Augusto Luna Vasquez died Saturday, August 5 in Clinton Township, aged 70, his obituary says.
According to a neighbor, a family member found Augusto collapsed in a horse stall at the farm he had worked at. He passed away despite CPR and other life-saving efforts by EMS crews.
Born in Guatemala City, Guatemala, Augusto is remembered as an “honorable man” who took pride in his work, according to a GoFundMe launched by the farm owner.
“Augusto came into my life a short time ago when he took a part-time job to help at our farm,” organizers write.
“It didn’t take long for me to realize that I had found a gem. I quickly learned what an honorable man he was. Rarely do you see someone who takes pride in their work the way Augusto took pride in his.”
Augusto leaves behind his loving wife, Emora Cristina Perez Gonzalez; three children, Carlos Augusto Luna Perez, Yonsi Jasiel Luna Perez, and Albina Concepcion Luna Perez; as well as five siblings and nine grandchildren.
“I am in contact with Augusto’s family and, it goes without saying that, they are grieving tremendously,” reads the campaign.
“His sons speak of him with such love, admiration and respect. They tell me how proud they are to have had him for a father, for the hardworking man that he was and how they credit him for making them the men they have become.”
More than $1,600 has been raised for the family as of Tuesday, August 22. The funds will be used for Augusto’s funeral expenses, as well as returning his body to Guatemala “so that his wife and daughter can say goodbye,” the campaign explains.
“Augusto, in our brief season together, you made my farm beautiful again,” reads the campaign. “I look around and I see your special touch in so many places and it makes me smile.”
Augusto’s memorial was held at St. Magdalen Church in Flemington on Friday, August 11 with interment in Cemeterio Municipal de Taxisco in Taxisco, Guatemala, to be announced at a later date.
“The lifetime you shared with your family is one that was clearly so significant,” reads the campaign.
“I am hoping that the reason we came together can also be one to help your sons fulfill their promise and send you home. I am blessed to have known you and I will miss you. Thank you for touching my life so much in such a short time.”
Click here to view/donate to the Augusto Luna Vasquez campaign on GoFundMe.
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