Candelario “Cande” Barrientos Sanchez peacefully passed away, surrounded by his family, on April 6, 2024, after a three-year battle with pancreatic cancer.
Cande was born on February 2, 1971 in Ojo de Agua, Zacatecas, Mexico to Emilia and Isidro Sanchez. In 1975, he and his family moved to the United States where they began their life in the U.S. in Fort Morgan, Colorado and eventually settled in Des Moines, Iowa. Cande always considered Des Moines his home. He went to East High School and while in high school, met his future wife, Billie. In 1993, the two married after being high school sweethearts, and shortly thereafter had their first child Dakota in 1995, with Sophia following in 1998. In 2001, Cande had one of his proudest moments, obtaining his U.S. citizenship with his young family by his side. Family meant everything to Cande. He lived and worked for his wife and kids. He was employed at Anderson Erickson for over 30 years and even after his cancer diagnosis, still wanted to work there in whatever capacity he could to support his family.
In Cande’s final days, the only thing he was willing to think and talk about was his family. He never bought himself material gifts, new clothes, new shoes, new vehicles. To him, the success of a man was determined by the legacy he left behind, and not by the material things he acquired. Anyone who knew him would attest to his work ethic, his unwavering faith, his commitment to wife and kids, and his ability to make anyone feel welcome, regardless of the past or present trials and tribulations they had brought with them into his space. He was special in that way, and should be an example to many for treating others with respect, regardless of their beliefs.
In his free time, Cande enjoyed many things. He enjoyed watching the Denver Broncos, Iowa State Cyclones, and any college wrestling matches he could find. His favorite however, would have to be spending time with his wife where they would frequently listen to music together, watch movies, or just sit quietly together. Any opportunity spent with his kids and father-in-law was equally as important to him and no one could forget the family’s beloved dogs, “Peanut” and “Chi-Chi”, who craved his attention. Which, we’re certain, they were the first to happily welcome him into heaven.
Cande is preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Mary Lawless-Davis, his paternal grandparents, Miguel Sanchez Sanchez and Nieves Barrientos Ceniceros, maternal grandparents, Amador Barrientos Salazar and Emiteria Rodriguez Barrientos. He is survived by many including his wife, Billie and their two children Dakota and Sophia (Nicholas) Bowers, father-in-law, Gary Davis brother-in-law, Monty Davis (Sharon), sister-in-law Lisa Lemke. His parents, Emilia and Isidro, stepmother Diane, along with brothers Pablo (Gabriela), Vicente, Isidro “Junior” “Sid” (Tracy), Jesus “Jesse”, sisters Lola Cabral (Esaul) and Lidia Hipolito, and step siblings Terry and Becky. Along with these, Cande is survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, uncles, aunts, and of course, friends.
The family would like to thank all of the nurses, doctors, physicians, therapists, and aids who took care of Cande for the last three years. His comfort and care could not have been possible without all of these dedicated individuals.
In lieu of flowers, please consider sending donations to the following foundations:
“Above+Beyond Cancer” https://aboveandbeyondcancer.org/donate
“Lazarex Cancer Foundation” https://lazarex.org/?campaign=554736
I’d like to leave you with the following quote from the movie, “Vision Quest”. It was a movie that Cande and his son frequently quoted, especially in the last months of his life, and I think, embodies his simplistic philosophy on life and love:
“All I ever settled for is that we're born to live and then to die, and... we got to do it alone, each in his own way. And I guess that's why we got to love those people who deserve it like there's no tomorrow. 'Cause when you get right down to it - there isn't.”
Candelario “Cande” Sanchez - In loving memory and celebration
February 2, 1971 - April 6, 2024
Visitation
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM with Rosary at 7:00 PM
Wednesday, April 10, 2024
Sunset Memorial Chapel
7601 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, Iowa 50321
Funeral Mass
11:00 AM
Thursday, April 11, 2024
Christ The King Catholic Church
5711 SW 9th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50315
