was a loving and caring Son, Brother, Husband, Father, Grandfather, Father in law, Brother in law, Uncle, Nephew, Cousin, and friend.

Daniel was born on September 9, 1946 in the city of Calexico California.

One of nine children born to Teresa Velarde. His early childhood years were lived in California’s Central Valley and Mexicali, Mexico.

He was best known to family and friends as “Chunay” a nickname his grandmother Irene gave him as a small child and he kept. This was an important part of his identity, later becoming his sons legal middle name. Others knew his as Daniel or Danny, but to his grandchildren he was “Tata Chunay", an unforgettable and loving man.

He served his country honorably in the US Army. Drafted at the age of 18, he served in the Vietnam War. He was a sergeant., a marksman expert (rifle), (81mm mortar), with a combat infantryman badge. He was wounded in combat and hospitalized for 3 months to recover. His bravery and courage earned him honors as a Purple Heart recipient and obtaining several medals including a National Defense service medal, a republic of Vietnam campaign metal, a Vietnam service metal, and 1 bronze service star. The war may be forgotten but the warrior will be remembered always.

Upon his return he worked driving a semi- truck, with a seasonal 6-month resident relocation between northern and southern California. Working alongside cousins and childhood friends, he enjoyed traveling and the freedom of the road and made it his life profession.

He Married at age 34 deciding he would lay down roots and start a family in the small town of Hollister Ca. He married Vicky Ojeda 23 also of Mexicali, Mexico and the youngest sister of life-long friends who he met as a child. He became a father of 5 children Norma, Sergio, Maribel, Daniel, and the twinkle of his eye his youngest baby girl Karla. All born in San José, Ca but raised in Hollister. They are all Married with children of their own. Four of them reside in Hollister and the oldest in Gilroy, Ca. He was blessed with 17 grandchildren; one great granddaughter and he was unaware of grandchild number 18 expected to arrive in February. He also has two daughters who reside in Mexicali Mexico Teresa and Analilia and between them there are 7 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren.

He made lasting impressions in many lives with his sense of humor and loving personality, making him impossible to forget. His legacy is his family and he will continue to live thru each and every one of them. They will honor his memory maintain a close and loving family relationship always keeping him and his love alive in his absence, by counting on each other, supporting, and being there for one another. Always being aware of each other’s struggles or needs thru open communication, and to avoid and resolve conflict with open minds. Most importantly respect, protect and care for their mother, the love of his life and his reason for hanging on to life so long.

He left a lifetime of beautiful memories in many lives and will never be forgotten. He had a difficult thirteen-year battle with poor health. In the last 5yrs he faced his hardest times, in and out of the hospital he was well known and will be remembered at the VA Palo Alto hospital. He formed lasting relationships with department staff members, clerks, and doctors. The podiatry team being his favorite. He would come across people he hadn't seen in years and they would remember him always greeting him by name as he walked thru hospital walkways. This was the type of person he was; Unforgettable. He lived a Great life, his health being the only obstacle for living a more adventurous life. His motivation and strength came from his amazing family. He received their time, support, care and love until the very end. Daniel gave his all to his family and it shows in those he left behind. He will be missed a lifetime in.

Visitation will be held on Monday, September 9, 2019 at Grunnagle-Ament-Nelson Funeral Home, from 1pm to 8pm, with funeral services beginning at 6pm.

On Tuesday at 10am, family and friends will meet at Grunnagle-Ament-Nelson Funeral Home and will then procede to Calvary Cemetery, 1100 Hillcrest Road, Hollister for internment with military honors provided by Local Hollister VFW Post 9242.