Raymond Sanchez passed away October 18th, 2019 at the age of 71, surrounded by his loving family in his home in Blythe, California after a protracted illness.

Raymond was born to Ramon Sanchez and Andrea Contreras Sanchez in Calexico, California on December 30th, 1947, the firstborn child of the Sanchez family. He was soon followed by younger sisters Julia, who tragically passed away as an infant, and Teresa. The family moved to Blythe, California in 1957 making the Palo Verde Valley their home. He attended Ruth Brown Elementary School, Blythe Junior High School, and Palo Verde High School. He played the clarinet and he was an exceptional athlete, earning a Varsity letter in football, basketball, and baseball all four years. He graduated a proud member of the legendary class of '66. After graduation, Raymond worked and continued his education and sports, first at Palo Verde College and later at RCC, before meeting and marrying the former Ruth Wilson in 1971. Ruth and Raymond made a home in Riverside, and though the marriage would later end, it brought forth two sons, whom Raymond loved and adored.

Raymond worked for Pacific Bell for a number of years, first as a linesmen, working his way up to District Manager before retiring. He returned to Blythe to work with his father for R&A Farms, later Sanchez & Son Farms. In the late '80s he went to work for Palo Verde Unified School District Maintenance & Operations, where he would work his way up to Supervisor until it was necessary to medically retire in 2003.

One of the fruits of Raymond's tenure with PVUSD was meeting Sharon Illig, whom he started dating in 1999. In 2003, Raymond and Sharon were married at St. Joan of Arc Church. Sharon retired from PVUSD in 2015. Raymond struggled with illness and renal failure during these years, but received the gift of life from an anonymous kidney donor in 2012, affording the couple a respite of normalcy and health. During this time they traveled extensively, visiting most of the Western United States. One of the highlights of this period of their lives was a trip to visit the Green Bay Packers Lambeau Stadium.

Raymond was a loving and beloved husband. He played men's league softball for many years. He enjoyed a good time and was never one to turn down an invitation to a dance, party, wedding, or his favorite-Blythe's homecoming events. Newport Beach held a special place in his heart. He loved good music, dressing up and going dancing, and traveling. He loved a good lobster, dripping with butter and lemon. He enjoyed gardening and going to the movies. He was proud to be part of the very best class to have ever graduated from PVHS, the class of '66 and he loved them like family-especially the baseball team. He loved to brag about his wife and his beloved family.

He was predeceased by his parents and his infant sister Julia. He is survived by his wife Sharon Sanchez of Blythe, his sons Ryan (Michelle) and Rico (Julie), grandchildren Savannah, Noah, Jessica, Nicholas, his sister Teresa DeMeyer (Don), niece Talia Martinez, and numerous cousins.

A Mass for the Resurrection will be held for Raymond on Saturday, October 26th, at 10:00 AM. A visitation and Rosary will take place prior, at 9:00 AM at the same location. Memorials in Raymond's memory may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.