Hector Alex Tobar

Today we gather here to celebrate the life of Hector Alex Tobar and how God used him to impact and love so many people thru his walk-in life. Hector was born in El Salvador on May 16, 1973 to Alfonso Enrique Figueroa and Ana Milagro Figueroa.

Hector was initially raised by his grandmother, Mama Lila, while his parents lived in the United States to earn a living to provide support for him. Once Hector reached the age of four, he traveled to California with Mama Lila by his side and met his little brother, Alfonso Figueroa, for the first time.

Now reunited with his parents and brother, a new chapter began for him. Hector was a loving and respectable son and his parents always described him as a happy, uplifting, big hearted man. Everyone who met Hector immediately knew he was funny, honest and had compassion for those who were suffering in any way. He was always the class clown and that mostly got him into trouble but nothing serious. Hector always talked about his childhood as being happy and grounded and always going to church with his family. He would share stories of his youth of when he went camping, going to the mountains, visiting family in El Salvador and fun adventures with his entire family including aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Stories of his life of funny adventures were endless and many looked forward to hearing about it.

Hector and his brother had a beautiful and loving bond that many wished they had. Hector was a true big brother for Alfonso and to many others. Hector and Alfonso would talk everyday just to check in with each other to see what each one was up to. As can see in the pictures that Alfonso was a huge part of Hector’s life and Hector was a huge part of Alfonso life. The Lord used Hector to be the big brother that Alfonso and other wanted and needed. Hector was a mentor to Alfonso in many ways, from guiding him with the hiring process with the sheriffs department to getting hired with the Los Angeles Sheriffs as a Deputy, and it didn’t stop there his advice and guidance throughout his carrier was a huge impact on him in so many ways. And he could see their father was shining through Hector was all his good and godly advice. He will miss him dearly.

Hector was the kind of person that made time for anyone who needed guidance or someone to just listen. Because we know Hector so well, he would joke and make light of the situation just to make the other person feel better.

As a young man a seed was planted in his heart that he wanted to be a police man. The Lord prepared his life in a specific order to begin this new chapter. Hector’s life turned out to be beautiful and loving the entire time. The Lord gave Hector his wife, Brenda, so that she can stand by him from the beginning to the end. He blessed them with so much love that it radiated the room everywhere they went. They were a testimony of how beautiful a marriage can be especially being in law enforcement. The Lord gave him his two sons, Hector Jr and Diego so that they can witness the glorious life that the Lord gives to those who follow Him faithfully. Hector watched his sons grow the seed of faithfulness in following our Lord Jesus Christ and witness the rewards and blessing when you do. Hector was involved with the many activities the boys had in school from Choir programs to football games. He was their number one fan and he was so proud of them. He was the cool dad and he loved it. He lived thru his children’s joy for their hobbies and interests. He gave them hugs and kisses all the time. When the boys were babies, he would smell their little feet and necks because he said they smelled so good. He loved kids so much. So many family and friends know that Hector was loving and patient with everyone. Hector worked hard for Brenda and his sons. His goal was to go home every day after his shift. He had his bible with him, and his family would tell him to wear the protective shield of Amor that God has given him. He loved road trips and traveling with his family everywhere and the memories are endless. It was always family time. Hector was big on family time, but he also made sure he gave Brenda her time. His wife and marriage were a blessing and they both knew it. Hector and Brenda always laughed together and at each other. It was never a dull moment for them. He enjoyed taking Brenda out dancing and they were recently learning how to country dance. The beauty of this marriage was they were willing to try anything together. Many people may not know this, but Hector would sing to Brenda and dedicate her songs. He was a comedian and jokester when he described his marriage.

Hector began his career with the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department in 2000 and retired on 2015. During that time, the Lord blessed him with long lasting friends and created a brotherly bond in the law enforcement family which very few people will understand and appreciate. During his career he was assigned to the West Valley Detention Center for a short time. Some of you may know that Hector was a truck driver before he worked for the department. He loved big rigs and big buses. He asked God for a job in law enforcement but to also drive a bus. The Lord answered his prayers and gave him his job in the Transportation unit. He transported inmate everywhere in the big buses and loved it. He made so many friends in the unit. He then desired to go out on patrol. Though Brenda was against it, he followed his dreams and Brenda was by his side. He wanted to protect the community and be involved in the department. Hector patrolled the streets of Chino Hills and was involved in many different types of assignments, Field Training Officer, the MET Team, and was an Explorer Adviser for many years. He enjoyed working with the young explorer’s and they all looked up to Hector.

Hector and his family were loved by the Law Enforcement Family. Many deputies who trained under Hector’s supervision tell stories on how they were afraid of him and that he had a bad reputation of sending deputies back to the jail if they were not doing well. Hector was fair and honest. His priority was officer safety. Hector loved his life as a deputy and missed it dearly when he retired.

Hector was a kind hearted soul, a true friend to all and his heart was just so big.

Hector and Brenda would pray and ask the Lord what plans he had for them. Hector wanted to move to Texas after visiting the state several times. They loved the open land and country feel. He dreamed of owning a home and begin a new life and enjoy retirement. They knew that Jr was going to be going to college soon and Diego was going to enter High School. They prayed and the Lord lead them to San Antonio Texas in 2017. The Tobar family was excited to be on this new journey in Texas. Shortly after moving to San Antonio they bought their home in July 2018. Hector said that Brenda and the boys prayed for a pool home and they got it, but he was left in charge of maintaining it. He didn’t mind at all because he also loved the home. Hector would sit in his home and reflect on how blessed he was knowing that the Lord has blessed him from the beginning and was looking forward to more blessing with Brenda and the boys.

God’s plans for Hector and his family are much bigger and better than what we can imagine. The Lord called Hector to heaven because Hector’s job here on earth was done.

Brenda, Hector Jr. and Diego…your father was a great man and he loved you very much and there was no doubt about that. He loved his brother, mother and father. Hector will be missed dearly, but we know that God is great and good and god will continue to watch over us. We may not have Hector here physically, but he has left a mark in everyone’s heart. He will forever be remembered.