So many great memories with Boris still bring a smile to my face. He was genuine, kind, and full of life. We first crossed paths at LACC—and we clicked right away. Before long, we were golfing, planning Latino Heritage events, grabbing lunch at Netty’s, or just sharing stories about our kids.

Boris always took the time to ask about family, always had a good story, and always beamed with pride whenever he talked about Alejandro. He had a way of making people feel seen and appreciated.

I miss him deeply—but I’m grateful for the friendship we had. You’ll always be remembered, my friend.

As a former student at LACC and a fellow Chapin, I owe a lot of my academic success to Boris. His tough discipline and don’t come crying to me with excuses attitude, is what I needed to put me in the right path. His advice made all the difference between believing I can make it to a UC school and believing the naysayers who said I couldn’t make it. We sure proved them wrong Boris. To his family, he was a great mentor and a humble person who was taken from us too soon. 

Descansa en paz Boris. Eras una grande persona y un gran mentor.

My deepest condolences to the familia de Boris. Anyone that worked with Boris or hung out with him would say that he lit up s room and that he was larger than life! Boris was an old high school buddy of mine from Alhambra High. He would crack me up all the time just goofing around! I was also very happy when I ran into him at CSULA! It felt good to see a familiar face and Boris would always say something to cheer you up. I remember when I worked in admissions and he would say something that would have me and the rest of the crew working on the floor cracking up because it was a stressful time during the registration period .  
I am sorry to the family that I am just finding out about the passing of this wonderful man, husband, father, brother and friend!  When God made outstanding human beings Boris was the model. 
Boris, you are flying high with the angelitos! 😢
N. Rosa Medina Dougherty

My deepest sympathies to Boris’ family.   Boris was   great mentor and friend.  I will miss him deeply. When I was a student at CSULA he would guide me  on how to navigate school, lend advice , or just let me be me. He made sure that I never gave up . He motivated me to pursue my MA after graduating college. He would always tell me , that the ‘Hispanic people are capable of many great things we are descendants of the the Gods”His life was cut short too soon. 

Boris ,  I know that you have taken your seat next to the Gods and you are watching us from  the heavens! Thank you for always believing in me, and most importantly, Thank you for being  a kind and caring person. The world is a  sadder place without you in it.  Adiós,  que en paz descanses mi amigo. 


My condolences to the family.  Rest In Peace y nos vemos en otra vida❤️ He had a painting I gave him of a revolucionista in his office.  If family doesn’t care for it I would like to have it back.

My condolences to the family.  I'm  fortunate to have been mentored by Boris. Im greatful for the opportunities he gave me; from being an instructor and helping him with the Dreamer proposal, as a new adjunct.  May he have eternal peace.

My best friend,the unconditional friend 
he was always there for you through thick and thin,You will be missed 

I had the pleasure to meet Boris in early 1986 as a transfer student from ELAC. He was one of my first point of contact at CSULA. He helped so much and encouraged me to follow my dreams. As a first generation immigrant in the US, he guided me in many aspects. I had so much admiration for his tenacity to help underrepresented students like me and many others. I also worked at the school relations office CSULA for sometime and followed his example. People have great memories of him in a personal or golf level, but his dedication for students was second to none.  As a result of his example, I was able to finish an AA. BA, MS, MA and MBA. 
I would highly encourage to create a foundation under his name to continue his legacy. 
If you ever get the opportunity to encourage and to guide someone on the academic path, please think of Boris. Alex, you had the most wonderful person as a father. 
Victor Morales

My most sincere condolences to the family for your great loss.  

Boris was a great influence while I was a student  at CSULA.  He encouraged me and many more students to not give up.  I am lucky  our roads intersected and I am so thankful for you Boris!  Your legacy lives in the many of us who received your help and advice.  
Rest In Peace my friend!

My deepest condolences to the Family of Boris V. Lopez, one of my Counselor Brothers, Colleagues, Family Friend, Fearless Advocate and Champion of Higher Education for First Generation, Low Income College Students. Boris was a Genuine Servant Leader, a Brilliant Mind coupled with a Compassionate Heart. A Rare Beautiful Human Being! Rest In Peace Estimado Hermano Boris Lopez! You have made a Positive Difference in our Community! I was honored to be called your friend. Dr. J. A. Sandoval

I'm thankful for having met Boris at LACC. Boris was the chair of the counseling department when I interviewed for an adjunct counseling position, I will forever be grateful because he mentored and believed in me. Boris loved his gente and was a true advocate. I send love and prayers to his family! 

To Alejandro and family, 
Remembering your wonderful dad and wishing you comfort.
My deepest condolences and prayers to the family. 

Nelines

"There are some who bring a light so great to the world that even after they have gone the light remains."
- Unknown

So many special memories of Boris will always bring a smile. He was kind and honest and a good friend.  Boris made time to say hello and ask about the family.  We meet at CSLA before he came to LACC.  Soon after, we became friends. Some of my great memories of Boris was planning the Latino Heritage Events, going  to El Caserio, or just talking about our kids ...he was full of life.  He always had a smile, a story to tell,  and he was so proud of his son Alejandro.   Prayers for you my friend.  You will be forever in our hearts.  --  Nelines y familia

Golf was a big part of our life’s over the years 

We will miss you Boris!!❤️❤️❤️

I have so many memories with Boris.  I was always happy to see him, 
Boris will be missed…❤️❤️❤️

Always present at my kid’s birthday parties!! 

