On the morning of May 10, 2024, Manuel "Manny" Camacho Aguilar of Blythe, California passed away at the age of 68. Manny was born on March 21, 1956 in Orange, California to Arthur Aguilar and Rosa Camacho Aguilar. He was raised in Santa Ana as the oldest of 4 brothers. He attended Lathrop Junior High School and Santa Ana High School.

From a young age Manny was always on the go. He loved life and easily made friends wherever he went. During his teen years his favorite music groups were ZZ Top and Creedence Clearwater Revival. His first car was a gold Plymouth Duster and his regular passenger was his German Shepard, Moses. During the summer, he enjoyed going to the Orange County Fair in Costa Mesa, California. He was an animal lover and his favorite attraction was the 4-H animals. Manny had a love and respect for weapons and never missed a gun show when he lived in Orange County. He also enjoyed cooking and spent 10 years working as a line chef at the famous Nieuport 17 Restaurant. He was a hard worker, loved to keep busy, help others, and was a kind individual. Manny was a life-long, die-hard Rams fan and he loved his many dogs, collecting knives, the outdoors, camping, hunting, hiking, shooting, and bike riding.

Manny arrived in Blythe, California in 1997 which was the best thing that could have happened to him. He began a new journey which led him to a new love, family, stepchildren, grandchildren, and a great grandchild. He came to Blythe as a client of Metcalf Recovery Ranch, as he was a recovering alcoholic, and eventually transitioned to an employee. Manny met his future wife, Elva Magadan, and they married on September 25, 2005. Through Elva, he gained a family and became "Tata Manny" to his grandchildren. He was the best Tata and loved supporting and spending time with his grandchildren. He was their biggest and loudest fan at their sporting events and graduations, spent many weekends taking them to the desert in his Jeep, and taught them all how to drive.  Manny became a counselor with Riverside County Mental Health where he was able to guide many people on their paths to sobriety. He helped so many even when he wasn't on the clock, whether it was giving people rides in town or out of town, being a friend, a helping hand, or an ear to listen, you name it, and Manny was there. These were the best 27 years of his life and he was a testament that one could truly change their life around. Manny was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

He is preceded in death by his mother Rosa, father Arthur, brother Ernie, and wife Elva. He is survived by his two brothers Arthur and Albert, his Tia Carmen, two step-children Obdulia and Roberto, eight grandchildren Kasandra, Berenice, Alycia, Madison, Baylee, Kylee, Eli, and Lorenzo, one great grandchild Amadeo, and several cousins, nephews, and nieces.

Services for Manny will be held at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church on Monday, June 3rd from 4-7 p.m. with Rosary beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Mass will be the next morning, Tuesday, June 4th at 10:00 a.m. also at St. Joan of Arc.

A reception will follow after the church services at the VFW Post 2987, 148 N. 1st St. in Blythe.