The 81-year-old is the brother of the late Cesar Chavez. Both are credited with founding the United Farm Workers of America. Richard died last week at a hospital in Bakersfield following surgery.
The late Richard Chavez is credited with helping his older brother, civil rights leader Cesar Chavez with founding the United Farm Workers Union and a complex for the UFV called 40 acres.
Services to remember the life of Richard Chavez will begin with a candlelight procession here at the 40 Acres complex. Mourners walked from the Agbayani Village to the Union Hall, where they held a rosary and all night vigil.
Richard Chavez dedicated his life to helping his brother Cesar give a voice to migrant farm workers here in the Valley and around the country. The pair founded the United Farm Workers Union in the 1960's.
Richard even put his own house up for collateral to help Cesar Chavez start a credit union for farm workers. Richard retired from the union in 1983, but remained an active volunteer for the UFW long after that.
Monday morning there will be a Mass of the Resurrection starting at 9 a.m. followed by a reception at 40 Acres.
