Byron Arnoldo Hernandez

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person full of love and compassion. This description accurately fits Byron Arnoldo Hernandez who was indeed a born manager. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, with a family first mentality, Byron was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Byron knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force, with a big heart.

       His parents were Jose Santiago Hernandez and Vilma Oliva Artiaga. Byron was raised in Guatemala. Even as a youngster, Byron learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

      As a young boy, Byron was able to put his natural abilities to work. As the eldest sibling, he was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, he liked to organize and direct. Byron was raised with 4 other siblings. He had one younger brother, Sergio, and three younger sisters, Vivian, Maritza, and Elizabeth. Byron had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Byron, this was a natural order of life, he dearly loved his siblings therefore, he gladly embraced it.

      Byron's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Byron enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Byron took part in soccer. He was a family man. In his spare time he liked gardening, woodwork, interior designing and spending time with family.

      In school, Byron was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. He sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of his classes. He would eagerly complete his homework, and often put in extra study time when he felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Byron was always good at following directions and meeting his schedules, whether they were set by his teachers or were self-imposed. Byron’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time.” He graduated from Manuel Arts High School in 1973. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was mathematics. The teacher he enjoyed learning from the most was Mr. Black.

      Byron was sociable and approachable. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. He enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Byron was a member of a group, his interaction worked to keep the others grounded. He wasn’t afraid to confront his friends and, when necessary, he challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Byron came to expect his high standards of performance. While growing up, his best friend was Jose Novoa. Later in life, they continued their friendship and created everlasting memories while going on adventures with their families.

      An objective and conscientious individual, Byron reveled in the security of his family. On January 22, 1976 Byron exchanged wedding vows with Obdulia Barraza at the St. Vincent Church of Los Angeles, California. One of Byron’s most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends. He was the life of the party and made sure everyone had a fun time.

      Byron was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Byron would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. Byron was blessed with 3 sons, Byron, Alan, and David. They were also blessed with Seven grandchildren, Ariana, Evan, Noah, Gianna, Maya, Adriel, and Sadie Hernandez. All were so loved and enjoyed by him. Byron loved when they would visit. Byron enjoyed having birthday celebrations at home to help celebrate each and every grandchild for they were the lights of his life.

      Byron approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were gardening and woodwork. Byron was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

      When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Byron used his scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that he made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Byron had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included Cancun and Costa Rica. These trips were a few to remember! Byron always wanted everyone to have just as much fun as him.

      In retirement, he found new pleasure in spending time with his family. In many ways, Byron loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities. Bryon loved gardening. In his downtime he cared for his favorite plants in his backyard. A few favorites were the Desert Rose and the Plumeria. These beautiful flowers brought joy to his life.

      Byron passed away on January 31st, 2022 at home in Los Angeles California surrounded by his loved ones. Byron fought a brave battle against cancer. He is survived by his loving wife, Obdulia (Lulu); his sons Byron, Alan and David; his grandchildren, Ariana, Evan, Noah, Gianna, Maya, Adriel, and Sadie, His Siblings; Sergio, Vivian, Martiza, and Elizabeth.

      All who knew him would agree that Byron was a strong and loving pillar for his family and friends. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. He did everything with love. Byron did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.

A visitation for Byron will be held Monday, February 28, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Funeraria Del Angel South Gate, 8665 California Ave, South Gate, CA 90280.

A memorial service for Byron will be held Tuesday, March 1, 2022 at 10:00am at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 4230 Normandie Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90037.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.FunerariadelangelSouthGate.com for the Hernandez family.