Carlos Guerra Obituary

Carlos Guerra, a former columnist for the San Antonio Express-News who began his career as a civil rights activist, grants writer and fundraiser, was found dead Monday inside a Port Aransas condominium.

After Guerra had failed to check out on time from the one-bedroom condo he had been renting on Mustang Island, a housekeeper found his body about 1 p.m. in the bedroom, said Lt. Darryl Johnson of the Port Aransas Police Department. There were no obvious signs of trauma or foul play.

He had been staying at the fourth-floor residence at the Casa Condominiums while on a fishing getaway. He had reportedly been feeling ill and had seen a doctor last week, a friend said.

His cause of death was not immediately known, and police said his body was taken to the Nueces County medical examiner's office.

Guerra, 63, who retired last year, was an outspoken advocate for increased access to higher education, environmental issues and Latino participation in government and politics. A journalist for many years, he joined the San Antonio Light in 1991 as a columnist. When the paper folded two years later, he was hired by the Express-News, and his face and prose quickly became a staple of the Metro section. His last column was published Sept. 12, 2009.

In San Antonio, news of his death quickly spread on Facebook and among his former colleagues, who remembered his spirit.

"Carlos was a pioneer - a high-profile Latino columnist when there were very, very few to be found in U.S. newspapers, someone who lacked formal journalism training but compensated with a passion for the underdog and a determination to be a voice for the voiceless," said Express-News Editor Robert Rivard, who was a senior editor at the Light, where Guerra was first hired.

"He was a fierce advocate for better education opportunities for Mexican Americans," Rivard continued, "and other underserved communities long before such system reforms became a common cause."

At the time of his death, Guerra was in the midst of reinventing himself in the public relations field, several friends said.

This fall, he was front and center at an event in which he was roasted and toasted in the name of a scholarship fund named for him, to be endowed at his alma mater, Texas A&M University-Kingsville. More than $10,000 has been raised for scholarships that will benefit first-generation South Texas college students, a cause close to him.

"One of the last messages I got from him," said friend and business associate Pancho Velasquez, "was that he went to a doc in the box and that he had some upper respiratory problems."

His last Facebook posting was Saturday, and his final commentaries on NewsTaco.com, were about the need for immigration reform and about students at the University of Texas at San Antonio on a hunger strike for the DREAM Act, which would offer illegal immigrants brought to the United States as children a path to citizenship.

A youth leader in the early days of the Chicano civil rights movement, Guerra was born in Robstown.

His father was an educator. His mother was believed to be one of the first Hispanic graduates of Texas A&I University, now A&M-Kingsville.

"We always looked at Carlos as a role model," Velasquez said. "From the days at A&I, he always had an interest in the history of Tejanos. He knew our history,"

His parents owned a Mexican restaurant in Robstown, said longtime friend and former teacher Charles Cotrell, president of St. Mary's University. Guerra learned culinary skills there as well as sign language from one of its cooks, who was deaf.

Described as an exceptional student, Guerra became involved in two key political organizations, the Mexican American Youth Organization and the Raza Unida Party.

As national chairman of MAYO, he led a delegation to the 1970 Los Angeles Moratorium Riots against the Vietnam War and the disproportionate number of Chicano soldiers put on the front lines.

"He was in the thick of it," said Mario Compean, a Raza Unida founder who now teaches citizenship to immigrants.

"There wasn't a civil rights issue in Texas that didn't get Carlos' imprint," said Velasquez, with whom he was working in a public relations venture called En Contacto Communications.

In his work for MAYO, whose leaders chartered public service organizations such as the Mexican American Unity Council, he became a grants writer and became acquainted with national foundations.

"He was a major fundraiser," said friend and artist Cesar Martinez, who worked with Guerra at the Texas Institute for Educational Development, which raised money for Hispanic-serving programs in San Antonio.

In 1972, Guerra worked on the Democratic gubernatorial campaign of Sissy Farenthold, who lost to Dolph Briscoe.

