Alvin was born on May 14, 1921 in Madera, California to Frank Gomes and Adeline Fraga Gomes, Portuguese immigrants from The Azores who had settled in the Central Valley and established an extremely successful dairy operation in Fresno and later Madera County. The Gomes Dairy was the 1st Class A dairy operation in California.
Alvin graduated from Kerman High School and later attended Fresno State College where he played on the Football team. He proudly served in the United States Army during World War II, where he was a platoon leader in Company F of the 533D Engineer Boat & Shore Regiment that served on the invasion at Talomo Beach during the liberation of the Philippines. He was offered an Officers Commission but turned it down to remain with the men of his platoon. He was recipient of two bronze stars and a commendation.
He met and married the love of his wife Anita Celia Dolagaray, his "Basco" bride, the endearing term he called her during their wonderful life together. Their marriage was a testimony to true Christian Marriage. Anita quietly supported Alvin and he always lovingly cared for her as they raised their family in the La Vina District of Madera County where their farming operation was located. In 1999, they moved into the City of Madera from the farm.
Over the years Alvin was involved in numerous organizations and was a generous donor to many worthwhile groups in Central Valley. Whether it was their parish of St. Joachim and its school, The Fresno Basque Club, The C.P.D.E.S. Portuguese Hall in Easton, The Kerman Portuguese Celebration, a youth athletic group, or 4H or FFA Project, Alvin could always be counted on to lend his support.
In his youth, Alvin was a pretty good basketball player, so it was natural to find him in the bleachers of Madera Union High School watching the current hoopsters play. In earlier years Alvin helped in the greens development of The Madera Golf and Country Club.
He was proud of his days serving his country and his membership in the V.F.W. Post #1981 of Madera reflected that. Alvin was a member of the Farm Bureau, and the former Danish Creamery Association. He enjoyed the fellowship of his regular group of farmers at lunch each day at Farnesi's in Madera or the Basque Hotel in West Fresno, or in its day, Lucca's of Madera. Alvin was also member of the Vino Fino Wine Club in Madera.
One of Alvins hobbies at which he excelled in was Trap Shooting. He was State Champion twice in competition held annually. On one event that he won, the second place recipient was the late singer Roy Rogers. The highlight of that event for Alvin and his family was spending the day with Roy and wife Dale Evans on their boat.
Over the years, he and Anita enjoyed their travels, most especially their trip through Spain. For many years the Gomes's coastal home in Pismo Beach was the site of many family gatherings.
Alvin's passing leaves a void in his extended family and his community. A man's man, his straight forward approach to issues and telling how it was will be missed by all who had the good fortune of knowing Alvin.
Alvin passed peacefully away on May 23, 2007 at age 86, to reunite with his beloved Anita who had preceded him on May 7, 2007, just 5 days before their 64th wedding anniversary.
In addition to his wife Anita, Alvin was preceded in death by an infant son, Frank Martin Gomes, a daughter Judy Crafton, and by his brothers, Paul in infancy and Fresno attorney, F. Louis Gomes and his wife Doris, and by a sister Irene Wheeler.
Alvin is survived by his daughters, JoAnn and husband Dr. Roger Rau, and Joyce Gomes Spina and husband Gary, and by son-in-law, George Crafton all of Madera, and a sister Adeline Kauffman of Nevada. He is the brother-in-law of Maria Taylor and Josephine Sagouspe also of Madera. He is the grandfather of Stacey Cates and husband Joe of Elk Grove, California, Alyson Crafton of Fresno, Bryan Crafton of Madera, Justin Rau and wife Gina of Portland Oregon, Cortney Olson and husband Erik of Navoto, Erika and Chris Connors of El Dorado Hills, Rikka Seibert of Portland and Ali Spina of Madera. He is the great grandfather of Judy, Cutter, Grace, Grant, Patrick, Marcelena, Ava and Declan. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews and extended family members.
Visitation was held at Jay Chapel in Madera on Thursday, May 24, 2007, with a Vigil Rosary Service following at 7:00 PM.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Joachim Catholic Church in Madera on Friday, May 25, 2007, at 11:00 AM. Entombment followed in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum in Madera.
