Hernan Patricio Puentes

He was born in Pitrufquén, Chile on August 31, 1942. During his school years at Saint George’s College in Santiago, Chile, Hernán distinguished himself by being number one in his class from first grade through twelfth grade. He also excelled in sports, theater, singing and, especially, in his camaraderie with his peers. His early academic accomplishments earned him a full four-year scholarship to the University of Notre Dame, where he graduated with honors and became a student leader, especially in the foreign student community. He was inducted into the Blue Circle Honor Society for his achievements. After graduating, Hernán was a truly enthusiastic Notre Dame alumnus, often traveling back to visit during football season, where he would sing the “Fighting Irish Victory March” with deep conviction. Following Notre Dame, he was awarded a full scholarship to Vanderbilt University, where he pursued a Master’s Degree in Economic Development. He planned to return to his beloved home country of Chile, but those plans changed when he met his future bride, Beverly Purves, the first week of classes at Vanderbilt.

Hernán began working at the International Monetary Fund in 1970, as an economist. He went on to have a 30-year career there, earning many accolades and the respect of his colleagues. His years at the IMF culminated in his role as the Official Spokesperson for the Managing Director of the organization. Despite living so far from Chile, Hernán always remained deeply connected to his roots there. He cherished time with dear family and friends on his annual visits.

During his retirement, Hernán and Beverly immersed themselves in their passion for worldwide travel, barely staying home before catching wanderlust again. They also enjoyed visiting their daughter and her family in northern California. Hernán was a doting grandfather to his two grandchildren and truly cherished his time with them. When he was at home, Hernán would spend hours connecting with dear friends and family by phone or email, in addition to organizing group lunches so that many former colleagues stayed in touch. He also thoroughly enjoyed social occasions where he would play the guitar and sing anything from traditional Chilean folk songs to Elvis. Playing tennis was another of his great passions.

For all of his accomplishments and talents, perhaps his greatest gifts to those privileged enough to have known him were his zest for life and sense of humor, his sincere kindness, loyalty and generosity, and the sage advice and inspiration he provided to so many.

In addition to his wife, Beverly, and daughter, Jackie, Hernán is survived by his son-in-law, Winston King, and grandchildren, James and Lily King of San Carlos, California. Also surviving him are his brothers, Miguel (Susana), Samuel (Silveria), Mario (Carmen Luz) of Santiago, Chile, his brother-in-law Bill Purves (Sue) of Southlake, Texas, and his sixteen nieces and nephews. He was very much loved and will be sorely missed by his family and many friends.

Hernán’s funeral service will take place at Joseph Gawler’s Sons on Thursday, July 27, 2017 at 5 pm, with Visitation following from 6-8 pm.

Arrangements under the direction of Joseph Gawler's Sons LLC, Washington, DC.