Two years later, he served as campaign manager for Ramsey Muñiz's second race for governor on the Raza Unida ticket.

It all began in college.

"He was a very outspoken leader on campus," said Compean, and he was regarded as controversial for speaking publicly about racism, segregation and housing discrimination in Kingsville and on campus.

That gained him a distinction: "He was burned in effigy."

"He was a public intellectual," Cotrell said. "He understood the urban system well and the political underpinnings of San Antonio and South Texas."

"He spoke to urban issues that effected minorities," Velasquez said, adding that Guerra also had "a story for everything. I'm going to miss him so much."

Late Monday, four cars were in the parking lot of the Casa Condominiums. Among them was Guerra's red and gray mini-wagon.

Since retiring, he often spent time on the coast, detailing on Facebook his fishing expeditions and gourmet meals he would cook from scratch.

Luke Gonzalez, 25, the night desk clerk at the condominiums, said Guerra would often share stories of his fishing excursions, sometimes going on for hours. He also would talk about his work and his writing, which he continued to do while on the coast.

Survivors include a daughter, Alexa, who lives in California. Funeral arrangements were pending.

Published by San Antonio Express-News on Dec. 8, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Carlos Guerra

Not sure what to say?





118 Entries

RIP CG, my star, my perfect silence.

Cheech Marin

March 30, 2016

RIP Mr Guerra .

joe m.

January 5, 2015

I will always remember you from meeting you at Del Mar College in Corpitos, later w/ Raza Unida and when I worked w/ you at Roberto Guerra's Law Office. Carnal you were an inspiration to me and many other Chicanos. Te Wacho.

Riche Lee Garza

August 28, 2012

May God bless Carlos. Him and his brother were raised down the street from me on Main st. in Robstown. He left his mark in S.Texas journalism. We still longed for so many more columns or books from him with his views. So bad he died. Again, may God bless him.
Friends,

Benito (Ben) S. Garza

April 21, 2011

So sad to see him go. I know he had a heart for the people of San Antonio. May God bless his family during this difficult time.

Leticia Castillo

March 7, 2011

I met Carlos Guerra twenty years ago when as a young journalist I moved to San Antonio from NYC. I admired his wit and talent as a reporter, as well as his column.
I live in Switzerland now and have just found out about his death.
He was one of the good ones!
Gracias Carlos. Descansa en paz.

Laila Rodriguez

January 25, 2011

Guys like Carlos Guerra make us latinos PROUD. I never met the man in the "Picture" but, he sure did put his stamp on this Earth. God bless his Family, and i hope our Youth can recognize a true Man by his deeds and accomplishments. RIP CARLOS

Joe Garcia

January 1, 2011

What a loss to family and his readers and listeners. I never met him but just like Henry Guerra's voice or James Earl Jones, Mr Carlos Guerra was the voice. En Paz decanse y que Dios te reciba and Su Reino!

Anita Figueroa-Dean

January 1, 2011

The world needs more people like Carlos Guerra.

He is in very good company. . . John Kennedy, Bobby Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Jr., Henry B. Gonzalez, and many, many more, who stood up for what is RIGHT !

DANNY GONZALES

December 27, 2010

Good bye Carlos, will miss you. (Walnut Creek, California)

December 22, 2010

GOD BLESS YOU, CARLOS GUERRA!! YOU'RE IN OUR PRAYERS--KEEP IN TOUCH FROM HEAVEN'S COLUMN, OKAY?
SINCERELY YOUR ADMIRERS,
Gino VonPierre & son, Mark A.VonPierre

December 21, 2010

Such a truly good person who embodied the best of the human spirit will be sorely missed.

Kay Ford

December 19, 2010

Que en paz descanses nuestro amigo.

Leticia

December 19, 2010

Carrrrloos,

I along with countless other people read your column faithfully and finally one day I met you at the famous "Cadillac Bar" in downtown San Antonio where I waited tables. We became very good friends. You and Jesse Medina, the owner/my boss, would always get a "kick" of how I would tend tables and dance with my customers either on the dance floor or around their table. You nicknamed me "El Mesero Bailarin" and would ask me, "Toño, de donde sacas tanta energia?" (from where do you get all that energy?). I would simply answer, FROM INSIDE, the same place you get your Passion to speak for us, the little people.

