David Ballesteros

David was a dear friend who helped countless students and colleagues in higher education. I was fortunate to have befriended David for many years and will always remember him as a kind and caring person. May he Rest In Peace.

David served as a mentor and advisor as I founded the National Latino Research Center and as I established myself in California after spending several years in the Midwest. He was a true advocate for Latinos and for Latino education and success. I will miss his presence. My condolence to Dolores and the rest of the family.

I was very lucky to be in Mr. Ballesteros' Spanish class at Helix. He told us, on Day1 of Spanish 1, that if we were stranded in a Spanish speaking country, we would become tired and hungry and would therefore learn the language very quickly. To that end, he explained, we would never again hear him speak English and he never wanted to hear us speak English in his presence. Then he enforced that rule diligently, even at football games and dances. He made us sing Besame Mucho in class, all of...

We lost a great friend, but the universe received a new beautiful star. My condolences to the Ballesteros family.

Uncle Dave, in addition to having a GREAT name, you were an inspiration to many, due to your many accomplishments. Thanks to you and Dolores for hosting our family and continuing to stay in touch over the years. Please tell my dad and my other awesome aunts and uncles that we send our everlasting love! P.S. They say there is baseball in Heaven, so I hope you pitch well this weekend!!! :)

Uncle Dave, in addition to having a GREAT name, you were inspiring to so many in your accomplishments, especially considering where the family started from. Thank you for keeping in touch over the years and to you and Dolores for hosting our family. I am so glad I got to see you both recently! Rest in peace and please tell my dad and other uncles & aunts we send our everlasting love!

Dolores and family, David introduced our little campus to Mexico during our grand trip to Guanajuato. He was a great promoter of cross border cultural understanding, and I appreciate that. Take care, Rich and Estela Ryan