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Higinio Elizondo Jr.

1937 - 2006

BORN

1937

DIED

2006

Higinio Elizondo Obituary

Higinio "Joe" Elizondo Jr., 69, a beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away Monday, Oct. 23, 2006.

Funeral: 2 p.m. Thursday at Shannon Rose Hill Funeral Chapel. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the ASPCA or Coastal Conservation Association of Texas.

Joe was a political and animal activist. He was active in the Hispanic community in Dallas-Fort Worth. Joe was a proud graduate of UT and retired from HUD after 33 years of service.

He worked for victims assistance for FEMA after Hurricane Katrina, was dedicated to volunteer work and was a substitute teacher. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors: Wife, Jan Elizondo; daughter, Kim Wilson and husband, Charles; son, Jeff Elizondo and wife, Susannah; daughter, Kristen Elizondo-Rainone and husband, Chris; grandchildren, Brighton, Jillian, Diego and Sophia; sisters, Mina Elizondo, Lilia Acevedo, Connie Melton and Blanca Doyle; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Star-Telegram on Oct. 25, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Higinio Elizondo

23 Entries

Chad Reeser

October 26, 2007

A year has passed, but the emptiness hasn't. I live too far away to put flowers on his grave, but another friend of his has made it possible for me to come again and say, dammitall, Joe, I miss you.

Robert Aleman

October 25, 2007

I wonder how many people are out there that are so much better for having known Higinio and his kind and gentle ways. Count me in.
May his legacy live on!!

Lydia Sandoval Brown

October 23, 2007

It has been a whole year but your memory is still in our hearts. We, your friends, still mention your name in our emails. Our prayers and love for you, Jan, and your family.

Jeff Elizondo

November 10, 2006

Thank you all so much for all of the kind words. I can't tell you how much we appreciate all of the stories, good wishes and kind words. I know that Dad would have been pleased to know he left such a positive mark on so many lives.

Dad's passion for politics and the environment is something that we can all learn from, even if we disagreed with him sometimes. He taught me to stand up for what I believe in no matter the cost - even if it meant making him angry! Fortunately, Dad was never upset that his children formed their own opinions on things. He encouraged us to think for ourselves and reject dogma while respecting others' viewpoints (unless they were George Bush's viewpoints, in which case disrespect was okay!).

Again, thank you all so much for taking the time to write. I feel like I got to know my Dad even better than I used to through the stories his friends tell and the impression he left on those he came into contact with. He'll always be alive in my genetics and personality - if you ever miss him, come hang out with me and drink some beer while we tell bad jokes and gripe about the government!

Frank X. Herrera

November 7, 2006

To Higinio's family and friends:
I sincerely feel the loss that you have suffered. I did not know Higinio personally, but met him through Classmates.Com and being from McAllen I knew a lot of the people he mentioned in his writings. I didn't always agree with his thoughts, but I truly respected him for them. He will be sorely missed. Frank X. Herrera
North Pole, Alaska, McHi Class of '51. Rest in peace, buddy.

Stefanie Wilson

October 30, 2006

I am so sorry to hear about Joe. I did not know him well, but I know Kim and how much I think of her. I always saw him with a huge smile on his face and always happy to be around his family. My prayers are with you all.

Vicente Zamora, Jr.

October 29, 2006

To the Family of Higinio Elizondo, Jr.:

I turned on my computer that morning wondering what joke Higinio might have sent me. I was shocked when I realized that he had passed away. So it is with much sadness that I express my condolences to you.

I have not seen Higinio since 1956 when he graduated. He sought me out several years ago because I am related to a frined of his. Since then we have kept in touch and we had planned to get together when I move to Texas. I will truely miss him and I will never forget him. My words may not be as eloquent but be assured that I truly admired and have the highest respect for him. I remain Higinio's friend.

Vicente Zamora, Jr.
Class of 1957

Geof Tait

October 28, 2006

Higinio, we're all going to miss your passion for life, and your enthusiasm for keeping America's ideals at the forefront of your ambitions. See you again on the side of the Free.