We had many good laughs at the Cadillac. Thank you for the friendship and the consejos. Muchas Gracias AMIGO .......

Descansa en Paz Carrrloos .....

Antonio "Toño" Longoria
El Mesero Bailarin

December 16, 2010

It is so sad to read about Carlos, Alexa. Condoles to you and the rest of the family. Carlos was a good man to many! May he be in a better place documenting what he held dear to his heart - living life - to the best of your abilities! Carlos Guerra, may your spirit rest in peace and thank you for all you have done towards humanity, gracias.

Diana Lopez Axthelm

December 16, 2010

An incredible man, a great Democrat, a dedicated activist. A man who truly lived and acted on his beliefs. Goodbye/Adios to a great man.

Madeleine Dewar

December 16, 2010

Mr. Guerra's column was the first thing I looked at in the Express-News. When he left the paper, I had fewer reasons to read it. Carlos Guerra was one of my heros because he said what he thought and he got things done.

Stevan Hawkins

December 15, 2010

God bless his spirit and his family. He was such an inspiration - he never forgot where he came from - and lived his politics with such conviction and pride. I'll always appreciate how he helped me when I brought an art exhibit to San Antonio for my doctoral work at Columbia. I am also from Robstown and he made it clear how he values community - and wished for every Chicana/Chicano/Mexican/Mexican-American to realize his/her own dreams and goals. The best we can do to honor his memory is to continue that work...Rest in Peace Carlos Guerra

Nova Gutierrez

December 13, 2010

My prayers are with his family. I know he is in a better place now. I didnt know him personally but i did work at the Express News for a brief period of time and saw him come in every day and he seemed like a wonderful and careing person. Rest in Peace Me Guerra

Diana Cardenas

December 13, 2010

Even thou I didnt know you I read your srticles all the times. Rest in Peace and God Bless your Family.

Sincerely
MsCruz

Maria Cruz

December 13, 2010

Thank You and Rest In Peace

Charles and Aurora Cuellar

December 12, 2010

Our deepest condolences to the family of a great Mexicano…. “Carlos Guerra”.

Carlos’s journeys were many to which he cross paths in various cultures of life, placing him with his passion and warrior strife for his unidos.

“Pursue Education”, is the strife we personally shared with Carlos in our voices, our energy and love of our raza in joining forces to set out to accomplish, the dreams of our youths...

Both my husband and I met Carlos in the 80’s when Tejano Music gave birth and together we utilized the growth of our local musicians and area of opportunities in fundraisers for the education of our young Raza.

Thank you for your perseverance, forceful leadership to our future Raza Successors…

Your gift to us is your legacy……”VIDA DULCE”

Hondo Y Diana Medina

Carlos said it better:

Cuando pesco, asombra cómo el pez tiene la libertad de nadar y vivir cualquiera donde en el mundo, como debemos también
Translation:
When I am fishing, it is amazing how the fish have the freedom to swim and live any where in the world, as we should too.

Hondo Y Diana Medina

December 12, 2010

As a Mexican American born in the 60's Carlos, your struggle to break the restraints of inequality within our state, made my struggle and that of many others, a little bit easier. Thank you for your strength to endure the good fight. Thank you for your contribution to better the world.

John Anthony Salazar

December 12, 2010

My Prayers are with your daughter and family and my son Reggie James from Comsumer Union thought you was the greatest.Rest in Peace. Inez James S.A.texas

Inez James

December 12, 2010

Rest in Peace Carlos. Your passion and wisdom will be missed.I feel privileged to have known you.

Joe Morin

December 11, 2010

A great San Antonioan whom I saw at many environmental functions throughout the city. He was always there to discuss the issues and I very much admired his knowledge and wisdon.

