A lot of people in Mentone and Redlands either knew my grandfather or knew of him. He always drove around town not afraid to roll his window to shout "Mira" to friends and strangers. Felix Contreras was known as "Chief" to many. To his family, he was the best father, grandfather, uncle and friend.

He always took his time chatting with friends at the upper Circle K in Mentone. Many may have seen him working while driving by the Garcia Ranch on San Bernardino Ave or driving around Redlands with my grandma looking for yard sales on Saturday mornings. But he was mostly seen on the streets of Redlands when he was working in the water department for the City of Redlands.

His City of Redlands job was what he took pride in most. He was unforgettable to his coworkers and they're crew was known as the "mud dogs". He worked for the City of Redlands for 28 years and was saddened by his early retirement due to a shoulder injury.

In addition to his job being his pride and joy, his family was most precious. He was a father to 6 children, 19 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. He was a father figure to many of his niece and nephews and to many of his children's friends.

Many may or may not know his wife, Irene Contreras, sadly passed away February 2025. They were married 50 years.

Felix Contreras Sr made a memorable mark on the city of Mentone and Redlands. He was a friend to all. You could carry a conversation with him for hours as soon as you met him. He spread his joy and happiness to whoever he came in contact with and many people still remember him as the Chief.

He was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2024. He fought hard, even through the death of his wife, through many cancer treatments.

He sadly passed away 3/22/26 from cancer after a long battle. He was surrounded by his family.

Our family knows how many people knew and loved him. We are so very heart broken from his passing and know it will never be the same without him.

We would appreciate any donations that will go towards funeral costs and a hall big enough to hold all the people who would love to come celebrate his life and say goodbye to him.

If you prefer to Zelle you can zelle to [phone redacted] under the name Sharon Contreras.

Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, condolences and donations.

And in the words of Felix Contreras, "Vayan con Dios".