Robert Aleman

October 28, 2006

I regretfully never got to meet Higinio in person, even though he was like a best friend to me. Through emails we shared jokes, photos, experiences,views and ideologies. He once said we were cut from the same cloth(best compliment I've ever recieved). I am feeling a big void, as I always looked forward to talking to Higinio about my kids or my vacations, or just any humourous event. And their were the coincidences that we laughed about, and there were so many of them, it's almost sureal. I'll share one: One week last year, I went on vacation to Mexico and my mother-in-law hires a Mariachi for my birthday and requests that they play an old and obscure mexican song called "Cuatro Milpas", so I get back from my vacation and within days Higinio writes about going to a restruarant that same week and requesting "Cuatro Milpas" from the musicians, and that he was surprised that they actually knew the song. That's just one of so many coincidences that have come up.

My most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Higinio Elizondo, a truly unique and compassionate gentleman.

Que descances en paz, Higinio. Y muchas gracisas por tu amistad. Se despide tu amigo, Roberto Aleman.

Diego Torres

October 28, 2006

I remember the years at Sacred Heart and McHi. Didn't reconnect until 2003. He was an take charge guy with a pleasing personality. Well liked by all. I can just see him trying to organize a photo album for all the daparted friends.

My deepest sympathy to the family.
HIS MEMORY WILL LIVE ON.

Chad Reeser

October 28, 2006

Higinio was a brave and completely honorable man. He was passionate about everything he saw important, whether to his family and friends, or his State, Nation, and world environment. His passion made him appear as a modern day Don Quixote but, to me, he was un caballero con armadura brillante, and will always stand as an example for me.

Lydia Sandoval-Brown

October 28, 2006

Jan, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I am deeply saddened by Joe's passing. I will miss his emails,his courage to stand for his political convictions, and his passion on critical issues of conservation. I admired his love of you and family. He ignited a spark within me to be brave and become an activist for the common good. He will be missed but he will live in the hearts and memories of all who knew him.

pat/gary holtberg

October 27, 2006

Jan, during this difficult time, may you find comfort in God's love. We are sad that Joe is gone, but he will never be forgotten. He was an honoroble and honest man who loved you and his family. He was a loyal friend to all who knew him and was a pleasure to work with at HUD. We will miss his e-mails and updates on political and conservation issues of important and sometimes crucial interest. You and your family will be in our prayers and we will think of Joe fondly always. Pat & Gary Holtberg

Molinda Ellis

October 27, 2006

I am sorry for your loss

Mario & Alicia Trujillo

October 26, 2006

We are sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Lourdes Delapaz

October 25, 2006

I worked with Mr. Elizondo for one year at Diamond Hill Elementary where he was a subsitute teacher. I cannot express the sadness that I felt when I heard of his death. I was impressed and proud of his accomplishments along with a beautiful personality. I send my condolences and may GOD bless you for you were blessed (Im sure) to have him in your life!

Ben & Andrea Eby

October 25, 2006

Chris and Kristen, We are so sorry to hear of your sudden loss. You are both in our thoughts.

Laurie Bachorek

October 25, 2006

Kim, Jeff, Kristin, Jan - I just heard today and I am sitting in Austin helplessly wishing I could be there.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I hope to see you very soon, it has been too long.

Natalie Holmes

October 25, 2006

Dear Jan and Family,

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Please know that our prayers are with you. Natalie, Johnnie and Elizabeth Holmes

Your friends at GSA

October 25, 2006

Our thoughts are with you and your family, Jan.

Sharon Shumate

October 25, 2006

I worked briefly with Joe at HUD in the late 1960's and still remember him as kind, gentle, and very dedicated. Jan, my prayers are with you and your family.

Chuck Cole

October 25, 2006

Sorry to hear about your loss Chris. My prayers are with you and your family.

Sharon Hutchison

October 24, 2006

We have fond memories of Joe for over twenty years. He was one of the kindest people we have ever been privileged to know. The world is a better place for many people because of him. Our hearts go out to all of you -- Jan, the kids, the grandkids, and other family members. He lived well and left his mark. He will be missed. Sharon and Troy

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