My
husband, to those of you who were lucky
enough to have known him, was always there when someone was in need
of help. I know he thanks you all for helping and encouraging our
endeavors in this cause. Our intention in planning this event was,
as you know, to raise funds to be used towards research of pancreatic
cancer. With your support today, and hopefully in the future, one
day a cure may be found.
Unfortunately
cancer of the pancreas is almost always terminal because it has
no early warning signs or symptoms. My husband was diagnosed with
leiomyosarcoma ONLY five weeks prior to his death on June 13th.
Sadly, his recovery was not to be. Our hope is that no family
should ever have to face losing a loved one to this disease, especially
the rare form Augie's took.
I knew Augie for 35 years. Some of you probably knew him longer.
Some of you knew him as "Tin", "Tine", "Augie",
"The Aug", or even "The Camp Director". All
these names and nicknames embody a man of virtue, honor, integrity,
generosity and most of all, compassion - a true friend.
On a dusky October evening in 1963 Augie and I met driving down
Valley Boulevard in Alhambra. We were married less than two years
later at the San Gabriel Mission church.
In 1963, he also began his service in the National Guard until
his honorable discharge in 1967. Augie was a strong supporter
of the California Highway Patrol and other law enforcement groups,
such as the 1199 Officers Association. He also had a dedication
to his community, serving on the Los Angeles County Commission
on Human Relations. He supported the Hammel Street in East Los
Angeles through L.A.'s Adopt-a-School program and organized a
Thanksgiving basket drive for several years.
He later served as president of the Parents' Club there, when
our children, David and Lisa, attended San Gabriel Mission Grammar
School. We remember Augie for his endless generosity and hospitality.
The boys he took on trips to the Colorado River are the same men
who have organized this golf tournament.
Each one of
you who knew him from Dolores
Canning Co. can doubtless picture him even now behind that
steel desk where he sat across from his brother Frank for some
40 years. You know the unswerving dedication and passion he had
for the company his father, mother and siblings built. His hard
work inspires us still. His devotion was invaluable for making
the cannery the successful, community-minded company it has been
for years.
To
those of us who knew him as son, brother, husband, father, father-in-law,
and Papa-Tine, I can not find enough words to tell you the love
he had for us. Though our hearts are broken, we are determined
and dedicated to make a difference.
On one particularly difficult day at the hospital my children,
David and Lisa, took me outside and shared a printed verse that
Augie carried with him. I would like to share it with you if I
may.
"Never give in, Never give in.
Never, never, never, never...
Never give in, except to convictions
Of honor good sense."
- Winston Churchill
With this in mind, we plan to do just that...never give in.
Appreciatively,
Lola Muñoz