Guillermo was a life long champion for justice, equal resources for public schools & quality education for all Commerce City kids + Colorado kids. He served on the Adams 14 School Board &  fought to bring bilingual education to English language learners. He led voter registration drives, volunteered with the Adams County Democratic  Party for decades, advocated for Latinos to run for office , received the Mary Ciancio Volunteer of the Year award in 2009, fought for funding for the Pioneer park and worked to bring the Boys & Girls Club to original Commerce City.  He received the 1st Adelante Life Achievement award from the Adams County Democratic Latino Initiative in 2025. His motto in the words from President John F Kennedy - "ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country” Words from Congressman Ed Perlmutter.

Your dad has been in my life since I was about 10 years old and I also babysat for you all.  I can remember how he and my mom would argue, I mean debate, and my dad would just shake his head but Rachel would say, “Oh yeah, right Bill.”

I thought so much of your parents that they are my daughter’s godparents.  Then their love and support carried onto my granddaughters.   He was a bit more lenient than Aunt Rachel.  I say Uncle & Auntie but my granddaughters had the best Great, great uncle aunt.  Ciana, Merea, Millie and Zaley miss them both, as we all will.

The Brito family knew the Serna's very well.  Ernie and Javier would babysit our daughters when they were very young.  There is a story about how the boys would jokingly threaten to feed them to their dogs if they didn't behave...too funny.   I also fondly remember the campaign events, literature drops, get out the VOTE effort by registering and gathering with everyday people in Commerce City.  He was extremely motivated and motivating, fair and prideful, always encouraging us to, "Fight the fight".  And sometimes at the different caucuses we did have to fight to be heard.    Such a strong man.  We will never forget you Gillermo, never!

Of all my mom’s aunts—my grandma Trinie’s sisters—I was closest to Aunt Rachel and Uncle Bill. Technically they were my great-aunt and great-uncle, but that never mattered to them; they loved me just the same. I remember visiting their home in Commerce City and spending hours on the playground in the backyard, followed by even more hours pulling splinters out of my hands from the wooden equipment. I can still picture myself sitting in their kitchen laughing, or in the living room surrounded by Auntie Rachel’s Elvis collection and her Mickey and Minnie Mouse treasures. Their home was always filled with so much warmth, laughter, and love.
Years later, when I started my career in community organizing, one of my first jobs was in the state senate for the district that included Commerce City. I was tasked with meeting community leaders, and before I did anything, the senator told me I had to meet with a man named Bill Serna. It took me a moment to realize he meant my Uncle Bill. We met many times over cafecito and huevos rancheros, talking politics and community. He was a powerful advocate—always clear about what needed to happen to lift up the people of Commerce City and ensure their voices were heard in the lawmaking process. From those conversations, I learned so much about never forgetting where you come from and always lifting up the people around you.
As time passed, we fell out of touch, and I wish I had the chance to tell both Uncle Bill and Aunt Rachel how much they meant to me. The love they shared was so pure and beautiful. Even though losing them is heartbreaking for those of us who remain, I find comfort knowing they are reunited for eternity.
On behalf of my mom, Lydia Estrada, my brother, Carlos Solano, and myself, I extend our deepest and most sincere condolences. May they both rest in peace.

He was such an inspiration and I really appreciated him taking me under his wing as I ran for the State Board of Education. I remember seeing him at the Latino Initiative meeting and he shook my hand and gave me a $20 bill and said "I know you travel a lot, use this for gas money". It was the sweetest gesture and I will always remember him as part of my political journey. He will be greatly missed. 😢

To a great statesman a man of high regard it’s of my utmost sincerity to give my deepest respect to a man of such quality values May you rest in peace and may peace be to his entire familia in this time of sorrow!

My sincere condolences to all of you. Your dad, grandfather was a really wonderful man. He encouraged many of us to think outside the box, get involved in our community and make a real difference in our community, and always be proud of who we are, where we came from, and not sit on the sidelines. He helped so many of us   to get a higher educated, become  teachers and make a difference on the lives of our students and he never give up on our dreams, Commitment to the Commerce City community and helped many of us reach our dreams.  So Thankful for the many opportunities he gave many of us to attain the goals we set forth, and he never gave up trying to help so many of us.  God be with you all and thanking God for the lessons l learned from him. He was a man who shook things up and made us better human beings for it! Sending your family prayers, love  and strength during this difficult time .  So so sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Darlene Lopez

OBITUARY

Guillermo Serna

June 25, 1945 – November 16, 2025

Olinger Funeral, Cremation & Cemetery - Highland

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