Carlos M. Diaz

Carlos M. Diaz was born on September 1, 1944, to migrant farmworkers in Monte Alto, Texas.  It is a small rural community in Hidalgo County the most southern part of Texas. Carlos attended Monte Alto school where he excelled in academics.  Because of the economic depression in rural communities, the Diaz family started migrating to Washington State in the early 1950’s. It was during this time period that life for Carlos would change. 

In 1963, being the oldest of five siblings Mr. Diaz made the difficult decision to abandon his education in order to help contribute to the family income. Years of migration from Texas to Washington sharpened his astute abilities which led him to negotiate work opportunities for relatives and family.  

Three years later Carlos married the love of his life, Rosalinda C. Maganas on April 9, 1966, and started a family. He fondly called her his “Yellow Rose of Texas”.  His oldest daughter Martha was born on June 30, 1966 and his youngest daughter Melinda was born on June 12, 1972.  

Mr. Diaz eventually earned his GED and in 1974, he went on to earn his AA from Yakima Valley Community College in Early Childhood Education and Psychology. Between 1970-1974 he continued his academic studies in social welfare, business administration, proposal preparation, government regulations and grant writing. 

His people knowledge and communication skills proved valuable which led to other opportunities. 

In 1968, Mr. Diaz was hired as the Parent Child Center’s outreach worker to migrant families and in 1973 was promoted to Assistant Director to all the Parent Child Care Centers.  

After transitioning to Northwest Rural Opportunities (NRO) in 1974 he was promoted to an Assistant Executive Director in charge of nine development centers and a 1.5-million-dollar budget. In 1978, Diaz was appointed Director of NRO’s Child Care Component in charge of a 3-million-dollar budget and 15 daycare locations across Washington state. 

In 1983, shortly after NRO closed its doors Diaz realized that a great need of services existed in Washington State for migrant farmworkers and their families. So, with a handful of childcare experts and parents the Washington State Migrant Council opened its doors on July 18,1983. Diaz was the founder and Chief Executive Director of the Washington State Migrant Council (WSMC). WSMC opened its doors with a handful of centers and a $3 million dollar budget.  

Prior to his departure, Diaz took a $3 million dollar startup budget in the early 80’s and built a nearly $30 million non-profit agency with over 29 childcare centers across the state of Washington. WSMC provided some 10,000 low-income families and their children with early childhood education, childcare, nutritional meals, vocational rehabilitation and literacy and citizenship classes as well as, ESL classes, on the job training, expectant mothers education, at-risk youth and other services. 

Mr. Diaz was awarded various community awards and accolades throughout his lifetime but the one that was closest to his heart was the Ohtli Award presented to him by the Mexican Consulate. The Ohtli Award is given by the Mexican government for recognition of work in the Hispanic communities across the United States. He was also active and served on various boards and community groups throughout his career and after he retired.  

He forged many community partnerships and friendships throughout his career and was very proud of his accomplishments.  His lifelong compassion and vision to help others was unparalleled by his devotion to assist those in need. His legacy will live on with those migrant families and their children whose lives he touched. 

Mr. Diaz enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.  He enjoyed playing softball in the 80’s and sponsored a team called “The Brown Express”. He also enjoyed watching his grandkids playing sports and loved collecting classic vintage model cars.  He liked listening to the oldies but goodies songs from the 50’s and 60’s but also like to listen to Tejano music. He was also a member of the Blessed Sacrament Church in Grandview. 

Mr. Diaz is preceded by in death by his wife Rosalinda M. Diaz, his father Baldemar V. Diaz, and mother Margarita Mendoza and three siblings.

He is survived by his daughters: Martha (Diaz) Esparza and Melinda Diaz and son in law Anthony Edward Esparza Sr. Grandchildren: Anthony Edward Esparza Jr., Matthew Eric Esparza, Jovana Nicole Esparza, Rebekah Rose Esparza, C.J. Lopez and Breanna Paige Lopez. He is survived by his nineteen great grandchildren. He is survived by his siblings Guadalupe (Diaz) Garcia, David S. Diaz, Dalia (Diaz) Villarreal, Irene (Diaz) Torres, Carolina M. Diaz and Baldemar Diaz Jr.  

Viewing and Visitation will be held on Monday, September 9, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a Rosary to be Recited at 6:00 p.m. at the Smith Funeral Home, Grandview, WA.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Grandview, WA.  Burial will follow at the Grandview Cemetery.  Those wishing to sign Carlos' online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com  Smith Funeral Home is in care of arrangements. 

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