Santana "El Tejon" Cortes Gaona

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It is with deep sorrow, much love, and surrounded by his family to announce the peaceful passing of beloved father, son, brother, uncle, godfather, cousin, and friend Santana Cortes Gaona of Oxnard,California on the 11 of April 2021 at the age of 84 years.

He was born in Texas on the 26th of July in 1936 to Ricarda and Guadalupe Gaona. He was the first of five sons, a man of 3rd grade education who worked as a migrant laborer following the seasonal crops as a truck driver where he helped his parents out to provide for his siblings. He eventually started working for Southern Pacific Railroads followed by retirement. His most memorable activities were dancing, fishing, camping, driving RV's, playing pool, gardening, and spending time with his close family and friends whether it was bar-b-quing or going to diners for his morning coffee. He was a true cowboy, a Dallas Cowboy and Dodger Fan, and loved Tejano Music. Anyone who knew Santana Gaona, knew him for his smiles,friendliness and for his words of wisdom and encouragement.

What can you say to someone who has always been one of the most essential parts of your world? Someone who took you by the hand when you were little and helped to show the way? What do you say to someone who stood by to help you grow, providing love, strength and support to become the person you are today? What can you say to let him know that he's the best there is and you hope you've inherited some of his wisdom and his strengths!

He is survived by his brother Juan Gaona, daughters Elsie, Cassandra(Joseph), Monique(Christian), sons, Alfredo, Basilio(Annie), and Louie(Rene), and cared for as his own Adam and Melissa. 13 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and 6 safe keeping grandchildren.

May he rest with his beloved daughter Norma Linda.
He will forever be missed and forever in our HEARTS.

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