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GARY HERNANDEZ Obituary
Gary Hernandez, nationally recognized insurance regulatory lawyer and community servant, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 52.
Gary Anthony Hernandez was born February 15th, 1959 in Merced, California to Rosendo and Margaret Hernandez, who predeceased him.
While growing up in Merced, he attended Merced High School where he participated on the varsity wrestling team and served as president of the school's Key Club. In his senior year, he was elected Governor of the Key Club California, Nevada and Hawaii District.
Gary earned a scholarship to the University of California, Berkeley where he was a member of the varsity wresting team and Sigma Chi Fraternity.
After receiving his BA degree in 1981, he attended law school at University of California Davis, serving as the student speaker at his commencement. He took that opportunity to point out to the administration and gathered dignitaries that he was only one of four minority students in the class of 1984.
In 1990, Gary joined the California Department of Insurance, where he served as Deputy Commissioner for Enforcement, before going into private practice at Long & Levit. In 1997, he joined the law firm of SNR Denton (formerly Sonnenschein) becoming the founding chairman of the Firm's Insurance Regulatory practice. The global growth of the practice and depth of the team's talent is a testament to the vision Gary began implementing 15 years ago. A prolific writer and speaker active in virtually every professional setting and organization relevant to the insurance community, he never missed an opportunity to support and mentor his colleagues and friends.
Gary's commitment to the community was among his highest priorities. Named one of the Most Influential Hispanics of the United States, he served on the board of directors of the California Coastal Conservancy and as a founding trustee of the University of California, Merced Foundation. Additionally, he served as a long time board member of both the Latino Community Foundation and San Francisco Legal Aid Society. His many civic honors included being named California Attorney of the Year in 2004 and one of the 50 most influential minority lawyers in America.
Gary is survived by his wife Teri, with whom he spent 23 extraordinary years, his sister Barbara Hammond and his nephew, Noah.
His leadership, mentoring, warmth, passion and generous spirit will be remembered by all with whom he shared his time. May he rest in peace, secure in the knowledge that he will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, June 23rd at the San Francisco Four Seasons Hotel beginning at 2 pm. Donations can be made in Gary's name to California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc. (www.crla.org) or a charity of your choice. A memorial will also be held later this summer in Healdsburg, California where Gary spent his leisure time.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for GARY HERNANDEZ
Caroline Dignan
August 30, 2019
Sweet, kindly Gary. He was a lovely kindly gentleman. I knew him 25 or so years ago and he was a wonderful co worker. He was so good to me. God bless him and sweet Teri.
Linda Bourke
July 13, 2011
Gary was one of deep thought throughout high school. He was my friend and confident during many a rough time during thoses years. I called him a "counselor" in those years and he followed his calling and served the world well in his chosen profession as a true Counselor, Attorney at Law. He made a difference then, and now. The world will be a little dimmer with his passing but his mark has been left forever.
Bill Ahern
June 22, 2011
Teri, I'm so sorry. I enjoyed Gary so much when he brought his binoculars to Coastal Conservancy field trips, and was so proud when he recognized a bird, that is, he could distinguish a bird from a fish. This is a great loss.
Dick Krenz
June 22, 2011
Many have commented upon Gary Hernandez infectious personality and openiness to all his colleagues and contacts in the Legal profession. He also leaves a legacy of tremendous achievement in public service for California consumers during his term of public service at the California Department of Insurance. He managed the agency's response to the terrible Berkeley/Oakland firestorm of 1991 and was instrumental in the reorganization of the Department's Conservation and Liquidation Office. He had both scope and vision far beyond most others in the legal profession. His passing is both a personal shock and a major loss to this state.
Elisa Pouncey
June 21, 2011
I met Gary at Cal when he lived at Sigma Chi with another Merced wrestler and my future husband Wayne. He was always so nice to me and even nicer once I became a Mercedian. I remember going to a Christmas party at Gary and Teri's house and looking at old photo albums from those days and laughing so hard. He was such a smart, interesting, strong, committed, loyal and vital person. We were so shocked and saddened at his passing. Our love and prayers are with you all.
Brenda Gaufo
June 21, 2011
Gary was one of my favorite bosses. I was his secretary from late 1990 to 1992 at the Department of Insurance. I’m so grateful for him because if it wasn't for him I wouldn't have my career in IT. He was always so kind to me...even visited me in the hospital when I had given birth to my daughter, Bianca. He was really thoughtful and funny. I never saw him get angry or stressed out about anything. Work was never boring with him and he always made light of things. He always encouraged me and whenever something goes wrong all he says is, "You gotta love it." I try to be positive just like Gary so whenever something goes wrong at work … I just remember Gary saying, “You gotta love it.”