Bill Hurley

December 11, 2010

My compadre Carlos:
I will miss you buddy. You were a class act. I will wear that pin you gave me to your memorial that says, "Do I look illegal?"
Judge Steve Walker

Steve Walker

December 11, 2010

I was shocked to see the Carlos Guerra article on his life. I had no idea he had passed. My condolences and prayers are with his daughter, his friends and colleagues. I often read his articles and never met him or knew him personally but I remember reading his articles and I believe he wrote with integrity about issues that matter most.

Yvonne

December 11, 2010

I heard Carlos speak at an event at Palo Alto College once to encourage students to stay in school and learn all that they possibly could. I remember he said that a professor in Kingsville had taught him how to do math. He explained how grateful he was to that teacher, because Carlos knew that understanding math was power and that he would never be taken advantage of when he bought a car or a house because he knew how to figure the interest rate! I also remember seeing Carlos at the Tejano Conjunto Festival in Rosedale Park not long after I'd seen him at Palo Alto College, and I loved watching him glide around the dance floor. That man could dance! His face was lit up, and I could see that he was having the time of his life. Carlos spoke truth to the powerful and encouraged those in power to do what was right. San Antonio and South Texas has suffered a great loss with his passing.

Denise Barkis Richter

December 11, 2010

Hermano,

We crossed the Rubicon, the river of no return, and I was proud to march at your side. You were always elegant in your demeanor and and your wise words will be your legacy to those you leave behind.

Vaya con Dios
Albert Pena

Albert Pena

December 10, 2010

One of the things I remember about Carlos is that he always wore really big shoes. During the last couple of years, the shoes just seemed to keep getting bigger and bigger. Perhaps he needed a firm anchor as his steps began to falter.

Of the many times that he accompanied me to the sites of various disasters around the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone, (and to sites of potential disasters that he helped to avert), I recall most vividly Carlos stepping his way through raw sewage at a spill at 281 and Evans Road. He had on these really nice loafers, which I suspect had to be discarded after that foray into a particularly smelly instance of aquifer abuse. But, the resulting column was priceless.

I am so grateful to Carlos for the many stories he initiated on our behalf. He was often the first on the scene, and the first to show that someone “important” cared about the various issues that our water and hill country activists are so passionate about. Folks were thrilled have their stories featured in his columns in the San Antonio Express News. Carlos was always able to hit just the right note, and the remedies he recommended reflected keen common sense underlined delectably with wit and irony.

As wonderful as they were to read, the best thing about Carlos’ columns is that they got things done. Because of his many years of pointing out the stupid things being done in our region, our water and our world are less sullied.

It is my sincere hope that, out of the many young people who Carlos mentored over the course of his career, someone will step up who can fill his shoes.

Thank you, Carlos. You will be greatly missed.

Annalisa Peace

December 10, 2010

So long dear friend. We were part of a renewal that brought change to every chicano/a. Say hello to all our friends that are there to greed you. We will all be together one day. Tu Amigo Ramon Vasquez y Sanchez

December 10, 2010

Gracias por todo ! Siempre un amigo.

Alberto G. Gallegos

December 10, 2010

Dearest Alexa,

Your father added so much joy to my life and to my 7-month-old daughter Nevada's world. I have emails that that I would like to share with you ~ things Carlos wrote to me about his feelings on love, music, and education. He was so proud of you as you already know. I can feel him with me in spirit as I hope you do. Sending you prayers for peace and comfort, knowing that he is shining down upon all of us. PS. The photo I added was taken the weekend of October 23, 2010, here in Austin, by your father.

With much love,
Patricia Potyka
and baby Nevada
Austin, Texas

Patricia Potyka

December 10, 2010

Creo que todos te debemos una multitud de gracias por compartir tu historia con nosotros a lo mismo que lo bonito que convivimos. Ya vez, eres bien admirado y como platicamos en aquellos años, lastima que se nos pasa el tiempo pero aun así, espero tu pronto regreso a esta gran lucha ..... gracias.

chayo

December 10, 2010

You will be missed my friend your Metro Column was the reason i read the Express-News REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND!

