Fortino Diaz Valdivia Sr.

Fortino Diaz Valdivia Sr. passed away on Feb. 14, 2024, in Shafter, at the age of 75. He was born on Aug. 12, 1948, to Taurino Arcos Valdivia and Vicenta Diaz Valdivia in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. He was raised in a family of four sisters and six brothers.

At a young age, Fortino worked early mornings before heading to school each day to help support the family. In his late teens, he traveled to California for work and settled in Shafter, where he met the love of his life, Olga Nieto. They married on Aug. 7, 1970, in Shafter,. which became their forever home. They raised three children and were married for 53 years.

While living in Shafter, Fortino worked several jobs, including new construction homes and Armstrong Nursery, and retiring from Wilson Ag. Fortino also completed many home improvement projects and took pride in his work.

He enjoyed taking the family to Pismo Beach for camping trips and outdoor adventures. Many memories were made at amusement parks and traveling back to his hometown in Guadalajara to visit family. He was the life of the party when it came to family events, where he took over the dance floor.

He is survived by his wife, Olga Valdivia, and three children, Elizabeth Yeasley married to Greg, Fortino Valdivia Jr. married to Maggie and Anna Williams married to Leonard. He is survived by eight grandchildren and 6six great-grandchildren.

Fortino will always be remembered as a devoted husband, brother, father and grandfather. Family was everything to him. For many others he will be remembered for his strong work ethic, honesty and being a loyal friend.

He will be missed by many but never forgotten.

Rest in peace.