Estevan Flores Obituary (1935

ESTEVAN M. FLORES Aug. 3, 1935-Dec. 19, 2022 It is with profound sorrow that we announce the death of Estevan "Steve" M. Flores, 87, a resident of Brawley, California, who passed away peacefully on Monday, December 19, 2022, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on August 3, 1935, just east of Brawley. As a boy, he worked with his father in the farm fields to help support his family. Because of the strong work ethic instilled by his father, he was inspired to start a side job shining shoes along Brawley's Main Street to earn extra cash. He learned to work hard and took whatever job was available to support his family. In 1954, he took on various farming jobs with Valley and Northern California farm growers, working as a picker, irrigator, and tractor operator. In 1957, he started working for the California Department of Fish and Game as a part-time seasonal farmhand and later started seasonal work for the Holy Sugar Corporation as a knife setter. In 1964, the California Department of Fish and Game hired him permanently full-time as a heavy equipment operator, and he retired in 2008 after 50 plus years. His passion was his job, and he was knowledgeable of the Salton Sea, Red Hill Marina, the Wister Unit (Region 5), and the Ramer/Finney Lake areas. He would eagerly serve his community by conducting tours of the Salton Sea or Wister Unit areas educating the public and local elementary and college students. He received many commendations for his time and effort in conducting these informative tours bringing awareness to how the California Fish and Game maintains wildlife in the region. On January 26, 1998, Steve was featured as a hero in the Imperial Valley Press. In the article "Pelican die-off brings out the hero in Flores" by Dora DePaoli, he is quoted as saying, "I enjoy working outdoors. The work is very healthy. I enjoy coming to work. This is where I have my roots." His job was to preserve wildlife and fowl habitats by building levees and sustaining water structures. Steve "instigated many fine ideas for improvement of the overall area operations," according to a supervisor. He also was tasked with counting bighorn sheep in Northern California and Nevada areas. During waterfowl hunting season, he was sworn in as a deputy to assist in enforcing hunting laws. He truly loved what he did and did it well, always giving 110 percent in whatever task. In his spare time, Steve loved playing competitive darts, billiards, and three-card poker. He was a Bull Shooters dart team member that competed in the Imperial Valley Desert Dart League tournaments throughout the Valley, Ocotillo, and Yuma areas. Thanks to Brawley Family Billiards sponsorship, some of his greatest memories were competing many times with his dart team at the National Dart Association: International Championships at the Riviera Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. One of his fondest memories was his invitation to the World Tour Poker Tournament at the Rio Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Although he did not win the jackpot, he stated that just being invited and playing poker with players from around the world was one of his life's best experiences. Steve also enjoyed trying his luck at the casinos and often shared his winnings with family and friends. An avid outdoorsman, Steve loved birdwatching, fishing, and gardening. He was a lifelong learner, always reading and learning the scientific names of plants, animals, and insects. He also occupied his time researching rare coins in his coin collection. His hands were rarely still when it came to creating little toys for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his creativity was endless. He also liked solving puzzles and building/modifying 3-D models, adding his special touch to each project. Steve enjoyed watching boxing, college football, and his favorite NFL team, the SF 49ers. He also liked watching "The Duke" and all westerns. He enjoyed listening to oldies, Ramon Ayala, Vincente Fernandez, and Elvis Presley, and his acoustic guitar music. He liked to dance to cumbias and corridos. His favorite afternoon snack was apple pie with his cafecito. Steve's patriotism was unwavering, which showed through his service, gladly appearing for jury duty, voting, and staying informed of governmental affairs. He donated monetarily to support the Foundation for American Veterans, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Wounded Warrior Project, and Disabled Veterans National Foundation. Steve's favorite motto was "e pluribus unum," meaning: out of many, one. He cared about people and treated everyone with love and respect. Steve was a noble and humble man who gave generously to other charitable organizations. His compassion reached organizations such as St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Shriners Hospitals for Children, the Alzheimer's Association, the Breast Cancer Society, the Cancer Fund of America, the Cancer Society, and many more. He truly was a patriot and had a heart of gold. What was most important to Steve was his family. He was an extraordinary father who always cared for his children and did his best to provide, teach, and guide them. He was a loving and devoted father, a good friend to all, and a father figure to many. He was also a loving and caring grandfather and great-grandfather. Steve was easygoing and had a great sense of humor. He was a true jokester, always making everyone laugh and smile. He enjoyed camping and attending the Flores family reunions. He cheerfully participated in family activities such as the family reunion talent show with his brothers in a skit, "O Brother, where art thou?" His good news to all is that he had accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. His favorite verse was John 14:6, Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Dad, we love you and we know we will see you again. Just know you will always be in our hearts and that "everything will be alright"; your legacy will live forever. Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Enrique and Luisa Flores of Brawley; his brothers, Henry and Joe Flores; and his great-grandchild, Micah. Steve is survived by his children; son, Steve Jr. (Shelly) Flores; daughter, Rosemarie "Pinky" (William) Downing; daughter, Nora Flores; and daughter, Elena C. Flores. He is also survived by eleven grandchildren; Steve III, Shane, Ashley, Samantha, Sloan, Sara, Becky, Ivana, AJ, Esai, and Lauren; and sixteen great-grandchildren; Malachi, Amelia, Haiden, Payton, Ezekiel, Drake, Leilani, Brecken, Rosalie, Wyatt, Eliza, Sterling, Evelyn, Luca, Caleb, and Aurora His siblings, Victoria Espinoza, Mary Lou (Jesse) Rodriguez, Jennie Spence, John (Virgie) Flores, and Tino Flores; and a host of nieces and nephews and other beloved relatives and friends. Steve is loved and will be deeply missed by all who had the honor and pleasure of knowing him. Anyone who knew him is welcome to attend his celebration of life service on Saturday, February 4, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (prayer starting at 11 a.m.) at Frye Chapel & Mortuary, 799 S. Brawley Avenue, Brawley, CA.