Elmer August Castro 1929 - 2011 Elmer August Castro passed away peacefully on March 4, 2011 with his beloved wife of 62 years, Betty, and his family at his side. He was preceded in death by his parents, August and Pauline Castro; brothers, Christopher and Robert Castro. Elmer is survived by his wife, Betty Valenzuela sCastro; daughters, Victoria and Ernie Morin, Cynthia and Ernie Escalera, Wanda Castro, Betty Jane and Matthew Alva; sons, Sonny and Ava Castro, Ricky and Loraine Castro, and Wesley Castro; sisters, Carmelita Estrada, Irene and Pete Soto, Martin and Gayle Castro; his favorite sister-in-law, Vivian Canez; 18 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and many nieces and nephews. Dad was a highly regarded cement contractor throughout the state of California for approximately 48 years. He along with his brother, Chris, founded their own business known as The Castro Brothers Cement Company. Thousands of sidewalks and cement work in the city of Bakersfield alone are the results of their company's fine craftsmanship. Dad was proud of his Californian Native American Heritage and stood strong in preserving our Native American Culture. He was the dedicated Elder Chairman for the Chumash Council of Bakersfield for many years. He represented the council at the Carrizo Plain National Monument Native American Advisory Committee with the Bureau of Land Management. He was a member of The Heritage Preservation Council and The White Wolf Veterans Cemetery Coalition. Dad was also on the board of The American Indian Health Project Advisory Committee and faithfully supported the Education Fund for the Navajo Children. Dad was an outdoorsman. He looked forward to annual hunting trips to Colorado and Utah with his nephews and numerous friends. He also enjoyed many fishing trips to rivers, lakes and streams both near and far. Dad loved going to the casinos with his sisters and niece. He often joked about gambling being in his blood. He was fondly known as "Lucky Castro" by many of his friends. Dad, we will always remember you for your sense of humor, strong will, stubbornness and great dedication. We won't mention the duct tape knee patches on your Levis. You were such a hard working man who stood strong until the very end, Ya-Ta-Hay! We love you Pa. Visitation will be Thursday, March 10, from 4-8 p.m., with a Rosary at 6 p.m., at Hopson-Anspach Family Mortuary, 620 Oregon St. A Mass will be held on Friday, March 11, 10:30 a.m., at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 601 E. California Ave. A private family reception will take place following the Mass.