IBEW 1245 members are mourning the loss of John Vidales, a 39-year PG&E veteran whose career left a lasting mark on the Woodland Division and beyond.
Vidales began his career with PG&E on June 16, 1969, working his way up from groundman to Electric Crew Foreman before retiring on June 30, 2008.
Over nearly four decades, he built a reputation as a dedicated and dependable co-worker who was always willing to help his brothers in the field and earned the respect that comes from being part of a tight-knit brotherhood built on trust, shared experience, and long days in the field.
“John was one of those guys who was always willing to help, no matter what,” said Felix Valadez, Electric Crew Foreman with PG&E. “Even right up until he retired, he’d still climb if you needed him. He worked every emergency, took the overtime, and had a strong work ethic, but he was also a joy to work with. We spent years working together, and now I work alongside his sons and nephew at the Woodland Yard. He was a good man, and he’s left his mark on all of us.”
That legacy continues through his family. All three of Vidales’ children, John Vidales Jr., Naomi Tamayo, and Carlos Vidales, work for PG&E, along with several of his grandchildren, including John Vidales III, Victoria Vidales, Anthony Vidales, and Easton Vidales. Today, multiple generations of the Vidales family continue the work he dedicated his life to, carrying forward both his trade and his values.
A celebration of life will be held on April 23, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the Woodland Community Center Gymnasium, with lunch to follow.
Those unable to attend in person may join via Zoom:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/8231639859?pwd=6FRWrsAFNaHG7fOmf6KbZrgeZELU3Z.1&omn=87125776841
Meeting ID: 823 163 9859
Passcode: 067515
The Vidales family expressed their gratitude for the support they have received and shared that they are taking comfort in knowing how many lives he touched throughout his career and beyond.