Remembrances may be made to St. Joachim's Building Fund, 401 West 5th Street, Madera, Ca 93637 or The Madera Historical Society, P.O. Box 150, Madera, Ca 93639.
Source: Jay Chapel Obituary
Alvin graduated from Kerman High School and later attended Fresno State College where he played on the Football team. He proudly served in the United States Army during World War II, where he was a platoon leader in Company F of the 533D Engineer Boat & Shore Regiment that served on the invasion at Talomo Beach during the liberation of the Philippines. He was offered an Officers Commission but turned it down to remain with the men of his platoon. He was recipient of two bronze stars and a commendation.
He met and married the love of his wife Anita Celia Dolagaray, his "Basco" bride, the endearing term he called her during their wonderful life together. Their marriage was a testimony to true Christian Marriage. Anita quietly supported Alvin and he always lovingly cared for her as they raised their family in the La Vina District of Madera County where their farming operation was located. In 1999, they moved into the City of Madera from the farm.
Over the years Alvin was involved in numerous organizations and was a generous donor to many worthwhile groups in Central Valley. Whether it was their parish of St. Joachim and its school, The Fresno Basque Club, The C.P.D.E.S. Portuguese Hall in Easton, The Kerman Portuguese Celebration, a youth athletic group, or 4H or FFA Project, Alvin could always be counted on to lend his support.
In his youth, Alvin was a pretty good basketball player, so it was natural to find him in the bleachers of Madera Union High School watching the current hoopsters play. In earlier years Alvin helped in the greens development of The Madera Golf and Country Club.
He was proud of his days serving his country and his membership in the V.F.W. Post #1981 of Madera reflected that. Alvin was a member of the Farm Bureau, and the former Danish Creamery Association. He enjoyed the fellowship of his regular group of farmers at lunch each day at Farnesi's in Madera or the Basque Hotel in West Fresno, or in its day, Lucca's of Madera. Alvin was also member of the Vino Fino Wine Club in Madera.
One of Alvins hobbies at which he excelled in was Trap Shooting. He was State Champion twice in competition held annually. On one event that he won, the second place recipient was the late singer Roy Rogers. The highlight of that event for Alvin and his family was spending the day with Roy and wife Dale Evans on their boat.
Over the years, he and Anita enjoyed their travels, most especially their trip through Spain. For many years the Gomes's coastal home in Pismo Beach was the site of many family gatherings.
Alvin's passing leaves a void in his extended family and his community. A man's man, his straight forward approach to issues and telling how it was will be missed by all who had the good fortune of knowing Alvin.
Alvin passed peacefully away on May 23, 2007 at age 86, to reunite with his beloved Anita who had preceded him on May 7, 2007, just 5 days before their 64th wedding anniversary.
In addition to his wife Anita, Alvin was preceded in death by an infant son, Frank Martin Gomes, a daughter Judy Crafton, and by his brothers, Paul in infancy and Fresno attorney, F. Louis Gomes and his wife Doris, and by a sister Irene Wheeler.
Alvin is survived by his daughters, JoAnn and husband Dr. Roger Rau, and Joyce Gomes Spina and husband Gary, and by son-in-law, George Crafton all of Madera, and a sister Adeline Kauffman of Nevada. He is the brother-in-law of Maria Taylor and Josephine Sagouspe also of Madera. He is the grandfather of Stacey Cates and husband Joe of Elk Grove, California, Alyson Crafton of Fresno, Bryan Crafton of Madera, Justin Rau and wife Gina of Portland Oregon, Cortney Olson and husband Erik of Navoto, Erika and Chris Connors of El Dorado Hills, Rikka Seibert of Portland and Ali Spina of Madera. He is the great grandfather of Judy, Cutter, Grace, Grant, Patrick, Marcelena, Ava and Declan. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews and extended family members.
Visitation was held at Jay Chapel in Madera on Thursday, May 24, 2007, with a Vigil Rosary Service following at 7:00 PM.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Joachim Catholic Church in Madera on Friday, May 25, 2007, at 11:00 AM. Entombment followed in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum in Madera.
Remembrances may be made to St. Joachim's Building Fund, 401 West 5th Street, Madera, Ca 93637 or The Madera Historical Society, P.O. Box 150, Madera, Ca 93639.
