At the age of 69, Joaquin Hernandez passed away in his sleep on July 05, 2023, in Gilroy, California.  Joaquin was a quiet unassuming gentleman who emigrated from Oaxaca Mexico He lived simply working long hours every day as an employed gardener and landscaper for most of his life. A hard worker, diligent, and showed up even when he was under the weather. He worked for various ranches and farms in the Gilroy area.  He worked at a local well-known horse ranch for 30 years. His empathy for plants, animals, creatures, and people demonstrated him as a naturalist. He loved working with the soil to have the best outcome for vegetables, plants, flowers, and trees. If he had a yard of his own, it would be a jungle of happiness. He understood his plant environment and could calm animals such as horses, cats, and dogs. He loved animals and they seem to know this. Animals would run up to him as he entered the corral or yard. More importantly, he related with people to understand their needs and developed many relationships to foster his simple living of life. Joaquin, I think, understood that he was part of something bigger than himself in life, that all things are interconnected, and used nature as a healer of his mind. Joaquin,

we will miss your kind and smiling presence but we are reminded of your spirit in the wonders of nature surrounding us!

Rest in peacefulness friend!