June 21, 2011
Teri, I have tried to send you an email and have not gotten your email correct from your cousins. I am sorry I missed you in Reno. You have been in my prayers and thoughts since hearing of Gary's death. He will be missed and I pray to God to give you strength at this time. You and Gary were very thoughtful when I lost my son and I am here if you need me. Love to you cousin, Theresa Navarro
June 20, 2011
Teri,
I am sorry to hear of Gary's passing. I hope you have comfort in the knowledge that this isn't the end. Our thoughts, prayers, and love are with you...Your cousin, Pam Mendenhall.
Bert Crane
June 15, 2011
Gary and I were in Key Club at Merced High, I was Gary's Lt. Governor when Gary was the Governor for the California, Nevada, and Hawaii District. We would travel up and down the state visiting Key Clubs and Kiwanis Clubs. Always had a great sense of humor. One great story was when we visited the Kiwanis Club of Kingsburg and when we arrived back to Merced, we told our driver, Frank Taylor (who was the Lt Governor for Kiwanis) that we had stole the Kiwanis Bell and Banner. Frank had to drive it back to Kingsburg. We would continue to bring back mementos from other clubs.
It was great knowing Gary throughout our time in High School. He even converted a small room in the admin office for his "Governor's" office. Thanks to the staff of MHS.
Truly a shock to hear of Gary's passing, we will always cherish the memories. Deepest sympathy to his family.
George Davis
June 13, 2011
I literally grew up with Gary. He was my next door neighbor.I look back fondly at all the times we laughed together and even the few times we cried together.Gary always tried to do his best at whatever it was he was trying to do,and that showed whether it was in music,sports,school or work.People had a lot of "nicknames" for Gary growing up,but he was always Gary to me.I guess you learn things from your friends in life and if that's the case I suppose Gary was my "Best Friend".I loved him as a friend growing up and respected him as a man later in life.My families condolences to you and yours Teri and also to you Barbara during this truly sad time of loss.
June 11, 2011
I am very saddened by the news of Gary's death. Gary was admired and respected by those who knew him. He will be missed very much, and will never be forgotten.
Teri, I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Karen Bizzini
Los Angeles (and formerly Atwater), CA
June 10, 2011
I went to Our Lady of Mercy School and all through high school with Gary he was a great friend and my thoughts and prayers our with his wife and sister Barbara. I will always remember the good times we shared... May he rest in peace..... Barbara Bryant Bustos
Howard Goldblatt
June 8, 2011
I am in shock from the news of Gary's passing. I first met Gary almost 20 years ago and to know Gary was to be a friend of his. I always looked forward to seeing him even when our paths simply crossed. He has left a void. And, Teri, I am at a loss of words to adequately describe my sympathies.
John Taggart
June 6, 2011
We became acquainted professionally but came to appreciate and respect one another personally. Gary was a valued friend and colleague. His memory will be dear to me. May heaven's blessing be with Teri and their friends.
Jeannie and David Green
June 5, 2011
We were very privileged to know Gary and we shared some extraordinary times with he and Teri. He was a generous and gracious man and we will really miss him. Teri, you are constantly in our thoughts and prayers.
Mike Migliazzo
June 5, 2011
To Gary's Family
I have known Gary for nearly all my life. We attended OLM and Merced High together. Although life has taken us in different directions and we have been out of touch, I still have many very clear memories of the great times we shared for many years. His passing is a reminder of how fragile life is and that bonds of friendship are there to be kindled. I am truly proud to have known Gary and proud of the accomplishments he achieved for himself and what he gave of himself to others during his lifetime. God bless you during this time of loss and may Gary rest in peace.
Mike Mann
June 4, 2011
I went to high school with Gary. He was one friend that I can call a true friend. He will be missed. His family are in our prayers.
June 4, 2011
To Teri and his sister Barbara, this is a stunning blow to say the least and words cannot put forth the sadness I feel and how my thoughts are with all of you. I will always remember the Easter events and still drive by the house periodically and "see" Gary escorting people in and Teri wearing her Easter bonnet. May God bless you all. Mark N. Pazin(Merced, Ca.)
Peter Rodriguez
June 4, 2011
I also attended OLM and Merced High School with Gary. He was a kind hearted person and a friend when needed. He will be missed.
Mark Cromwell
June 3, 2011
Gary Hernandez, a great guy, great person, he will truly be missed. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family for their loss.
Mark Cromwell
June 3, 2011
Gary Hernandez, a great guy, a great person, he will truly be missed. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family.
Mitch Conn
June 3, 2011
Gary was a classmate, teammate and best of all a friend of mine during our years at Merced High School. He always seemed to know what he was doing and where he was heading... His wit and wisdom made him special to a lot of people, as well documented in his long and very successful list of accomplishments... He was a great friend to all who knew him, and I will miss him...