Source: Jay Chapel Obituary
Alvin was born on May 14, 1921 in Madera, California to Frank Gomes and Adeline Fraga Gomes, Portuguese immigrants from The Azores who had settled in the Central Valley and established an extremely successful dairy operation in Fresno and later Madera County. The Gomes Dairy was the 1st Class A dairy operation in California.
Alvin graduated from Kerman High School and later attended Fresno State College where he played on the Football team. He proudly served in the United States Army during World War II, where he was a platoon leader in Company F of the 533D Engineer Boat & Shore Regiment that served on the invasion at Talomo Beach during the liberation of the Philippines. He was offered an Officers Commission but turned it down to remain with the men of his platoon. He was recipient of two bronze stars and a commendation.
He met and married the love of his wife Anita Celia Dolagaray, his "Basco" bride, the endearing term he called her during their wonderful life together. Their marriage was a testimony to true Christian Marriage. Anita quietly supported Alvin and he always lovingly cared for her as they raised their family in the La Vina District of Madera County where their farming operation was located. In 1999, they moved into the City of Madera from the farm.
Over the years Alvin was involved in numerous organizations and was a generous donor to many worthwhile groups in Central Valley. Whether it was their parish of St. Joachim and its school, The Fresno Basque Club, The C.P.D.E.S. Portuguese Hall in Easton, The Kerman Portuguese Celebration, a youth athletic group, or 4H or FFA Project, Alvin could always be counted on to lend his support.
In his youth, Alvin was a pretty good basketball player, so it was natural to find him in the bleachers of Madera Union High School watching the current hoopsters play. In earlier years Alvin helped in the greens development of The Madera Golf and Country Club.
He was proud of his days serving his country and his membership in the V.F.W. Post #1981 of Madera reflected that. Alvin was a member of the Farm Bureau, and the former Danish Creamery Association. He enjoyed the fellowship of his regular group of farmers at lunch each day at Farnesi's in Madera or the Basque Hotel in West Fresno, or in its day, Lucca's of Madera. Alvin was also member of the Vino Fino Wine Club in Madera.
One of Alvins hobbies at which he excelled in was Trap Shooting. He was State Champion twice in competition held annually. On one event that he won, the second place recipient was the late singer Roy Rogers. The highlight of that event for Alvin and his family was spending the day with Roy and wife Dale Evans on their boat.
Over the years, he and Anita enjoyed their travels, most especially their trip through Spain. For many years the Gomes's coastal home in Pismo Beach was the site of many family gatherings.
Alvin's passing leaves a void in his extended family and his community. A man's man, his straight forward approach to issues and telling how it was will be missed by all who had the good fortune of knowing Alvin.
Alvin passed peacefully away on May 23, 2007 at age 86, to reunite with his beloved Anita who had preceded him on May 7, 2007, just 5 days before their 64th wedding anniversary.
In addition to his wife Anita, Alvin was preceded in death by an infant son, Frank Martin Gomes, a daughter Judy Crafton, and by his brothers, Paul in infancy and Fresno attorney, F. Louis Gomes and his wife Doris, and by a sister Irene Wheeler.
Alvin is survived by his daughters, JoAnn and husband Dr. Roger Rau, and Joyce Gomes Spina and husband Gary, and by son-in-law, George Crafton all of Madera, and a sister Adeline Kauffman of Nevada. He is the brother-in-law of Maria Taylor and Josephine Sagouspe also of Madera. He is the grandfather of Stacey Cates and husband Joe of Elk Grove, California, Alyson Crafton of Fresno, Bryan Crafton of Madera, Justin Rau and wife Gina of Portland Oregon, Cortney Olson and husband Erik of Navoto, Erika and Chris Connors of El Dorado Hills, Rikka Seibert of Portland and Ali Spina of Madera. He is the great grandfather of Judy, Cutter, Grace, Grant, Patrick, Marcelena, Ava and Declan. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews and extended family members.
Visitation was held at Jay Chapel in Madera on Thursday, May 24, 2007, with a Vigil Rosary Service following at 7:00 PM.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Joachim Catholic Church in Madera on Friday, May 25, 2007, at 11:00 AM. Entombment followed in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum in Madera.
