He was born on Dec. 8, 1943 in Edinburg, Texas to Pedro Veliz Sr. and Paula Veliz, who died a short time later. He was raised by Pedro Sr. and Olisavia Veliz in Edinburg, Texas. Pedro was united in marriage to Lucy Zamarron in 1963 in Mabton, Wash. They lived in Sunnyside, Wash., until 1968 when they moved to Hermiston. Pedro worked at Marlette Homes in Hermiston until 1980. He then worked for the US Fish and Wildlife studying the Salmon Fishery on the Columbia River from 1981 until 1988. He and Lucy lived in Miami, Lincoln, Neb., and Orville, Wash., before returning to Hermiston in the early 2000’s where he has lived since. Pedro worked for various farms in the area until his health forced him to retire. He was very supportive of his children and grandchildren’s many school and sporting activities. Pedro enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing pool, mowing his yard, playing guitar, and tinkering around his home.
He is survived by his son: Pete Veliz and wife Vicky, daughters: Sonia Veliz, and Lisa Garza and husband Roland; parents: Pedro Sr. and Olisavia Veliz, Mabton, WA; siblings: Lydia (Edmiro) Flores, La Grulla, TX, Elizardo (Maria) Veliz, Hermiston, OR, Valentin (Becky) Veliz, Pullman, WA, Jose (Marla) Veliz, Renton, WA, Rolando Veliz, Auburn, WA, Dora (Rolando) Vasquez, Seattle, WA, Partricia (Erasmo) Flores, Alto Bonito, TX, Vicente (Delores) Veliz, Hermiston, OR, Juan Veliz, Kennewick, WA, David (Sonja) Veliz, Spokane, WA, Martin (Lillian) Veliz, Whitstran, WA, Naida (Johnnie) Gusby, Mabton, WA; Santos Veliz Salazar, Pasco, WA, Esteban Veliz, Mabton, WA; 5 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; numerous nieces, and nephews.
Pedro was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Lucy Veliz, mother: Paula Veliz, and brother: Leo Veliz.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016 at 1 p.m. at Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church in Hermiston.
Burial will follow at the Hermiston Cemetery.
Please sign the online guest book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