Antonio Salazar-Hobson
June 3, 2011
What a loss to all Gary's life touched - his colleagues, the Latino community, and friends. Our hearts go out to his family. Antonio Salazar-Hobson & Katherine Salazar-poss.
Julie Mendoza-Hunt
June 3, 2011
Gary,
Wow....your death has caused me to literally walk into walls the last week.
I keep thinking of you ...and laugh alot.
I remember days of early childhood, piano concerts we did together and you picked on me the whole time before I had to go perform behind the stage..and you were always so calm . You helped me alot in those days. And going to high school with a cousin the same age was pretty cool. You were like a big brother watching out for me and you always picked on me in classes! And when we were in the band together and went to reviews, it was always nice to see you there behind us lettercarriers...you ALWAYS made me smile and laugh. Thank you for the many times I went and stayed with you at College and McGeorge and you showed me the city in San Fran. Your firm office impressed the heck outa me ! You always believed and put a higher bar above all visions you had. I will always remember your passion for law and to be a great leader and demand respect in your ways. I would of never wanted to be on your bad side ! lol. I will miss you, I will miss all the times we laughed and spent together and Teri will forever be in our future family lives and we will take very good care of her. I love you and was very proud of you! And hope you felt loved that you touched MANY lives with your compassion of life and vision of making Merced and your firm a better place. I hope something will be made or done in a Memory of you because you set a lovely example of being a great human being ! We will all miss you very mucho !
Julie Mendoza-Hunt
Cecilia Martinez
June 3, 2011
We were a friend of Gary Mother Margaret we work together. I am sorry Teri and Barbara
Larry Diehl
June 3, 2011
I was stunned to hear our friend Gary left us at this early age. He was a witty companion, diligent leader, and considerate benefactor to everyone. He will be sorely missed. Teri has our deepest sympathy.
Kelly Valen
June 3, 2011
This lively, generous, and inspiring man will be missed by so many. My heart goes out to Teri, Barbara, et al. Such a loss.
Mark Burroughs
June 2, 2011
I also attended OLM- for just one year, but remember Gary's warmth and humor, many years later reconnected through my insurance career and corresponded via internet. Saddened to hear of his sudden passing. Thoughts to Teri and Barbara. Peace, Gary- whom the gods love die young.
Kathie Reynolds Oleson
June 2, 2011
I am another friend of Gary's from Merced High School. I remember connecting with him at our last reunion, and was so impressed with the kind man he had become. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Lenora O'Neil
June 2, 2011
I remember Gary Hernandez as being a truly remarkable attorney at the Department of Insurance. I especially remember how hard he worked on the Loma Pierta earthquake matters. I was always impressed with his intelligence. I always appreciated and admired Gary, he was a conscious man on so many levels. His passing is a big loss. A big, big, loss
Donna Meadows Langdon
June 2, 2011
I was a lucky parent to have met Gary. He was a dear friend of my Daughter. I always enjoyed the times he came to visit as a young school boy. We were so proud of him and his accomplishments. I remember him as a delightful polite young man that had a heart and time for everyone. Today he has made our heavens brighter than ever. Rest in Peace Gary.
Fred Hoffknecht
June 2, 2011
I knew Gary since grade 1 at OLM, Merced. I remember, even then, he loved "Perry Mason" when most 7 year-olds wouldn't understand it.
He was a constant positive force in the world, which is so rare anymore.
My condolences, Barbara and Teri.
Mike Farfan
June 2, 2011
Gary, You will be missed by many and for what you have done. You made your family proud and did well in life but still didn't forget where you came and were always willing to help others. Godspeed...
Joe Calderazzo
June 2, 2011
Vaya con dios, mi hermano! I miss you already!
Jo-Ann & Ken De Koven
June 2, 2011
Teri,
We're heartbroken at your loss. Gary was a wonderful person, a true friend, and will be terribly missed by all who were fortunate enough to cross paths with him.
John Arguelles
June 2, 2011
I met Gary as a Freshman at Merced High school where we played trumpet together in the intermediate band! He was a kind, gentle, guy and we shared many laughs together. I don't know that either one of us would have predicted the great success that Gary would later become, but he was always looking to better himself and those around him. I had the chance to meet Gary again approximately twenty years later and was impressed that he still had maintained his passion for helping the citizens of his former home town. Gary, you will be missed by all of us who knew you!
vicki podberesky
June 2, 2011
Gary was a tremendous person, with a generous heart and great sense of humor. I will miss him dearly.
Kelly Rector
June 1, 2011
Rest in peace Gary. We will miss you
Kevin and Mary Beth Kamraczewski
June 1, 2011
Teri
We are so sorry. Gary was a great man and friend.
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