During my years appearing in the department where Gonzo was the bailiff at the Superior Court, I experienced and witnessed Gonzo create an atmosphere of dignity, justice, and civility.  Gonzo ran a tight ship with subtle reminders to gentlemen to remove their hats, virtuoso name and face recall, and perspicacious management of the court’s busy docket.  His strong presence cleared the space of distractions, big or small, and afforded all participants the opportunity to focus on the merits of the matters before the court.  On a personal level, Gonzo’s humor, wisdom, and kindness were regular blessings in a challenging legal practice.  And in the daily endeavor to live up to the ideals of our justice system, Gonzo’s steady and capable public service stands as an inspiration.  

As a bailiff, Gonzo was excellent. He kept the court room efficient, organized, and on schedule.  He was approachable and friendly, but firm and commanding.   Between matters we would often talk about San Diego Comic Con of all things.  I think he just enjoyed how much I enjoyed talking about it.  It is a rare trait that someone can find pleasure in someone else's enthusiasm.  He will be missed.  My condolences to your family. What a loss for you and all the communities he touched.

As a new attorney entering Dept. 7 in the old courthouse, Gonzo had a natural ability to put me at ease and treat me like I belonged there. After a few years slipped by, I would often find myself chatting with Gonzo in his new digs in Dept. 60, discussing sports, politics, news events of the day, and sharing stories about our military service. Gonzo was always quick to provide a heartfelt thanks to anyone who served in the military, regardless of why they were in court that day. Gonzo had a great sense of humor amid the seriousness of his job, and earned the respect of people that encountered him. It was an honor to have met and shared time with Gonzo. When Gonzo spoke of his family, it was with a sparkle in his eye. Please accept my condolences for your loss.

Uncle LEM was a great 👍 uncle he used to take care of me when I was young. Every time I cried as a baby girl 👧 he would go to the nursery and hold me for a while. He would always call me 🤙 “curlybean”from a young age. And as I grew older that was my nickname from him as he seen me at church ⛪️. As I grew older he told me to be careful in the world 🌎 because so many people can hurt me. So I listened to him. He told me some good 👍 advice he would always talk to me like 👍 he’s my second dad. He would always find a way to make me smile 😀 on my bad 😞 days. He would be there for me when I couldent tell my dad some things he would be there to listen and give me great 😌 ideas 💡 on how to solve them. He would also defend me like his daughter. Once I told him I would get bullied and he would tell me how to react in front of my bullies. He would also tell me “Don’t change for the world 🌎 let the world 🌎 change for u!!!” So I took that advise and kept it in my heart ♥️. He would tell me “ don’t let others bother u. Just annoy them by being nice 👍 to them.” And I would do that. Uncle Lem is the best uncle anyone could ask for. 

I can still hear Gonzo's voice greeting me on many mornings in Department 7: "Good morning, Ms. Yan." It seems like such a trivial memory, but his familiar salutation always reminded me that I belonged there. He was a steady, kind presence in the courtroom, and he will be missed.

I had the pleasure of working with Gonzo at Central Superior Court in department 7 and 60. He was a great man, a great bailiff/deputy, very helpful, funny, had our back and a great serviceman. I am saddened by the news and offer my deepest condolences to your family. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and thank you for sharing such a great man with us! Sending love and blessings to you all. Rest in Peace Gonzo. 

Gonzo was amazing. He was a humble Navy Vet that had to secretly write down on a post it his final rank when i asked because he didn’t want to say it out loud — he was not braggy but it also added to his mystery. He served the public again as a deputy who was really great at looking mellow while watching literally everything and everyone and was scarily quick to respond, but scary in a good way because he was there protecting us in the courtroom. He had a really sarcastic and hilarious sense of humor that often made my day and he also had a secret soft side and was incredibly supportive when it was needed. He loved his family and was so proud of his wife and daughters and instantly obsessed with being a lolo once given the chance. It is such a hard pill to swallow with him being taken so soon. He was such a rare gem in this world. To Tita Leni, Arielle & April, my heart absolutely breaks for you and you are in my prayers. I hope all the good memories of Tito Lem bring you joy in dark times. I hope they have ube in heaven. 

My encounters were few,but the impact in me were huge.A gentleman with a warm smile and a sincere aura,too few are blessed with those qualities...I thank you Ms.Lhennie and family for sharing this beautiful person..Que dios me los conseve...Gracie

Gonza was by far the best bailiff for the Unlawful Detainer courtroom.  He made sure to keep all of us safe, and he kept the courtroom in order.  He would talk about his family often, and shared with us that the reason for his retirement was to spend more time with his family.  I recall fondly hearing Gonza's opening speech before court and specifically his threat to taze anyone who misbehaved.  He will be forever in our hearts.  

Gonzo was much loved by the attorneys who spent their days in Department 60. He was organized, friendly, respectful, funny, and altogether a gem. One story I recall is Gonzo always helped me track down my briefcase and my cell phone as I tended to misplace them. One day before trial started I couldn't find my phone. Gonzo asked if anyone had found a cell phone and no one volunteered an answer. At my request he then dialed my number and the cell phone rang in someone else's pocket! Gonzalez went and stood right behind behind her and she fished it out of her pocket and said "Oh I thought it was mine!" Just one way our friend helped us out. Love you, Gonzo. 

Gonzo was a wonderful man. He was the courtroom bailiff for Central Division Unlawful Detainers and he did an excellent job. He loved his family and his country. A very dedicated and humble public servant. My deepest condolences to his loved ones. 

OBITUARIO

Lemuel Reyes Gonzales

9 enero, 1961 – 19 agosto, 2021

Glen Abbey Memorial Park & Mortuary

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