ARMANDO AGUIRRE

December 9, 2010

Mr.Guerra i always enjoyed reading your Metro Colum it was the reason i bought the News,You will be Missed Dearly Rest In Peace my Friend..

Armando Aguirre

December 9, 2010

I will never forget your rich stories amigo. Thank you for being my friend for all these years. God bless you.

Hector Galan

December 9, 2010

El Sonador (Soniador). I hope you somehow hear that the "Dream Act" has passed. I hope all of us do. You always took the time to e-mail me back and for that I am very grateful. All of us mattered to you. I consider you the greatest example y "Lo Mejor de lo Nuestro". Dios bendiga a tu apraciable familia y que en paz descanses.

Noel Perez

December 9, 2010

Querido Primo,
The beauty of an extended family is the different personalities within its members. You brought to our family that inquisitive and challenging personality that so many of us wish we had. Muchas gracias por todos tus comentarios sobre nuestra familia a traves de tus escritos. Que descanses en paz.

Enrique Ramirez, Jr.

December 9, 2010

i enjoyed reading your stories carlos. thank you from the bottom of my heart................all of me..............roman

roman de la luz

December 9, 2010

Carlos, you were a great prophet. May all of us remember your challenging words. Rest in peace my dear brother. You will be missed.

Edward Bernal

December 8, 2010

Cheryl Emerson

December 8, 2010

Carlos, my friend, you will be missed.

Lisa Marie Gomez

December 8, 2010

Rest in peace my friend. Y muchas gracias por todo, tu humilde servidor.

Raul Tovar Jr

December 8, 2010

A truly insightful, honest, and meaningful journalist. He will be missed, but his work will live on forever in the lives he touched.

Harry Chavez

December 8, 2010

I often would read Carlos Guerra's column in the past and enjoyed his viewpoint. I especially appreciated when he gave his support to efforts to prevent a large development company from ruining the environment and the peace and quiet out here in the Hwy. 16 and Park Road 37 area. It was a David against Goliath kind of situation, I think. Thanks to Mr. Guerra and many others who wrote about or spoke publicly about the disastrous situation that could occur if the Hills of Castle Rock were put in according the reckless ideas the developers had. Thanks to Mr. Guerra and others, that didn't happen. He was a man who touched many lives through his columns and his support of many worthy causes. My condolences to his family, friends and all who knew him well.

L. W. Williams

December 8, 2010

I loved Carlos' stories. He and I corresponded a few times via e-mails. We shared a love of South Texas and family. We reminisced about Realitos, TX. Few people know where that is, but Carlos and I knew, and appreciated it. We will miss him.

Jeanette Knopp Koger
Fredericksburg, TX

Jeanette Koger

December 8, 2010

He was the ultimate best, not just for the hispanic community but for all of us. loved your piece in the paper. May you rest in pesce. You will always be remembered.

Judy Schillick

December 8, 2010

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Rolando S. Webber

December 8, 2010

Texas and the nation have lost a unique person with a fantastic set of values! He brought great personal insight, scholarly research, and logical presentation to his ideas. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Al Cervera

December 8, 2010

I always liked reading your columns. You were really the only one who seemed to "get" the power structures that inform the daily lives of those in need, of those who are ignored, or treated as disposable. After you left the paper, we decided to cancel it for a while--what was the point without you? We need so many more with your vision and passion.

Patty

December 8, 2010

Carlos my neighbor you will be missed..there is an emptiness that fills the hallway as I enter these last few days.. I'm expecting to run into you.. you always knew how to strike up a good conversation. Thanks for always being attentive to me as your neighbor and my dogs, they will surely miss you too. Home will not be the same. -No.3

E. Gonzalez

December 8, 2010

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

December 8, 2010

We will miss you and I will never forget you. I listened to my saved voice mails and i hear your voice saying, "Lorrri, it's me Carrrrlos!" You were such an inspiration to me and I am so thankful to have kown you and to know that at anytime, i could pick up the phone and say, "Hola Carlos!" Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! Besitos, mi amigo!

