William Vazquez

November 21, 1955 - May 11, 2012

William (Guillermo) A. Vazquez of Corvallis passed away Friday, May 11, 2012. Bill was born in 1955 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He came to the United States with his parents in 1964 at 8 years of age. He graduated in 1972 from Santa Monica High School. He then moved to Corvallis to continue his studies in microbiology at Oregon State University, where he met the love of his life, Teresa, whom he married in 1977. He graduated in 1978, and had his first daughter, Sheryl. He had his second daughter, Lisa, in 1980 while finishing medical school in Portland. After graduating, he dedicated his life to saving other people’s lives through his work at hospitals in Cottage Grove; Los Alamos, N.M.; Good Samaritan Hospital, Corvallis; and the last 25 years at Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital in Lebanon. He always said “Family is the most important thing in life.” He proved that by being a loving and amazing son, husband and father. Bill also loved the beauty of nature and anything and everything outdoors. He had an active lifestyle, with a passion for biking, hiking, camping and especially fútbol (soccer). He was a strong, noble and well-respected man who will be forever remembered. He survived his last five years on donations of blood from the American Red Cross, and we are forever thankful for the unselfish gift of love and generosity. Please continue to donate blood, as it saves and extends many people’s lives. He lives on through his family: his brother, Dan Vazquez; mother, Lillian Azucena Vazquez; his two daughters, Lisa and Sheryl Vazquez; and his wife, Teresa Vazquez. A Memorial Mass will be offered at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 17, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Corvallis.