Remembrances may be made to St. Joachim's Building Fund, 401 West 5th Street, Madera, Ca 93637 or The Madera Historical Society, P.O. Box 150, Madera, Ca 93639.
Source: Jay Chapel Obituary
Alvin graduated from Kerman High School and later attended Fresno State College where he played on the Football team. He proudly served in the United States Army during World War II, where he was a platoon leader in Company F of the 533D Engineer Boat & Shore Regiment that served on the invasion at Talomo Beach during the liberation of the Philippines. He was offered an Officers Commission but turned it down to remain with the men of his platoon. He was recipient of two bronze stars and a commendation.
He met and married the love of his wife Anita Celia Dolagaray, his "Basco" bride, the endearing term he called her during their wonderful life together. Their marriage was a testimony to true Christian Marriage. Anita quietly supported Alvin and he always lovingly cared for her as they raised their family in the La Vina District of Madera County where their farming operation was located. In 1999, they moved into the City of Madera from the farm.
Over the years Alvin was involved in numerous organizations and was a generous donor to many worthwhile groups in Central Valley. Whether it was their parish of St. Joachim and its school, The Fresno Basque Club, The C.P.D.E.S. Portuguese Hall in Easton, The Kerman Portuguese Celebration, a youth athletic group, or 4H or FFA Project, Alvin could always be counted on to lend his support.
In his youth, Alvin was a pretty good basketball player, so it was natural to find him in the bleachers of Madera Union High School watching the current hoopsters play. In earlier years Alvin helped in the greens development of The Madera Golf and Country Club.
He was proud of his days serving his country and his membership in the V.F.W. Post #1981 of Madera reflected that. Alvin was a member of the Farm Bureau, and the former Danish Creamery Association. He enjoyed the fellowship of his regular group of farmers at lunch each day at Farnesi's in Madera or the Basque Hotel in West Fresno, or in its day, Lucca's of Madera. Alvin was also member of the Vino Fino Wine Club in Madera.
One of Alvins hobbies at which he excelled in was Trap Shooting. He was State Champion twice in competition held annually. On one event that he won, the second place recipient was the late singer Roy Rogers. The highlight of that event for Alvin and his family was spending the day with Roy and wife Dale Evans on their boat.
Over the years, he and Anita enjoyed their travels, most especially their trip through Spain. For many years the Gomes's coastal home in Pismo Beach was the site of many family gatherings.
Alvin's passing leaves a void in his extended family and his community. A man's man, his straight forward approach to issues and telling how it was will be missed by all who had the good fortune of knowing Alvin.
Alvin passed peacefully away on May 23, 2007 at age 86, to reunite with his beloved Anita who had preceded him on May 7, 2007, just 5 days before their 64th wedding anniversary.
In addition to his wife Anita, Alvin was preceded in death by an infant son, Frank Martin Gomes, a daughter Judy Crafton, and by his brothers, Paul in infancy and Fresno attorney, F. Louis Gomes and his wife Doris, and by a sister Irene Wheeler.
Alvin is survived by his daughters, JoAnn and husband Dr. Roger Rau, and Joyce Gomes Spina and husband Gary, and by son-in-law, George Crafton all of Madera, and a sister Adeline Kauffman of Nevada. He is the brother-in-law of Maria Taylor and Josephine Sagouspe also of Madera. He is the grandfather of Stacey Cates and husband Joe of Elk Grove, California, Alyson Crafton of Fresno, Bryan Crafton of Madera, Justin Rau and wife Gina of Portland Oregon, Cortney Olson and husband Erik of Navoto, Erika and Chris Connors of El Dorado Hills, Rikka Seibert of Portland and Ali Spina of Madera. He is the great grandfather of Judy, Cutter, Grace, Grant, Patrick, Marcelena, Ava and Declan. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews and extended family members.
Visitation was held at Jay Chapel in Madera on Thursday, May 24, 2007, with a Vigil Rosary Service following at 7:00 PM.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Joachim Catholic Church in Madera on Friday, May 25, 2007, at 11:00 AM. Entombment followed in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum in Madera.
Remembrances may be made to St. Joachim's Building Fund, 401 West 5th Street, Madera, Ca 93637 or The Madera Historical Society, P.O. Box 150, Madera, Ca 93639.
Source: Jay Chapel Obituary
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