Eliceo “Izzy” Yzaguirre, 87, of Santa Paula entered into eternal rest peacefully surrounded by the love of his life, Catalina and his devoted family on October 16, 2016. He was born on Flag Day, June 14, 1929 in Colton, California to Mateo and Maria Yzaguirre. He was the oldest of seven children.
Dad enjoyed his school age years living at “La Campana”, Hardison Ranch in Fillmore. He graduated from Fillmore High School (Class of 1950) where he was a member of the Future Farmers of America, the Lettermen’s’ Club, Jamboree, and was elected Home Room Chairman. He played basketball, football, ran track and also played the saxophone. Soon after graduation he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He completed his basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. He then went to Air Police School at Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida. After his training in Florida he was transferred to Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, California, and became a Staff Sergeant in the 1009th Special Weapons Squadron. He was stationed at Hickam Air Force Base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. His Military Police unit was appointed to guard the aircraft assigned to Hickam A.F.B. One of the planes his unit was entrusted with was the famed B-29 “Enola Gay” which was stored at Hickam after the war.
When Dad returned home from his military service he worked as a ranch hand at Hardison Ranch. He then became a reserve Firefighter with the Fillmore Fire Department which led to his career as a Firefighter with the County of Ventura, Station 27 (formerly known as Station 11). There he served as a Ventura County Firefighter for over 33 years. He regaled us with many anecdotes about his days as a Firefighter. One story that particularly comes to mind was the time he was called to the scene of an accident only to realize that the victims were his brother and sister-in-law. He said that it was difficult, but he had to put his emotions aside and carry out his duties as a Firefighter. Our visits to the fire house to drop off Dad’s dinner were always a treat for us kids. We got to interact with the fire trucks, and play on the sand piles used to fill the sand bags. We never got tired of watching him turn on the firetrucks lights. Due to his long work shifts, there were many nights where he was not able to come home, but he always seemed to find a way to get a message out to the Yzaguirre kids via the scanner. After his retirement, he would sit by his scanner and listen to the calls go out to the Firefighters. He was so passionate about his profession that we would often catch him get ready and grab his keys as if he was still on duty.
Dad was an active parishioner at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Santa Paula, it was there that he met the love of his life Catalina, whom he would marry on December 29, 1957. They were married for total of 58 years and together they would form this beautiful family of 11 children, 26 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren
He served the church as an usher, a handyman, and a volunteer wherever needed. He mentored many members of the community and was a very devout member of the Catholic Faith.
In addition to the Church, Dad was a loyal member of the Knights of Columbus, which he joined 1953 while stationed at Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, California. He was a member of the Chief Solano Council 3585, he rejoined the order in Point Arena, San Salvador Council 12400 and later transferred to the Fillmore Council 8800. In 2016, he received the Patriotic Degree with Assembly 82 San Buenaventura.
As busy as he was, Dad found time to also complete the highest rank of Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America. He later became a Scout Master for Troop 315 which was sponsored by Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. His sons and many of his nephews who were part of Troop 315 benefited from Dad’s many skills and talents. He was very generous with his time, and was always willing to share his experiences. Dad also made sure that his daughters and nieces were familiar with basic car care and maintenance. He even taught them how to change a tire knowing how important it was to their safety to be self-sufficient.
Dad was a caring man with strong family values. He was a true all American selfless person who always put others before himself. He served his Country, Community, and Church faithfully, without the need of recognition. We all attribute our work ethic to his strong sense of purpose.
Dad is preceded in death by his daughter, father, mother, sister and brother. He is survived and will be dearly missed by his wife, 10 children, 26 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren, 3 brothers and one sister.
On behalf of our mother and family we wholeheartedly thank you for the prayers, love and support you have all shared during this time.
Visitation will be held at 5pm on Thursday October 27, 2016 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Santa Paula, CA. followed with the recitation of the rosary at 7pm. A Mass of Christian Burial at will be held at 10am on Friday October 28, 2016 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Santa Paula with Father Charles Lueras C.R.I.C. officiating Interment will follow at Santa Paula Cemetery
For map and directions to ceremony location and to sign the family's online guestbook, share stories, and post pictures please visit our website: www.santapaulafuneralhome.com and click on Eliceo's name located below "Recent Obituaries".
Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of the Family Owned and Operated ROBERT REY GARCIA JR. FUNERAL SERVICES, Santa Paula 805.229.7054