Hector G. Vargas

Hector G. Vargas, 80, of Caldwell, passed away on Tuesday morning, December 3, 2024, peacefully at home with family.

He was born on March 1, 1944, in McAllen, Texas, to parents, Basilio A. Vargas and Maria N. Gonzalez, the second of eight children.

When Hector turned 16, he left home in Texas to become a nomad, traveling and working across the country. Working mostly in agriculture as he traveled, Hector spent time in states such as Illinois, California, Georgia, Kansas, and Michigan. 

In the early 1970s, Hector worked for the Idaho Migrant Council - the Community Council of Idaho - towards the beginning of its conception, offering services to help and support migrant workers. Hector was extremely intelligent and was passionate about law and theology, and later, became a paralegal. He loved this position and often used his job to help friends in need, pro bono.

His love of theology and his dedication to the Bible carried throughout his life, into his later years. He would call his sisters with daily Bible verses, and to discuss what happened in mass that day to lovingly make sure they had paid attention.

One of Hector’s favorite verses was Psalm 119:168-169, “Let my cry come before You, O Lord; Give me understanding according to Your word.”

He was a talented tailor, and would help fix, hem, and sew clothes often for his family. Not only did he love doing it, but he was good at it.

Hector is preceded in death by his parents, Basilio and Maria Natalia; sisters, Rachel and Maria; and brother, Ramón.

He is survived by his daughter, Dr. Micaela “Micki” Vargas; grandson, Caesar; sisters, Mary F. Villarreal and Blanca E. Barbosa; and brother, Carlos E. Vargas.

A rosary will be held on Monday, December 9, 2024, at 6:00 pm at Flahiff Funeral Chapel, 624 Cleveland Blvd. in Caldwell. A graveside dedication will be held on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at 1:00 pm at Canyon Hill Cemetery in Caldwell.