Gary Paul Fernandez passed away on August 11, 2018. He was born in Madera, California on April 5, 1950 to Frank H. Fernandez and Lillian K. Fernandez. Gary was a fourth generation Chukchansi. He graduated from St. Joachim School and Madera High and attended Fresno City College.
Gary retired from Azteca Milling Co. after over 35 years. He served in the California Army National Guard. He was a member and served with the Chukchansi Tribal Council, he was also a member of the American Legion Post and the Madera Elks Lodge #1918.
Gary was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling to Idaho, Montana, Colorado, Utah, Oregon and British Columbia with his father or his “hunting buddies.”
Gary was preceded in death by his wife, Connie Fernandez, his parents Frank H. and Lillian K. Fernandez, his brother Butch Fernandez and his niece, Claudia Fernandez.
He is survived by his children, Tammie Ortiz-D”Amore of Coarsegold, Malia Hildebrandt and her husband Chris of Belgrade, Mt and Billy Green of Ahwahnee, his brother, Lawrence Fernandez and his wife Susan of Madera, his sister Barbara Schieder and her husband Sam of Madera and sister-in-law Linda Fernandez of Madera, grandchildren, Ryan and Steven Oliver, Chloe Hildebrandt and great grandchild Kylie Oliver as well as several nieces and cousins.
Gary and family would like to thank his caregivers for the kindness and professional care he received during his last days with cancer.
Visitation will be on Thursday, August 16, 2018 from 2 PM to 7 PM at Jay Chapel followed by Recitation of the Rosary at 7 PM.
Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, August 17, 2018 at 11:30 AM at St. Joachim Catholic Church, Madera, CA
Interment to follow at Arbor Vitae Cemetery, Madera, CA
Remembrances may be made to St. Joachim Catholic School, 310 North I Street, Madera, CA 93637