Lori Ann Castillo

December 8, 2010

Carlos, it was with great interest and joy I read your many insightful words. San Antonio is a much better community because of your wisdom and compassion. Rest in Peace, Mi Amigo. Mahalo!

Rodolfo Villalpando

December 8, 2010

Carlos you will be missed..even though I really did not know you...I respected your views on human rights...rest in peace my face book friend...

Doris Wachtel

December 8, 2010

Hello Alexa,
I had the privilege of meeting your father when he would pick you up from the Katherine Ryan Center. I remember very clearly when you would run to him and you would yell "daddy" and when you saw him your face was brighter than the sun. My condolences to you and your family. Sincerely, Ms. Estella your KRC teacher. Please call me at 547-3012.

December 8, 2010

Thanks for giving me confidence when you printed my short essay on traditional neighborhood stores almost 30 years ago- bob tagle

bob tagle

December 8, 2010

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

Dolores Saffeels Nichols

December 8, 2010

Carlos, it was a joy to have known you. I'll miss our food talk on Facebook as well as your wit and wisdom du jour. Thank you for giving so freely of yourself to make this world a better place. Your words shall live on forever. With much love, RIP.

Michelle Trevino Reynolds

December 8, 2010

Familia Guerra,
De parte de todo pueblo Chicano, les quierro dar las gracias por su hijo-Carlos- que dedico toda su vida para luchar encontra el opresor. Gracias Carlos.
Carlos gracias por tu esquina y de Lupe Youngblood en nuestros esfuerzos de la Raza Unida Party y Familias Unidas en Robe.
Carlos, ahora ya estas con los grandes revolucionarios, ayudanos a siguir firmes en nuestros esfuerzos para preparar nuestra juventud y nuestra gente para ser militantes como tu lo eras.
Coraje y Justicia,
Jose M. Villarreal
Robe, Tejas, Aztaln

December 8, 2010

We will miss you, but never forget you. Thanks for the many hours of reading your columns and your friendship on Facebook, enjoyed the laughs we shared. God Bless you Mr. Guerra for all you did to see that the youth of south Texas further their education through your sholarship fund and your care and concern for San Antonio.

Arthur Valdez

December 8, 2010

Fue un privilegio haberlo conocido y servido con el en MAYO y la Raza Unida desde los 60's. Su muerte deja un gran hueco entre las voces que siempre se elevavan en defensa de nuestra gente.
Su periodismo y puntos de vista para mi fueron cosa de gran admiracion.
DEP Hermano (+)

Amancio Chapa

December 8, 2010

A la familia de Carlos,
Les acompano su sentimiento.
A Carlos, mis sineras gracias por tu obra y dedicacion al movimiento Chicano, desde los dias de Mayo hasta el presente. Gracias a ti y a Lupe por toda la esquina en Robe, y por nuestros esfuerzos en Familias Unidas. Fuistes un buen organizador y orador, y luchaste por la verdad, eso es lo que cuente. Ahora ya estas con los grandes revolucionarios, sique gillanos en nuestra lucha Carlos, nos faltan muchas batallas.
Viva Carlos Guerra!
Jose M. Villarreal
Robe, Aztlan

December 8, 2010

Rest in peace-you did much for SanAntonio.Mary E.Martinez

December 8, 2010

"Only for a moment, we're here only for a moment..." Old Aztec proverb. But yours was a great moment.

December 8, 2010

"Only for a moment, we're here only for a moment..." Old Aztec proverb, but yours was a great moment.

David

December 8, 2010

ADIOS! Es la despedida mas apropiada que te puedo brindar Carlos porque se que vas directamente al cielo. Put in a good word for me!

Abel Ortiz

December 8, 2010

Texas has lost one of its truest voices and hearts for the common people, and especially for children. Carlos was one of a kind in his passion and his eloquence, and though that voice is silenced, we are all enriched by his having been among us. Qué te vaya bien, amigo mio.

