Officer Gus Vegas' son said it takes a special man to make each of his 10 children feel like the center of his world.
Listening to his loved ones speak, it was clear that was how Vegas made everyone feel.
PHOTOS: Memorial for Richmond Officer Gus Vegas
"He never neglected to tell us how much he loved us and how proud of us he was," said Vegas' son Enrico Maldonado.
The procession began at 9 a.m. headed to the Richmond Memorial Auditorium for a public memorial service.
"It was told to me once you'll know how a man lived his life by who shows up at his funeral," said Tom Peterson, a Richmond city cop.
Perhaps the greatest testament to how Officer Vegas lived his life are his 10 children.
His son Enrico said if they ever felt they fell short, their dad quickly lifted their spirits. Vegas is survived by his wife, 10 children and 20 grandchildren.
VIDEOS: Family, friends, local officials remember Richmond officer at public memorial
This was a man who understood perseverance. It took him 10 years after graduating Napa Valley Police Academy to become a police officer.
"He never gave up, he was told 'no' so many times," said son, Joe Vegas.
"The Richmond Police Department gave him a chance. They saw in him what we saw in him, and the rest is history," he said.
Vegas' colleagues said as a detective he worked cases until there was nothing left to work and then kept working them, earning him the nickname Care Bear, because he never gave up on victims.
"My daddy was divinely appointed by God to protect and serve and he completed what he was sent down to do," said Angel Vegas, his daughter.
RELATED: Friends, family gathered to remember slain Richmond officer
Vegas ultimately gave his life protecting his daughter Angel and her baby. His family says he did die in the line of duty - as in his duty as a father.
The 15-year veteran was shot and killed inside his home last week. The father of Vegas' 6-year-old grandson, Joe Vega, is charged in the murder. There is no known motive at this time.
"He's my hero, literally my hero. And I thank you dad," said Angel.
RELATED: Family of slain Richmond officer forgives suspected killer
A GoFundMe account has been set to the help the Vegas family. For more information, click here.
Also, the Richmond Police Officers' Association has created an account at Mechanics Bank in Officer Vegas' memory. All donations will go towards helping the Vegas family.
Mechanics Bank
Routing number: 121102036
Account number: 041305213
Richmond POA in memory of Gus Vegas
Click here for full coverage on Richmond Officer Gus Vegas.
WATCH LIVE: Procession underway now for #Richmond Officer Gus Vegas’ memorial: https://t.co/hInz2MDdci @RPDCAOnlinehttps://t.co/YtbDNjXnwE
— ABC7 News (@abc7newsBayArea) February 19, 2016
PHOTOS: #Richmond Officer Gus Vegas to be laid to rest today: https://t.co/gtqIfNGSAg @RPDCAOnlinehttps://t.co/fOZnXxJzd7
— ABC7 News (@abc7newsBayArea) February 19, 2016
WATCH LIVE: #Firefighters salute as #Richmond officer's procession passes by: https://t.co/tKKQzoqjcs @RPDCAOnlinehttps://t.co/jhaByoX1Az
— ABC7 News (@abc7newsBayArea) February 19, 2016
“Pop, I want you to know I love you and miss you.” Son remembers #Richmond cop. https://t.co/36E2xW3VIF @RPDCAOnlinehttps://t.co/xFDehXazDG
— ABC7 News (@abc7newsBayArea) February 19, 2016
— Melanie Woodrow (@MelanieWoodrow) February 19, 2016
Gus' sons - benediction pic.twitter.com/t18w4q5Ael
— Melanie Woodrow (@MelanieWoodrow) February 19, 2016
Son Joe, Gus' oldest son, delivering his dad's eulogy. Says he legally changed his last name to surprise dad pic.twitter.com/8nLrdhyBDS
— Melanie Woodrow (@MelanieWoodrow) February 19, 2016
Gus worked cases until there was nothing left to work & then kept working them. Earned him nickname "care bear" - never gave up on victims
— Melanie Woodrow (@MelanieWoodrow) February 19, 2016
To Sandra you have 34 years of rich, rich memories. - Vallejo Mayor Osby Davis
— Melanie Woodrow (@MelanieWoodrow) February 19, 2016
"What better way than to die as you lived" - Vallejo Mayor
— Melanie Woodrow (@MelanieWoodrow) February 19, 2016
Vallejo Mayor explaining why he was delayed in speaking "It's hard to express what's in ones heart."
