Claudio Javier Vacas Cavia

On the afternoon of July 2, 2024, Claudio Vacas passed away peacefully after a long illness. He was 80 years old.

Claudio was born on May 24, 1944, in Salamanca, Spain, to Aniceto Vacas Herrera and Bienvenida Cavia Machin. He came to the United States in 1962 as a foreign exchange student, graduating from Thomas R. Proctor High School in Utica, New York. He then studied engineering at Michigan Technological University and graduated in 1969.

Upon graduation, Claudio was employed by General Motors, where he worked in management until 2001. During this time, he also earned a Master of Science in Administration degree from Central Michigan University and a Master of Arts degree from Wayne State University.

After retiring from General Motors, Claudio continued to follow his passion for academics, teaching Spanish at Oakland University, Macomb Community College, and Oakland Community College.

Claudio loved music, art, and travel. He was an avid cross-country skier, hiker and cyclist. From 2000 to 2012, he designed and led bicycle tours in his homeland of Spain. His capacity for leadership, selfless generosity, gentle spirit, and willingness to embark on almost any adventure endeared him to all who knew him.

Claudio was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Merry Vander Linden, his brother Francisco (Isidora Sanchez Gutierrez), and his two nieces Cristina and Ana Belen as well as many cousins and in-laws.