Fernando Julio ‘Nando’ Sanchez was born on December 30‚ 1984‚ to Isabel and Ramon ‘Chunky’ Sanchez in San Diego‚ California. Fernando was the youngest of six children. He was a man whose presence everyone loved‚ who brought joy and wisdom to those who surrounded him. Nando was always full of laughter and unconditional love.

Fernando was raised in Encanto‚ San Diego‚ where he attended Encanto Elementary and O’Farrell Community School. He played baseball for the Encanto Little League‚ where he helped to bring home District 42 Championship Flags. Nando attended Mission Bay High School‚ where he also played football. His team won the 2000 CIF Division III Championship. He later graduated from Garfield High School‚ where he studied culinary arts.

Fernando served as a wildland firefighter at the San Francisquito Camp‚ for the Los Angeles County Fire Department. He served and helped others while rebuilding his life. He represented a crew dedicated to working hard‚ helping others‚ and creating a change. Fernando was known as a natural leader to his crew. The members of the crew remembered his work ethic and his positive way of seeing things. San Francisquito Camp is operated by the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACFD). Crews are utilized in wildland fire suppression and county conservation assignments‚ including maintenance of the California Aqueduct‚ local parks‚ and fire stations. The camp works primarily in Los Angeles County‚ but may be called upon to work throughout the state in fire suppression tactics.

Fernando began his journey into the next life on November 23‚ 2010‚ while serving as a wildland firefighter. He is survived by his older siblings‚ Ixcatli‚ Ramon‚ Esmeralda‚ Mauricio and Tonantzin. He was an uncle to Salomon‚ Gavilan‚ Atzin‚ Ezequiel‚ Mauricio Jr.‚ Manwe‚ Tre‚ Sewa‚ Keyona Mae‚ Fernando‚ and Marcelino. He is loved and missed. He will always be in our hearts.

Son‚ Brother‚ Nephew‚ Cousin‚ Friend‚ Uncle‚ & Leader