Carlos Solis Obituary

May 15, 1945 - December 25, 2024 Carlos Solis passed away on Christmas Day, 2024, due to complications from diabetes. Born in 1945 in Managua, Nicaragua, Carlos was the eldest of four children. In 1951, his family relocated to Los Angeles, where he graduated from Loyola High School. Carlos pursued higher education at the University of San Francisco, earning a Bachelor of Arts with honors in 1967 and a law degree, also with honors, in 1969.
Carlos enjoyed a distinguished legal career. In 1969, he joined the Los Angeles-based law firm Kindel & Anderson, where he advanced from Litigation Associate to Partner. In 1996, he joined the Heller Ehrman law firm from which he retired in 2006.
A dedicated community leader, Carlos served on the boards of dozens of organizations including the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, the American Diabetes Association, Greater Los Angeles United Way, American Red Cross, Associates of the UCLA Latin American Center, March of Dimes, Los Angeles Public Theatre Foundation, and the Young Musicians Foundation. In 1985, he was honored with the Los Angeles Mayor's Certificate of Appreciation for his contributions.
Carlos had an insatiable passion for travel, visiting over 120 countries throughout his life, always ready to set off "at a drop of the hat." He delighted in exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations and sought unique, authentic experiences. He shared his adventures with family and friends through his always eloquent, always witty newsletters.
Above all, Carlos cherished his wife, Denise, whom he met on a blind date arranged by his law associate Ann Park in 2001. The couple married in 2005 and built a loving life together in Pasadena. Carlos embraced his role as a stepfather and grandfather with joy and devotion, creating lasting memories with his extended family.
An exceptionally gifted orator, Carlos will be remembered for his generous spirit, sharp intellect, love of a good argument, and unwavering dedication to his loved ones, colleagues, and community. His enthusiasm for life and friendship, his dedication to community, and his inspirational optimism and perseverance will be missed by all who knew him.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Denise, his stepchildren, David (Pamela), Alita, and Matthew (Serena); his step-grandchildren, Alani, Marin, David, Luke, and Liv; his siblings, Javier (Judy), Yvonne (Ben), and Maureen (Greg), and his numerous nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his parents Carlos Sr. and Luisa.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association.

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

Published by Los Angeles Times on Jan. 5, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Carlos Solis

10 Entries

Bob Ellis

August 23, 2025

He will surely missed, Carlos and his brother and I use to play basketball together as well as other adventures. We had a great time as teenagers. I was able to visit him a few years back at his home in Pasadena and it was a great visit. Met his wife and spent a few hours with my old friend. We stayed in touch by phone and email. Carlos and Javier were great friends and it saddens me greatly to hear of his passing. I do hope to hear from Javier some day soon. Carlos is one of those rare people that you just never forget.

Bruce McIntosh

August 19, 2025

Carlos was my first Resident Assistant when I arrived at USF in 1966. He encouraged my decision to apply to Law School and gave wise counsel when I became an RA myself.

My wife, Susan, knew Carlos from her days with the Los Angeles Junion chamber of Commerce before she and I married in 1982.

Carlos was always a great listener and always gave wonderful advice and true concern to all. He will be missed!

Susan Audrey Blevins

January 15, 2025

A great friend and mentor.

Gloria Goytia

January 12, 2025

Te entrañare siempre Carlitos !

Pegi Matsuda

January 8, 2025

Good and loyal friend since our days at the Los Angeles Junior Chamber of Commerce in the1980's. Tons of fun, great wit, super smart and truly understood the meaning of giving back to the community. Will miss you, Carlos.

Jim Kelly

January 7, 2025

We shared 4 years at Loyola and I was strongly impressed by your integrity, Carlos. Thanks for the good example!

Mike Ahrens

January 6, 2025

I first met Carlos in 1963 as a freshman at University of San Francisco. At that time Ed Imwinkelried was also a freshman as Ed and I ventured to USF after 4 years at Riordan High School in San Francisco. The three of us immediately became friends and all three of us decided to join the "3/3 Program" where we would spend three years at undergrad school and then three years in law school. For those 6 years the three of us were fantastic friends. All of this time Sandy and I spent so much time with Carlos. In fact, even before law school Sandy and I travelled to Yosemite with Carlos starting in about 1965 to law school. Every year after that for about 40 years Carlos brought the "Southern California Group" to housekeeping and Sandy and I brought the Northern California group. We played volleyball, swam, hiked, and had a great time every year at Yosemite. Our son Jeff, and daughter Lisa spent all of these years with this group. The group from Nor Cal and So Cal many times numbered well over 100. Carlos mother made fantastic tamales for us as we all camped at the Housekeeping Units. Carlos was the godfather to our son Jeff. Just last March we saw Carlos and Denise as we were in Pasadena, and had a nice dinner. Sandy and I will miss Carlos so much. I loved his competitiveness in all things- sports, the law, travel. In fact, he encouraged Sandy and me to travel; but, I cannot say that we have hit 120 countries like he did. But, he put the bug in us. On behalf of all of his friends in Northern California, and there are hundreds, we miss you Carlos and the next time we are in Yosemite we will play a game for you. Denise, we cherished the time with you and Carlos and we have so many fantastic memories of one of our closest friends.

Lisa Ahrens I.

January 6, 2025

Carlos is a long time friend of my parents Sandy and Mike Ahrens. Carlos will be missed by many, especially for my parents who have always enjoyed their time with Carlos and Denise. I will cherish the many memories I have hiking in Yosemite with Carlos. He always brought a huge group of family and friends up from LA, showing off the beautiful Yosemite he loved so much. The love between Denise and Carlos is so special. He truly adored Denise. We will miss you Carlos. Love, Lisa

Ed Imwinkelried

January 6, 2025

I have known Carlos since our undergraduate days at USF. He was not only a great friend; I also relied on his judgment. At one point in our first year of law school I was seriously considering dropping out. Carlos took me aside, had a heart-to-heart with me, and persuaded me to continue. Years later I helped organize a national continuing legal education program on litigation in Los Angeles. They asked me to recruit a local litigator as a speaker. I immediately thought of Carlos. He generously donated his time to speak. His presentation was awesome--I was so proud to be his friend. More than that, he was family. When my daughter attended UCLA, Carlos sometimes joined us for games at the Rose Bowl. He donned a UCLA baseball cap and was "Uncle Carlos." Carlos was one of the closest and best friends I was ever blessed to have.

Debra-Lynne Terrill

January 5, 2025

Carlos was a truly remarkable gentleman in every sense of the word. He was kind, thoughtful and had a wonderful gift of wit and humor. He will always live on in all lives privileged to have been touched by him.

Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results