Boris was always present at our most important events 

We used to play golf a lot over the years. This was an anual trip for a few days to play golf. 

Boris was a great friend that made every golf game interesting. Win or lose, we had lots of fun. God bless you Boris! You will be missed.

I will always remember Boris as always providing encouragement and checking in. When he would see me, he would say, "Todo bien (everything ok)?" I remember how he would also provide perspective and calm when it seemed things were crazy or intense.  He would say to relax.  I enjoyed talking with him.  We will never forget you Boris. You have passed too soon and too young. Boris Lopez, Presente!

He was one of my brothers. Was one of the most stand up people I knew. He never sugar coated anything. Loyal to a fault and extremely hard working and dedicated. Loved his son more than anything and was incredibly proud of him. That will be his legacy 

Boris is one of the few counselors I’ll never forget. He was a great mentor and colleague. He was always great with words of encouragement and being real with you. 

I will never forget the day that we had a very upset student at work that no one was able to calm down, and Boris stepped in and took care of it gracefully. He has left an impact on many, and this loss was so sudden and heartbreaking. Rest In Peace, Boris! You will be missed and never forgotten. 

When I think of Boris, I think of his smile; it was a kind, inviting, maybe also a bit of a mischievous smile. I was a new honors director when I met him and he taught me (with few words) about counseling and LACC. He was passionate about our students. But he was most passionate and proud when he talked about his son; he was clearly and visibly beaming and growing taller when he mentioned his son's personal and academic achievements. I'm sending you my love and heartfelt condolences in these difficult times. 

Ode to Boris...
     That stern voice, that stoic face, at first made me feel 
                                      out of place. 
              Then we spoke, and even exchanged jokes.
                                 Such warmth was exuded
                                 He made me feel included.
           So very glad I celebrated with him and others at his
                                        Retirement Dinner.
                     He stood on his most favorite ground...
                               The Matador of El Caserio.
                                                 Hasta Luego...


It is difficult to tell how deeply I feel about Boris's untimely death.
What started many years ago as a colleague relationship quickly became a warm friendship.  It was a privilege to have known Boris and I will never forget his thoughtfulness and kindness towards our students, specially the ones in need.  With great personal sorrow, I extend my deepest sympathy to his family.
Yelgy Parada

Boris spent his entire career in the service of education, both at Cal State LA and LACC.He did his best to help students complete their goals and strived to provide them with the information and resources they needed to to succeed.
Boris was the real deal because so many of the obstacles that so many of our students face, he faced them too, and overcame them; immigrating from Guatemala, he had to learn a new language and a new culture. He had to navigate a complex higher education system to its completion to  and become a tenured faculty member at LACC. Large numbers of students could see themselves in him and believe that they could make it too.
As chair of the counseling department,he strived to provide  a strong and authoritative leadership with the faculty and administration as well. 
Boris like talking about his eventual retirement in his beloved Guatemala, and was so close to achieving that goal when tragedy struck. He left us too soon and too young.

He had such a passion for life and loved his career.  He will always have a special place in the hearts of us who were so fortunate to know him personally.  His conversations were always so joyful and filled the rooms with his personality.  Truly a generous and unforgettable human.  With deepest love and sympathy for the Lopez Family.  Dios los bendiga y les de paz. 
E. Nuno (HR Supervisor, City College)

My good friend Boris was an excellent counselor, friend, colleague, confidant and most importantly a great dad. He would talk about Alejandro when we played golf and it would bring the biggest smile to his face. He was a proud Papa. I will miss the in-depth conversations about life and the crazier times we spent just hanging with the boys. 

I will miss my friend until….

Rob Brobst

As a new member to the college and counseling department, Boris was always kind to me and always gave me support when I needed it. He was always direct and straight up with his advice and I really appreciated that. I will always remember him walking into the office with shorts and sandals on, even when it was really cold. I am thankful to have met him, rest in peace. 

Once you got past his stern look and deep voice.  The man was a great guy.  He was my mentor and a good friend.  In terms of my career, I owe him a great deal.  I don't know why, but he took a ton of time to explain how the community college counseling racket worked, and how to be an advocate for underrepresented communities.  You will be missed, my friend. I promise you I will keep the fight going.  I'll see you when I see you. 

Boris Lopez was my mentor.  Thanks to him I was able to attend Cal State LA. The first day I went to calstate LA, I met him. He helped me through the financial aid process. Ever since then we kept in touch.
Boris also guided me through my career goal.  He helped me get my first Adjunct counseling position at Los Angeles City College. 
When we talked, he would always asked about my parents. He would tell me 'Como estan tus viejos.' 
I only had great experiences and memories about him.
He will be in heart forever.
Rest in peace,  Boris  🙏 
Thank you for being an amazing person.

OBITUARY

Boris Vitalino Lopez

25 September, 1963 – 8 February, 2022

Turner & Stevens Live Oak Mortuary & Memorial Park

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