— Melanie Woodrow (@MelanieWoodrow) February 19, 2016
Listening to Gus' children speak is a great testament to what an incredible parent he was.
— Melanie Woodrow (@MelanieWoodrow) February 19, 2016
Youngest sister Mia now speaking. "He motivated me to be proud of myself" "He prepared me for a time like this."
— Melanie Woodrow (@MelanieWoodrow) February 19, 2016
Daughter Bianca joking she was the favorite. Now sharing how Sunday b4 his death Gus gave his life back to God
— Melanie Woodrow (@MelanieWoodrow) February 19, 2016
Angel - he literally was my superhero. Gus gave his life protecting his daughter Angel.
— Melanie Woodrow (@MelanieWoodrow) February 19, 2016
Angel "I am so honored to be protected by him" her entire family behind her "I'll make you proud daddy" pic.twitter.com/1c23gZY4CX
— Melanie Woodrow (@MelanieWoodrow) February 19, 2016
He was a "one in a million kind of dad. I'm blessed to have had him as my dad."
— Melanie Woodrow (@MelanieWoodrow) February 19, 2016
Gus' son - my dad was my best friend. It's hard to stay sad because I'm so proud of him
— Melanie Woodrow (@MelanieWoodrow) February 19, 2016
Gus daughter - I would do crazy things like jump from a roof because I trusted my dad so much I knew he would catch me
— Melanie Woodrow (@MelanieWoodrow) February 19, 2016
Gus' children - His son Enrico- "Big Gus claimed me as one of his own when he didn't have to" pic.twitter.com/liui6KeN2R
— Melanie Woodrow (@MelanieWoodrow) February 19, 2016
Enrico says his dad final breath came "protecting all of us."
— Melanie Woodrow (@MelanieWoodrow) February 19, 2016
Iron sharpens iron. If my dad taught you something please pay it forward and then he'll live on forever
— Melanie Woodrow (@MelanieWoodrow) February 19, 2016
Joe says dad defined by "humility, perseverance, and love." "It takes a special man to have 10 kids & make each feel like center of world."
— Melanie Woodrow (@MelanieWoodrow) February 19, 2016
Richmond Chief of Police: Sandra, thank you for sharing Gus with us all of these years. pic.twitter.com/dxShYY4rc0
— Melanie Woodrow (@MelanieWoodrow) February 19, 2016
Mayor Butt: "With this loss it is all the more important we continue investing in our residents."
— Melanie Woodrow (@MelanieWoodrow) February 19, 2016
Richmond Mayor Tom Butt now speaking: "It is with much sadness that we are gathered here today."
— Melanie Woodrow (@MelanieWoodrow) February 19, 2016
Officer Vegas procession into the auditorium pic.twitter.com/lGgrjxzEo6
— Melanie Woodrow (@MelanieWoodrow) February 19, 2016
Friends, family and brothers/sisters in blue beginning to fill the auditorium for Officer Vegas' service pic.twitter.com/QUZThOnQRm
— Melanie Woodrow (@MelanieWoodrow) February 19, 2016
Joe, who is a parent, also joked he doesn't know how his dad did it with 10. He truly was the family's superhero.
— Melanie Woodrow (@MelanieWoodrow) February 19, 2016
Officer Vegas' son Joe will deliver his father's eulogy today. Funeral begins at 10.
— Melanie Woodrow (@MelanieWoodrow) February 19, 2016
Last night Gus' son Joe and I talked about how Gus was at the hospital after the birth of each grandchild up to 20th as if it was his 1st
— Melanie Woodrow (@MelanieWoodrow) February 19, 2016
Gus' daughter Bianca recently told me that after her father's death, his 10 children realized he told each of them they were his "favorite"
— Melanie Woodrow (@MelanieWoodrow) February 19, 2016
More about Gus' life - "Our Superhero." @abc7newsBayArea pic.twitter.com/w0aglsHfSX
— Melanie Woodrow (@MelanieWoodrow) February 19, 2016
Honoring the Legacy - program for Officer Vegas funeral @abc7newsBayArea Gus' son Joe will deliver eulogy pic.twitter.com/NdoycIobmK
— Melanie Woodrow (@MelanieWoodrow) February 19, 2016
Sandra and Gus. Their son says "they had a great relationship." pic.twitter.com/h4k3J5BbV5
— Melanie Woodrow (@MelanieWoodrow) February 19, 2016
