Surrounded by family and friends, on March 21st, our little brother Raymond "Cheese" Valencia, 59,  was reunited with our parents Ramon and Maria  Luisa "Luchi, our brother David, and his nephew "Toon".

​Raymond was deeply-rooted in the Pascua Yaqui culture and he actively participated in the ceremonies for over 15 years as a "Chapayeka/Fariseo".  We give thanks to his lifetime Ninos Touche' Romero and Maria 'Lulu' Lopez. ​​​​​​​He loved music. He especially loved the 70's and the 80's music that he grew up on and was known for playing the "papa" with the norteno group Los Hermanos cuatro, who were his "brothers" at heart.

​He was a talented artist, and he always rooted for the Raiders. He was known for always lending a hand to anyone, helping and fixing everything around the house and always landscaping for people in the barrio. He had a beautiful smile which came in handy because he was also very funny. He loved making people laugh. Raymond was kind, soft-spoken and warmhearted.

​Though he was not a father, Raymond always remembered his "little buddy" Isaac and was proud to see the young man he has grown up to be.

​He is survived by his sisters Cecilia, Natalia, Marta, Rachel, Betty (Alfonso), Norma and brother Oscar,  as well as countless Tias, Tios, cousins, nieces, nephew and friends.

​We are forever greatful to the doctors, nurses and other staff at Banner UMC who went above and beyond to try and heal Raymond.

​Raymond, thank you for always being there for us whenever you could. You are profoundly loved by numerous family and friends and you will forever be missed. See you later, brother,Tio,primo, friend. Raiders never die.

​Funeral services will be held at  Mission Santa Rosa de Lima, 2015 N. Calle Central on Thursday, April 10th starting at 3pm. There will be a Rosary at 7pm with an all night vigil. ​On Friday, April 11th, there will be a funeral Mass at 10am with interment to follow at Holy Hope Cemetary, 3555 N. Oracle Rd.

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