Enrique DeVilmorin

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. This description accurately fits Enrique DeVilmorin 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, Enrique was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Enrique knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

Enrique was born on August 15, 1951 at Sanatorio Reforma in Mexico D.F. His parents were Felipe and Miriam DeVilmorin. Enrique was raised in Mexico, Los Angeles, California and San Antonio, Texas. Even as a youngster, Enrique 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, Enrique was able to put his natural abilities to work. 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. Enrique was raised with three sisters. Patty, Lili and Nina. Enrique 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 Enrique, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.

Enrique's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Enrique enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Enrique took part in basketball. In his spare time he liked baseball cards. Enrique's memorable achievements included highest honors in Spanish, being Presidente and awards in basketball.

In school, Enrique 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, Enrique was always good at following directions and meeting his schedules, whether they were set by his teachers or were self-imposed. Enrique’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time.” He graduated from Cathedral High School in 1968. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was Mathematics.

Enrique’s practical work ethic carried over into his college years. His logical mind permitted him to work hard without succumbing to the usual distractions of college life. He would tackle an assignment and work through it before moving onto the next project. Enrique’s orderly nature gave way to establishing personal study habits and procedures that not only helped him stay on track but often put him ahead of schedule. When Enrique saw the need or benefit, he would willingly take on the extra assignment or even attend extra classes in order to learn more and become a better student. He attended USC. Ernique earned many awards from the University of Irvine.

An objective and conscientious individual, Enrique reveled in the security of his family. On May 19, 2007 Enrique exchanged wedding vows with Sonia DeVilmorin in San Diego, California. One of Enrique’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.

Enrique 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. Enrique 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. Enrique was blessed with six children, four sons, Filiph, Christian, Max and Leo, and two daughters, Simone and Stephanie.

Enrique 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 pursuit was golf. Enrique was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Enrique to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. Recreational sports included golf. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list was golf.

Being generous with his time and energy, Enrique liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. He was a vocal leader who enjoyed being a part of things. His desire to uphold traditions and his ability to take charge of any type of project made him a tremendous asset. Throughout his later years, Enrique was a sponser for the YMCA and Boy Scout associations.

When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Enrique 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. Enrique had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included China, Hong Kong, Thailand and Ecuador.

Enrique passed away on February 11, 2010 at Sharp Medical Center in Chula Vista, California. Enrique suffered an anyrism. He is survived by his wife Sonia; and his children Filiph, Christian, Max and Leo, Simone and Stephanie. Services were held at The Little Lodge.

All who knew him would agree that Enrique was a pillar of the community. 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. Enrique DeVilmorin 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.