Herman Mesa Saldaña

Herman Mesa Saldana, a.k.a., Papa, Grandpa, Uncle Herman, and Herman, passed away at the age of 84 on March 10, 2024, in Torrance, California.
His presence around Avalon and Catalina will be missed by so many! His most recent hang outs were the Casino, relaxing, and checking in with the locals: the mole where he loved to "people watch" in their comings and goings to Avalon, and at Lolo's Barber Shop, checking in with Uncle Lolo, and whoever dropped by for a story, or a haircut.
Herman was born and raised on Catalina Island in Avalon on May 28, 1939. And like so few islanders, he never lived off the island. His parents, Martin and Margarita Saldana, raised him and ten brothers and sisters, mostly on Tremont Street, until they moved to the family home on Metropole.
Like most islanders back then, Herman began working at an early age, which was important for his large family. He worked in many restaurants in Avalon. There was always a good word passed on about his solid, dependable work ethic, which he passed on to his own children. Also, as a young teenager, Herman would ride the school bus out to the interior, get dropped off around the summit, and bring home dinner for the family, and still get to school on time. He sure loved to hunt. Not surprisingly, Herman spent several years as a hunting guide to many influential people who came to the island. Many became lasting friends.
Golfing is in the Saldana blood, and Herman was no exception. He loved to golf, and did so often as a youth. He was fortunate to catty for players of the Chicago Cubs in the 50s when they had their Spring Training on Catalina. But when his children, and move to the ranch came along, golfing became a postponed sport until he neared retirement. He really loved being on, or near the golf course.
At the age of 19 he met and married Gayle D. Brodehl. At that point, Herman's domestic life began. Though he continued as a hunting guide whenever possible, he also began working for Avalon Schools where he was groundskeeper, playground monitor, and performed other janitorial tasks as needed. He helped so many students create lasting memories of their school years. Nearly a year after his marriage to Gayle, they welcomed their first child, Matthew. One year later came Della; two and a half years later (Christmas 1962) came Mark and Luke. Fifteen months later, Lisa, arrived. At this point Herman and Gayle had five children at their ages of 24 and 23, respectively. Consequently, with a house full of children, and flat feet, Herman was passed up in the draft for Vietnam.
With the hills and interior of Catalina being his second home, Herman applied to work for the Island Company at Middle Ranch. Thankfully, within two years, a house became available to live in, so in November of 1965 he moved his brood out to live at Middle Ranch where his children were raised, and many, many, memories were made by his children, grandchildren, extended family and friends.
For the Island Company and Conservancy, Herman worked 43 years. He began as a ranch hand, operated heavy equipment, graded roads, built fences, and completed any job necessary to make the interior of the island safe and accessible. He was also a volunteer fireman for many years. He eventually became the ranch foreman. His final years before retiring, Herman was in charge of volunteers for the Conservancy, and also managing the buffalo population on Catalina. This involved the shipping of buffalo off island, and rounding them up for vaccinations. He even appeared on some island documentaries regarding the buffalo.
Herman retired in 2005 at the age of 66. Eventually, he had to leave his beloved Middle Ranch and return to Avalon where he spent his remaining years. Once in Avalon, Herman began working as security at the golf course, a favorite place of his. He welcomed islanders and visitors alike from his post at the pro shop. As often as he could he went out to the ranch to see his son, Mark, who is currently living and working there, as well as take family and friends on trips to the interior.
Herman is predeceased by his wife, Gayle, and brothers, Martin, Frank, and Richard, and sisters, Angelita, Isabel, and Margerita. He leaves behind brothers, Lolo, Joe, (wife Trudy), and Sylvester, and sister Ruth (Cookie) Sampson, as well as many nieces and nephews. His children, Matthew, Della Bradford (husband Frank), Mark, Luke (wife Erin), and Lisa Saldana, 14 grandchildren, and 15 great grandchildren are all left with special memories.
We will all miss Herman. We have our cherished memories with him, at least. He was especially known for the stories he would tell of his precious time here on Catalina. It can be comforting to know he loved us all.
Please join us for the Celebration of his Life: April 19th at St. Catherine of Alexandria Church, 800 Beacon Street, Avalon, CA 90704. We'll begin with a Rosary at 10:30 am, followed by the funeral mass at 11:30, graveside internment at 12:30 pm, and his celebration to follow which will be a potluck, at the St. Catherine Parish Hall.