It is with a heavy heart that the family of Gilbert Cardoza announces his passing on Sept. 22, 2020 at Marian Hospital in Santa Maria, at the age of 94, with his two sons at his side.

Born July 29, 1926 on the Pizzoni Ranch in Point Sal, California, to Francisco Gonsalves Cardoza and Marian Cardoza, Gilbert will be lovingly remembered by his sons Gary and Bobby.

Gilbert will also be fondly remembered by his six grandkids: Blake, Brian, Karen, Audra, Doug and Deania; and his 13 great grandkids: Jack, Sara, Parker, Brayden, Grant, Camus, Dakota, Kasey, Tanner, Loegin, Cody, Shaina and Dustin.

He was raised with his five brothers and sisters in the farming communities of the California Central Coast. Hard work from an early age set him with a work ethic that stayed with him his whole life (work hard, then work harder and provide for your family).

He grew up in a close and proud Portuguese family that brought the close family heritage from Pico in the Azore Islands of Portugal.

He went to school in a one room school house, then on to Lompoc High School. His first move from home in 1945 was to the U.S. Army in Fort Benning, Georgia. There he attended Paratrooper Jump School and served his country honorably.

From the Army he came home to Lompoc and started farming. Shortly after, he went into the construction industry working as an equipment operator. Over time with knowledge behind him, he began his own company with long time friend Robert (Bob) Blois. For years they worked throughout Southern California counties doing underground pipeline/utilities and excavation.

In his retirement, Gilbert and his long time partner, Edith Tomlin, roamed the countryside in their RV, visiting, parks, seashores and family. He never met a stranger. He would strike up a conversation with anyone and everyone; they were all friends by the end of the day.

Gilbert was always ready to help; no matter when or where, he would be there, family, friends or just anyone.

“Never look back, always move forward, life is to short, play it out to the end,” was his favorite saying, and he said it often and to everyone.

And he did his best, to always live life that way.

To leave a condolence for the family, visit www.dudleyhoffmanmortuary.com.