Eastern WA Latino leader who was instrumental in education, migrant rights dies
A Franklin County Latino leader who helped shape medical and educational access for migrant communities across Eastern Washington has died.
Santiago Silva Iñiguez, 85, died Sept. 20 in Las Vegas. He was a longtime Franklin County and Wenatchee resident who worked as a tireless advocate for migrant workers.
Iñiguez’s son Jose will pay tribute to his father with a song at Saturday’s Celebracion Para Colima! at the Franklin County Courthouse, according to a news release from Franklin County Administrator Mike Gonzalez.
Gonzalez also is one of 11 commissioners on the Washington State Commission on Hispanic Affairs. The event will celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Mexican state of Colima, where about 20% of Pasco residents are from or have ties.
“He left an incredible legacy for our family and the community. I’m so grateful I was raised by a man with his character. I wouldn’t be where I am without him,” said his son Jose, an award-winning tenor, and longtime Pasco resident.
Iñiguez was a devout Catholic and leaves behind his wife Guadalupe Rodriguez and 11 children and 16 grandchildren.
He was born in San Marcos, Michoacán, Mexico, and moved to the United States in the mid-1960s as a migrant farm worker and to build a brighter future for his family as part of the Bracero Program, according to a news release.
The Bracero Program was a diplomatic agreement between the U.S. and Mexico that provided protections and guarantees for migrant workers, including putting a portion of their wages into savings for their family.
Voice for Latinos
He eventually settled in Connell in north Franklin County and became a voice for the Latino community, advocating for equal access to education for both parents and students.
Iñiguez served as the president of the Migrant Parent Advisory Council (PAC) and as a state PAC member, representing his community and the Latino voice at parent leadership conferences across Washington.
In 1985, he moved to Mattawa and identified a pressing need within the Latino farmworker community. He worked in collaboration with local officials and outside agencies to establish the Mattawa Community Medical Clinic.
Gonzalez said that Iñiguez took immense pride in becoming a U.S. citizen and exercising the right to vote. He continued advocating for parents and students in Mattawa until relocating to Las Vegas in 1998.
He would move back to Washington in 2005, living in Wenatchee until 2022 where he was recognized for his outstanding service to the community by the Community For the Advancement of Family Education.
Higher education
He instilled the importance of education in his own children as well. All 11 earned bachelor’s degree and eight have post graduate degrees.
“The impact that Santiago made was incredible. His contributions to education, the Eastern Washington Latino Community and his family will be felt for generations to come. It’s clear the impact he’s had on his children, as they are pillars of the community,” Gonzalez said.
Iñiguez was known for saying, “They can take all your material possessions away but they can never take away your education. That is yours forever”
In tribute to his unwavering commitment to education, the Iñiguez Family Endowment has been established at Eastern Washington University, Central Washington University, Columbia Basin College and Wenatchee Valley College.
Anyone wishing to donate can contribute to the Wenatchee Valley College Foundation in his honor.
A viewing is planned 4-8 p.m. Friday, with a Rosary at 6 p.m. at Jones & Jones-Betts Funeral Home, 302 9th St. in Wenatchee. Mass will be at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic, 625 S. Elliott Ave. in Wenatchee.
