Hugo Velasquez

Hugo W. Velasquez

February 23, 2016

Hugo W. Velasquez of Sequim, Washington, died at Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle, Washington, surrounded by his loving family on February 23, 2016. He was 86 years old.

Hugo attended John H. Francis Polytechnic High School W-48 where he was Student

Body President. He was a member of his Alumni Association.

Hugo was very proud of his military service. In 1951 he joined the armed forces and served as a Corporal in the Korean War in Okinawa. He went from active army to the Army Reserve in 1953.

In 2005 at the age of 75, Hugo retired after 43 years as a Facilities Engineer from Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. Hugo enjoyed his time immensely at JPL, and never considered his employment just a “job.”

Hugo felt blessed to have married his wife Beverly Sears, who was his sister Martha’s best friend since grammar school. Their kind of love was beautiful and rare. August 17th would have marked their 49th wedding anniversary.

His surviving children remember him as being witty, smart, patient, and a caring father with the heart of a hero who encouraged them to pursue their goals.

Hugo was an avid Seattle Seahawks fan, who enjoyed watching the games with Beverly and together they would root for their home team. Beverly would always remind Hugo to put out the “12th” man flag and more times than not the Seahawks would win! Hugo also enjoyed traveling, walking his dog Beau, and spending time with his family.

He will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and all who knew him. His best friend, Fred Nielsen of Bellingham, Washington quoted – “I know of no man or woman on this earth that knew Hugo that did not love him!”

Hugo is survived by Beverly Velasquez, his wife of 48 years; his daughters Terri (Gail) Stamper of Worley, Idaho, Jennifer Velasquez (Tomas Haupt) of San Gabriel, California, and Allison Velasquez of Las Vegas, Nevada; his sisters Martha May of Santa Fe Springs, California and Eva Velasquez of Camarillo, California; 5 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; nephews; nieces and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his brother George Velasquez.

Barton Family Mortuary is providing Cremation services. Should family and friends desire, contributions may be made in Hugo’s name to the charity of their choice.