Armand Armandares Perez

Armand Armandares Perez, age 88, passed away peacefully on March 29, 2020 due to congestive heart failure. Armand is survived by his wife of 65 years, Carmen Perez; daughters Moni Perez (Tim) and Sandi Gulbronson (Jim); sons Armando Perez (Rita) and Danny Perez; 7 Grandkids: AJ Perez, Jennifer Perez, Nick Perez, Danielle Benavides, Tiffany Perez, Gabrielle Perez and Anthony Santiago; 7 Great-Grandkids: Analeah, Raul, Ariella, Vincent, Mateo, Xavier and Ares; sisters Stella Breaux and Amelia Perez; plus many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Esther and Manuel Perez, and siblings Annie Salas, Albert Perez, Alfonso Perez and Manuel Perez.

Because of the Coronavirus, his Celebration of Life will be postponed for the time being. We look forward to a time when we can all gather together to celebrate this amazing man.

Armand was born on June 19, 1931 in El Paso, Texas. He had a passion for adventure and he was a true traveling man. The road called to him at an early age. As a teenager, he'd hit the road with just the clothes on his back and a few dollars in his pocket and he'd hitchhike all over the country. Although he rarely told his family that he was going on yet another adventure, it seemed that his little brother, Albert, always knew. Albert would start giggling, laughing and asking questions about his big brother's next journey. Armand would be gone for weeks to months at a time. He said he never really had a plan on where he was going, he just knew he was going somewhere.

He worked hard for over 50 years in many different professions and he had an incredible work ethic. He traveled seasonally and worked the fields as a migrant farm worker; he was a laborer for the railroads; he was a lead supervisor at the "pickle plant"; and he finally retired after years of commuting to San Francisco to work in construction. He was a lifelong union man and a proud member of the Teamsters.

Armand met his true love at a dance in Madera, California, and was instantly smitten. Right after they met, he started showing up everywhere Carmen was, at dances, movies, restaurants and parties. Even though she called him a "pest" at first, she fell in love and they stayed in love for 65 beautiful years. Their travels over the years took them to Washington State, Mexicali Mexico, Texas, New York, across the seas to Hong Kong, into parts of China then onto Spain, Portugal and Morocco ~ play it again Sam.

His Man Cave favorites were many … He loved fiddling in his backyard, he loved to garden and he was blessed with the greenest of thumbs. He enjoyed countless fishing expeditions with many friends and family. He was the master chef for countless BBQ's, fish fry's, homemade chicharrones, salsa and many other delicious meals prepared in his specially-made pots and pans. He loved to roast whole pigs on his rotisserie and grill. He marinated goat overnight in his own blend of spices and then roasted the meat in a pit he'd dug in our backyard. His BBQ's were legendary and all were welcomed to enjoy his food, his laughter, and his loving heart.

And, his love for dancing left footprints on many floors, and hearts, throughout his life. Many tried to keep up with him, very few could. His nonstop dancing caused many to flee and hide when their tootsies were too tired. He truly lived up to his nickname of "Twinkle Toes".

He met people from all different walks of life and they would become friends. He was very easy to remember and even harder to forget. He was a man of his word and he welcomed you into his life. He was truly a gentle soul who always saw the best in people. His answer to anyone needing anything was always "no problem".

Armand was "Big Daddy" to some, a favorite Uncle and brother-in-law to most, and a friend to all. He was a family man who absolutely adored his wife and kids. He especially loved being a Tata to his Grandkids and Great-Grandkids. He was a loving, kindhearted and gentle man who was our hero in so many ways, but, most of all, he was our Dad ❤.

We're sure that Heaven is rocking out in its biggest bash and Dad is dancing with the angels as he's showing them his moves. So please raise your shot glass of Tequila to the Heavens above, here's to you Dad. We will love you forever. We miss you dearly and will always hold you close to our hearts.

Your loving family,
Mom, Moni, Sandi, Armando and Danny



Shattered Hearts
Our hearts broke like shattered glass,
The shards cut deep into our soul
Filled with unknown emotion,
Our broken hearts, never again whole

We held you close when you took your last breath,
As the angels came and placed you on their wings
Loving and selfless, a strong and gentle man, he was,
Heaven is invitation only, his Guardian Angel sings

So thank you, Big Daddy, for the laugh lines we wear,
Your funny faces and snarky remarks, I'll adore
Walking us out to our cars with your blessings,
Your tireless footwork you left on the dance floor

From this day forward and beyond forever,
A steady flow of tears will fall
We'll live a lifetime of scattered sadness,
For our Dad, known by many and loved by all

By your heartbroken loving eldest daughter,
Moni (April 20, 2020)

We will always and forever love and miss you dearly!

~Our Hero and loving Father~
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