VALENCIANO, Venancio (Val) Gomez

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, AZ - Posted: Wednesday, September 12, 2012 - Venancio "Val" Gomez Valenciano, 88, passed away Sept. 6, 2012 in Lake Havasu City. He was born on April 1, 1924, in Kansas City, Mo., to Santiago and Lucia Gomez Valenciano. "Val" joined the Marine Corp when Pearl Harbor was attacked. He loved the Corp and gave it his all. He was in three wars before he retired and proceeded to become a welder, building ships in San Diego. He loved San Diego and the surrounding area, living there for 43 years, and took advantage of the ocean, mountains and desert activities that were always available. He and his spouse got into delivering new cars, SUVs and trucks all over California for Ford and GMC after he retired from the shipyards. His favorite food was Mexican and he found every good restaurant on his delivery runs as well as meeting so many interesting and good people. He and his wife retired to Lake Havasu nine years ago and have been blessed with the best church and friends. Val's family and friends looked upon him as a quiet but strong giant and he will be very much missed. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Carol Valenciano; two daughters; four grandchildren and many great-grandchildren; also one living brother; and many nieces and nephews. A Memorial service will be held at Abundant Grace Church, Sept. 23, at 2 p.m., with Pastor Lan Blair officiating. Thoughts and condolences can be sent to the family directly or through www.lakehavasumortuary.com Arrangements are under the care of Lake Havasu Mortuary and Crematory.