Lawrence “Larry” Hernandez, longtime Los Banos resident and retired CHP automotive technician, died at home on Aug. 14 at age 58.
Lawrence Hernandez was born in Torrance, California, in 1966. Before moving to Los Banos with his family, he worked for the Orange County Sheriff’s Department as a deputy sheriff. He transferred to the Los Banos CHP office in 1992, where he worked as the automotive technician for 34 years before taking an early retirement.
Lawrence Hernandez was involved in several community organizations, including the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Sportsmen’s Association, the Tiger Trap Team and various CHP events like Toys for Tots.
His daughter, Marisa Hernandez, shared that his involvement in the community started early in his time in Los Banos.
“From as early as I can remember, he started getting really involved. From working with the CHP, to starting to do Sportsman’s and Odd Fellows. He would go on certain days during the week to do those dinners, and the raffles and giveaways,” said Marisa Hernandez.
Marisa Hernandez also noted his passion for cooking. He frequently cooked for his coworkers and family, as well as Sportsman’s dinners, Our Lady of Fatima (OLF) Catholic school events and parties.
“He cooked all the time, trying new recipes for my sister and I. For parties, he would make so much of the food whenever he had people over. He used to always cook for Sportsman’s dinners; that was his passion. He was like, ‘200 people? No problem,’” said Marisa Hernandez.
He was closely involved in his daughters’ educations at OLF and extracurriculars, attending Girl Scouts camping trips with them, supporting the Los Banos Tiger Sharks swim team with food and refreshments and coaching the softball team.
“He always wanted to help out. He’d make extra lunches for any classmates who needed it. He would always go with me on field trips and pack extra food, so that if there was any kid that didn’t have food, he could be like ‘Oh, I have extra lunch for you guys, here you go,’” said Marisa Hernandez.
Lawrence Hernandez was an active person as well, and could be seen walking to and from work every day with a 50-pound weighted vest on. He also boxed and trained coworkers and other members of the community, with whom he would attend boxing tournaments.
According to Marisa Hernandez, he “knew everybody” and was always “looking to make connections with people and introduce somebody to somebody else.”
“Seeing so many people come to the hospital, just his face lighting up, was just everything. He was so happy. People honoring him, and the community, all friends that he had. That stuff was just huge to him,” said Marisa Hernandez.
Per his request, he was cremated, and there are no funeral services planned.
Marisa Hernandez shared that she and some of her father’s friends are working to set up scholarships in his memory.
“He was really big into school and getting your education, and being able to take care of yourself,” said Marisa Hernandez.
In a joint statement from Marisa Hernandez and her sister Alisa Hernandez, they shared, “We will always remember the joy he brought to our lives. Our father was a man who gave so much and asked for so little. His legacy will continue to live on through the lives he touched and the values he instilled in us. Values that will be taught to his grandchildren and passed down generations.”