Ben Sargent

December 8, 2010

Carlos, thank you for always responding to our requests to talk about education, injustices in the Rio Grande Valley and South Texas and how the people themselves could right those injustices. You will be missed for your passion and your friendship.

Brenda Lee Huerta

December 8, 2010

Thank you for taking my call that one time and listening to my concerns about my son and my dilemma. You did not even know me or my son, but listened intensely and discussed with me your thoughts. You will be missed. :(

Yvette Ramirez

December 8, 2010

RIP Carlos.

Kathy Platt

December 8, 2010

Condolences to the family! Carlos thanks for all your words of wisdom and the visits we had. You will be missed by many friends and family. May God Bless You & Family!

Bobby Herrera

December 8, 2010

Carlos, I met you as a student at Texas A & I University in Kingsville in 1972 when I was a student and just beginning to immerse myself into the Chicano Movement. Your words at that time and your work throughout the years will always been an inspiration as we continue forging towards "a un nuevo amanecer". Rogelio T. Nunez, San Benito, Texas

December 8, 2010

Que Dios te bendiga, hermano. Thanks for the many inspirational words you wrote and I read as a young kid and young adult. Your words have reached and influenced generations of latinos and chicanos. God Bless you and your family.

A Lopez

December 8, 2010

I will always Treasure your Friendship and your great advise given on my Dad's former Magazine "Calaveras"..You will always be Remembered in our Household as a "True friend"... Agape My Brother.......Moises Espino Jr.y Familia..............

MOISES ESPINO JR.

December 8, 2010

Carlitos,

It wasn't enough to be drinkin' buddies, crazed adversaries & spectacular friends since we sat next to each other at Salute International Bar on St. Mary's Street nearly 25 years ago. Now who will call me in the middle of the night to plot the takeover?

Know that the Coastal Bend Young Democrats will still honor you with a Golden Pen Award next week on December 16th. You & I were already planning our excuses for an early escape that night...I didn't know how early.

Travel well my friend.
Hasta!

La Lisa

P.S. Please disregard my harrassing voice messages from Sunday; I just wanted to share a laugh and find out where to send your invitation.

Lisa Hernandez

December 8, 2010

My dear Carlos, May you rest in Heaven. I will miss your witty emails and your "force" in this world. God threw away the pattern when He made you!

Peggy N Milner

December 8, 2010

Carlos: May you RIP old amigo!

Roger Borroel

December 8, 2010

Carlos --

You were passionate about education, especially for the underpriviledged, and for social justice. We will miss you wit, your wisdom, your friendship, and your strong voice for social justice. ¡Vaya con Dios, amigo!

Bob Wise

December 8, 2010

Senor Guerra, I was struck dumb Monday when I heard of your death. We were becoming friends and camerades, from a distance, in the struggle for human rights and the future of our young people. Your mind and heart seemed to know no limit. Love you.

Anne Brace

December 8, 2010

You will be missed. Rest In Peace.

Mary Davila

December 8, 2010

Carlos my dear friend, I am shocked that you left us at such an early age. I remember when we were both members of the San Antonio Press Club , back in 1988, hanging out at the Gunter Hotel bar, the Upper Level Muldoons until almost 2:00 in the morning then you wanted to go to breakfast and continue your great stories and there were many. Then in the years that had past, we would run into each other at Central Market, and you would give me an outstanding snap salute, and I would return the salute and say," at ease" we would laugh then I'd hear more of your stories, which were always great. I am going to miss you my friend for I am a better person for having been able to call you my friend, my fellow scotch drinker, and a real buddy some one that would take the time to visit every time we would run into each other. Have a good rest Carlos, you have earned it.

