Assistant Secretary of State Ken Raske speaks before a large gathering honoring Tomas Villanueva as the guest of honor (in wheelchair) and his son, Gabriel, listen. (Photos courtesy of Laura Mott)

Surrounded by family, friends and assorted dignitaries, Tomas Villanueva was honored by Secretary of State Kim Wyman’s Office for his pioneering role in advocating for farm workers.

Villanueva was included in Legacy Washington’s new exhibit at the Capitol that celebrates Washington’s place in the world. Villanueva was part of the section dealing with the farm economy that has made Washington a breadbasket for the world. Villanueva, 72, is in frail health after a series of strokes in 2009, so he could not travel to Olympia from Sea Mar in South Seattle for the opening ceremonies last fall. Instead Wyman and exhibit organizers decided to take the party to him.

The multi-purpose room of Sea Mar was jammed with family, many traveling from the Yakima Valley; fellow Sea Mar residents dressed in their Sunday best; and a gaggle of dignitaries, including the Mexican consul and representatives of Gov. Jay Inslee, Lt. Gov. Brad Owen, and the Secretary. Assistant Secretary Ken Raske called Villanueva a “living legend” who organized and lobbied for advances in social justice, health care and housing to benefit farm workers.

A number of Villanueva’s oldest friends and co-workers told of their struggles and victories working in the Yakima Valley, throughout the West with Cesar Chavez, and then across Washington state. Villanueva, wrapped in a warm blanket, daubed back a steady flow of tears and gave thanks for the day.

Tomas Villanueva talks to a friend while former state Rep. Phyllis Gutierrez Kenney stands next to him.