In Memory of Arthur Valdivia
Our SEIU Local 521 family announces, with great sorrow, the passing of our Union brother, co-worker, and friend, Arthur Valdivia. Arthur was a proud Organizer with a lifelong passion of advocacy for workers, their rights, and ability to improve their lives and those of their community.
He was born and raised in San Jose, but Bakersfield became home to Arthur where he helped raise three beautiful children alongside his wife, Consuelo. We remember and honor our brother, Arthur, as a man of great character, a devoted husband and father, a dear friend, mentor, and fighter in “el movimiento” (the movement) for workers’ rights.
On behalf of our entire SEIU Local 521 staff, members, executive board, and Chief Elected Officer Riko Mendez and Local-wide President Alysia Bonner we send our deepest condolences to the entire Valdivia family during this very difficult time. #RestInPower Arthur Valdivia.
Veronica Vasquez, SEIU Local 521 Kern County Chapter President shared the following statement:
“Arthur was the definition of selfless – he made Bakersfield his home because his commitment to empowering workers in the Central Valley was his life. Arthur was a dear friend and someone to always count on, no matter the obstacle or challenge. Our union and the County of Kern region lost a true leader. We join Arthur’s family in their mourning, while we remember and fondly reflect on our beautiful times together. We honor him by lifting our voices to demand justice for all workers, like he always did. We love you, Arthur. Rest in power brother.”
“Arthur Valdivia was a genuine and kind soul. As part of the SEIU 521 family since our local’s inception back in 2007 and as part of SEIU Local 715 before then, Arthur was always ready to help anyone at anytime. He was also one of the most joyful, good natured, caring members of our union family… I cared deeply for him as a fellow activist, as father to his young family, and most of all as a friend.
I’ll never forget the great conversations and so many laughs after late night meetings as young organizers together in San Jose and later after Arthur moved down to Bakersfield to help build our workers’ power in the Central Valley.
Arthur, you are already missed more than you could ever imagine. If there is a heavenly paradise up above, you are surely there looking down upon us all. We love you Arthur – rest in power brother.”
Riko Mendez, SEIU Local 521 Chief Elected Officer
An online fundraiser in support of Arthur’s family was created to support the Valdivia family in their time of need. Click here: https://gofund.me/86a66ca0
SEIU 521 Members & Staff Remember Arthur
“He was a great person inside and out. I will miss our daily talks, rest in power Art.”
Tiffany Sagbohan, Member, Kern County Chapter Vice President
” Always had an answer and always took control when things were getting rough. I’ll always remember all the times you calmed me when things got tough – a great loss to the movement. My deepest condolences
Sonia Chagollan, Member, Kern County Chapterand prayers to the family. My heart it’s broken.
“He had such a contagious smile and an infectious laugh. It was almost impossible to be upset around him, and it will comfort me always to know he’s smiling down on us from above. Rest well brother Art.”
Your friend “Tommy Guns” -Tommy Gilbreath, SEIU 521 Administration, Bakersfield
“Our Union has lost a great leader; a brother who was always there to support us all. He will be missed, my condolences to the family..”
Teresa Barrientos, Member, Community Action Partnership – Kern (CAP-K) Chapter
“To me, Art was that feeling of calm, cool and collect – never did he waiver regardless of the challenge. I’ll remember him for his genuine character, always willing to help and one of the best persons to share a good laugh with. Much love my guy, you’ll be missed but not forgotten”.
Victor Gamiz, SEIU 521 Communications
“He was my mentor, fellow bargaining team member as union staff, and most of all my friend.“
Karen Bussard, Kern County Member, Bargaining Team
“Arthur was a true friend; always listening without judgment and supportive regardless of the issue. His positive and easy-going outlook on life are attributes that will truly be missed – not just in our office culture but in all our personal lives as well. I will always cherish the memories we had together from the numerous campaigns which we worked on throughout the years. Arthur will never be forgotten and will always be on our minds and in our hearts.”
Pete Rodriguez, SEIU 521 Kern County Organizer, Bakersfield
“Arthur was like my work bro, it was a constant battle for who talked the most smack amongst us. And through all the battles, I know I am a better organizer because of him. He was a great father and I am thankful our children had the opportunity to grow together – we’ll always keep his spirit alive through them.“
Marlene Valdez, SEIU 521 Kern County Organizer, Bakersfield
“Arthur was a wonderful person with a gracious heart. He was always willing to help anyone who needed it. He fought hard for his members. He always had a smile on his face and a kindness in his heart. Arthur was more then a co-worker and an organizer, he was a true friend to all who knew him. He will be truly missed.“
Cheryl Pacheco, SEIU 521 Administration, Bakersfield
Nuestra familia SEIU Local 521 anuncia con gran pesar el fallecimiento de nuestro hermano organizador, compañero de trabajo y amigo, Arthur Valdivia. Arthur fue un orgulloso organizador sindical con una gran pasión de toda la vida por defender a los trabajadores, sus derechos y su capacidad para mejorar sus propias vidas y las de su comunidad. Bakersfield, California, fue el hogar de Arthur, donde ayudó a criar a tres hermosos hijos junto a su esposa, Chelo. Recordamos y honramos a nuestro hermano Arthur como un hombre de gran carácter, un esposo y padre devoto, un querido amigo, mentor y luchador en “el movimiento” por los derechos de los trabajadores.
En nombre de todo nuestro personal, miembros y junta ejecutiva del Local 521 de SEIU incluyendo Riko Mendez y Alysia Bonner, enviamos nuestras más sinceras condolencias a toda la familia Valdivia durante este momento tan difícil. Descansa en el poder, Arthur Valdivia.
Veronica Vasquez, presidenta del Capítulo del Condado de Kern del Local 521 de SEIU compartió la siguiente:
Arthur era la definición de desinteresado – hizo de Bakersfield su hogar porque su compromiso de empoderar a los trabajadores en el Valle Central era su vida. Arthur era un amigo querido y alguien con quien siempre se podía contar, sin importar el obstáculo o desafío. Nuestro sindicato y la región del condado de Kern perdieron un verdadero líder. Nos unimos a la familia de Arthur en su luto, mientras recordamos los hermosos momentos junto a Arthur. Lo honramos alzando nuestra voz para exigir justicia para todos los trabajadores, como siempre lo hizo. Te amamos, Arthur. Descansa en el poder hermano
Se creó una recaudación de fondos en línea en apoyo de la familia de Arthur para apoyar a la familia Valdivia en su momento de necesidad. Haga clic aquí: https://gofund.me/86a66ca0#VivaArthurValdivia