Steve Mattick

December 8, 2010

needless to say ,i was a big fan of his column for many years,he had a way with words and exposed many people that were doing wrong and right, i sure miss his column ,we were not related,,bud my grand family were pioneers in San Antonio from Meir Mexico, till we meet again rest in peace,Carlos Guerra

Raul ,Narciso Guerra

December 8, 2010

Carlitos, I will miss our late night chats on FB and looking forward to your comments and input on life. Tu si eres un "hijo del pueblo" y jamas seras olvidado. Your voice has become silent but your words will forever live... Que en paz descanses Carlitos. ~Rose Lopez Camacho~

December 8, 2010

Carlos, dear friend that you were and mentor in my life, the precious
memories will help to carry on...Your contributions to society either through your Wisdom or your love for Children will never be forgotten.
You lived your Dream and as a result allowed others to do the same ... Vaya Con Dios, Carlitos .... Blessings, Love, and Peace ...

Sylvia Croley

December 8, 2010

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

carlos vargas

December 7, 2010

You will always be remembered! Thank you for all the great things you did!

G Palomino

December 7, 2010

Carlos thanks to your words of wisdom, I will be graduating from OLLU. I sadly reflect on the knowledge that you will not be present at the graduation, I know you will be there in spirit front row.
Gracias por tu palabras de apoyo. fuistes un gran amigo. Que Dios te Bendiga. Y Adelante siempre Adelante

Luis Saldaña

December 7, 2010

Sorry to hear about Carlos and my respect to his family. He was a frequent visitor to Laredo not only during the Raza Unida days but also several years ago when he was recognized by Laredo LULAC Council #12 as one of South Tejas Tejano Achievers. RIP

Adolfo "Popo" Gonzalez

December 7, 2010

Sin pelos en la lengua. That's probably going to be my most enduring memory of Carlos -- the way he spoke honestly with great conviction, putting a premium on unvarnished truth. In a world of pretension, double speak and code phrases, this was a rare attribute. Personally, I'll miss our long conversations and the times I'd make him laugh. To hear Carlos laugh was to hear a man in love with life. I'll miss you, old friend.

Tony Cantu

December 7, 2010

Carlos, you were an important part of my formative years at St. Mary's Univ. Although we never met, your columns helped me realize how important it is that we prioritize education in South Texas. You will not be forgotten. God bless you.

G. Pardo

December 7, 2010

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

Henry Farias

December 7, 2010

Carlos...you are a giant . Your advocacy of advanced Hispanic educational opportunity will continue to grow with the Carlos Guerra Scholarship established at Texas A/M Kingsville; From your fervent fight for Hispanic political parity in your early days with La Raza Unida, to your pursuit of social and economic justice in your valued years as a San Antonio Express columnist, you inspired us all to live a better life. Thank you for being my friend. Thank you for your humor, and for your love and devotion of our state and nation. Your life's work will continue to inspire and motivate us all.

Ruben Bonilla

December 7, 2010

Carlos,

You will always be remembered as a key figure in motivating Chicano youth throughout Texas to strive for justice and equality. Your role as a leader of the Chicano Movement made a difference to all of us who struggled for a better tomorrow para LA RAZA.

Carlos y Lile Quirino, Lubbock,Texas

Carlos Quirino

December 7, 2010

Thanks Carlos for all your stories, both the serious and lighthearted, and especially bringing back memories for many of us of the mercado in Nuevo Laredo, that fortune telling canary and the big green parrot.

Bill Armstrong

December 7, 2010

Miss your column, Carlos, though we didn't always agree w/you 100%. It's a shame you didn't hardly get to enjoy your retirement. Rest in peace with God our Lord--Que Dios te tenga en su Santo Reino.

ROSA FLORES

December 7, 2010

To the Family of Carlos Guerra. God Bless You all. I met Carlos in 1974 in Corpus Christi and was very impressed by his Passion and Desire for Our Community. Every Project I saw him involved in he was always the most committed. We mourn the loss but remember the Man. Thank You Carlos from all who loved and respected You.
The Davila Family.

Roy Davila

December 7, 2010

Carlos
You always fought for the underdog way back when I met you, even though I had not kept up with you in later years personally, I knew you were still there to spread the word for the people who had no one else to speak for them, may God bless you and may you rest in peace.

Jose M Montes

December 7, 2010

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