Hector Velasquez

In an age where family often takes a backseat to personal gain, Hector Velasquez always chose the path that led to family as his true reward. He was a man of great honor and integrity who simply did what needed to be done, no matter what the personal sacrifice. Hector was so proud of the family who brought him vast amounts of joy. He worked hard in order to support his wife and children, but he also found time to have a little fun along the way. A gifted athlete and musician, Hector brought so much light and life to the world around him. He leaves behind a legacy rich in hard work, sacrifice, and strength that will live on in the hearts and lives of those who follow in his footsteps.

As the 1940s dawned, our nation was struggling to emerge from the Great Depression that had blanketed our nation for the previous decade. As Hitler was invading several countries overseas, our nation signed the Selective Service Act into law while hoping to remain neutral. It was in 1940 that Manuela (Quinones) Velasquez welcomed the birth of her son, Hector, on September 10th. Born in Caldwell, Texas, Hector was the oldest of seven children in his family. From Texas they moved to Chicago and then to Holland, Michigan, for a brief time until they finally settled in Kalamazoo in the fifties. Hector was raised in the family home on Bush Street, which is now a railroad track. He attended local schools including St. Augustine High School where he was a strong athlete who especially excelled in baseball and football. Hector’s athletic skills didn’t go unnoticed as he was offered scholarships to Notre Dame as well as other notable schools after graduating from high school. He turned the scholarships down, however, as his father’s job moved out of state and Hector decided to stay home and work to help support the family.

Life was never the same for Hector after he made the acquaintance of the woman who would forever hold the key to his heart. Her name was Vivian Ross and they met at her cousin’s wedding. From that moment on, a love story between Hector and Vivian began to blossom and after dating for a few months, they were united in marriage on June 3, 1961, in St. Augustine in Kalamazoo. Over the years that followed, the couple was blessed with seven children including Chris, Catherine, Michael, Mark, Terri, Timothy, and Michele. They called the Kalamazoo area home except for a few years that they lived in Holland. Hector was the authoritative figure in the home as his children will forever remember hearing, “Just wait until your father gets home!” Saturday nights were always reserved for family night when they would play cards and games. Hector especially loved it when his kids would bring new friends over because he liked to get after them.

Through the years, Hector worked in a variety of different industries. He was a painter at Borgess Hospital, worked at Nazareth, the Lake Street Lumber Company, and he finally worked as an extruder at Brown Company that became James River Corporation.

Hector was a man of many interests that he pursued as often as he was able. He loved traditional Mexican food, as long as it wasn’t too spicy. When it came to watching television, Hector enjoyed Westerns and sports, and he liked listening to jazz music and traditional Mexican music, too. Hector was even a gifted musician himself who learned to play the electric bass by ear all on his own. He was part of a band and always played at all the family gatherings. Although he never read music, Hector was given the opportunity to go to Nashville to record his music. He felt as though doing so was not conducive to family life and choose to remain committed to his family instead as they were always first and foremost in his life.

In addition to his family, Hector was so very proud that he was inducted into the Hackett Catholic Central Athletic Hall of Fame and was the first Hispanic to be awarded with such a high honor.

To Hector Velasquez, life was comprised of two important things: hard work and love for his family. He was proud of his accomplishments, but he never let anything get in the way of spending time with the family he adored. Hector was a true gift to those around him and will be forever held near and dear to the hearts of those he leaves behind. He will be deeply missed.

Hector Velasquez died Sunday, July 4, 2010 at his residence. Hector’s family includes his wife, Vivian; 7 children, Chris (Carole) Velasquez, Catherine (Amos) Aldrich, Michael (Utta) Velasquez, Mark (Michelle) Velasquez, Terri Velasquez, Timothy (Shanna) Velasquez, Michele (David) Smith; 12 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; sister, Rita Carr; and several other extended family and friends. Hector was preceded in death by his parents. Learn more about Hector, view his life story film, and share light refreshments with his family and friends on Wednesday from 4-8 p.m. at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes – Kalamazoo, MI, 6080 Stadium Drive. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Church, Kalamazoo with Msgr. Mike Hazard, Celebrant. Interment Mt. Olivet Cemetery with a luncheon following back at St. Joe’s. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to Hackett Catholic Central Athletics or St. Joseph Church.