Eliseo Hernandez Memorial

Long-time Laguna Beach resident Eliseo Hernandez passed away Thursday, October 23, 2008 due to complications of brain surgery.

He was active on the City of Laguna Beach HIV Advisory Committee and a volunteer for the Laguna Beach Community Clinic (LBCC), No Square Theater, Galimoufry Theater, Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce, Laguna Shanti, AIDS Services Foundation and Shanti of Orange County.

Dr. Tom Bent MD of the Laguna Beach Community Clinic said “I am devastated by the loss of this dedicated Clinic supporter. He was a consummate ‘Welcoming Committee” at our Clinic events. His friendly demeanor and social skills made people glad they came.” Sadness was bearly palpable when the news of his passing reached Clinic staff on Thursday afternoon.” Dennis Junka, a long-time friend, commented, “Many in Laguna will miss his help and his good humor; I certainly will.”

Eliseo was born February 25, 1937 in Chihuahua Mexico and had a career in the travel industry where he worked for various airline companies, including Air California and American Airlines. He also worked at Junka Bear Illustrations (Dennis Junka’s booth) at the Sawdust Art Festival for the past 16 years.

His family hosted an impromptu gathering at Heisler Park Thursday afternoon. A memorial celebration will be held at Heisler Park on Thursday, November 6 at 4:’clock near the foot of Myrtle Street.