“Elias” Eleazar T. Hernandez of Brightwood, Oregon passed away August 29th. 2012 at the age of 54.
Elias was born on February 2, 1958 in Guanajuato, Mexico to Guadalupe and Manuel Hernandez. He was raised in Guanajuato, Mexico. He had only completed third grade when he stopped attending school and began working to help support his large struggling family. In 1979, when he was 21 Elias moved to Oregon and eventually continued his education taking many classes and lessons. He became a U.S. Citizen in 2010 passing the test on his first attempt. He and his family were very proud of that achievement.
Elias was a very hard worker, taking pride in every job that he did. He was a valued employee to all of the employers he had over the years. He held many jobs in the area working for the local farms. At one point he held three jobs at the same time; working for Timberline Lodge, The Resort at the Mountain and Jim Turin and Sons. He was known for his abilities on the asphalt roller which he operated for 26 years until his passing.
He married Edie (Herrera) in Guanajuato on December 13, 1980 and they began their family the following year. They lived in Sandy except for a 6 month period spent in Tillamook. Shortly after returning to Sandy the family found a home in Brightwood where they made their permanent home.
Elias was always very active in the Brightwood and Sandy communities attending church at both St Michael and St John Catholic Church. He participated in many clubs, organizations and had a hand in developing the Sandy Alcoholics Anonymous at the Sandy Vista apartments. Elias had a huge heart that would have loved to help the entire world, but knowing that was impossible he took pride in changing one life at a time.
Elias was a mountain man taking pride in his home and property working on them endlessly. He loved the woods and river that surround his home and enjoyed taking long walks with his family and his dogs Fatso and Howie. Edie disliked these walks, but always accompanied him when he asked her and had to admit that she enjoyed herself by the time they returned home. He loved being with all of his family, but most of all doting on his newly born grandson, Elias. He enjoyed watching and participating in all sports including basketball, baseball, watching UFC fights, boxing and football. His favorite NFL team was the New England Patriots.
Elias is survived by his wife of thirty one and half years Edilberta- “Edie” of Sandy; sons Elias R. “ Ricky” 30 engaged to Lyla and Edward- “Eddie” engaged to Loni , his daughter Belinda- “Beli” and her husband Jose , Grandson Elias J.; parents, Manuel and Guadalupe, eight sisters, three brothers and many other dear, dear family members and friends.
We may not be able to have Elias here with us any longer, however, we can hold his memory with us forever in our hearts. Contributions may be made to the Eleazar T. Hernandez- Elias Memorial Fund at Clackamas County Bank. All donations are greatly appreciated.