LeRoy F. Grijalva died unexpectedly at his home early Saturday, May 23. He was born in Santa Maria on March 11, 1952 and spent most of his life in and around Lompoc. He graduated from Lompoc High School in 1970 and remained a loyal Lompoc Braves' fan. He received his degree from West Hills College and also was certified in diesel mechanics. LeRoy worked for the city of Lompoc for over 20 years, retiring in 2007.

LeRoy and Patricia Gebhart were united in marriage in 1992. Together they have operated Serenity Limousine since 2000. LeRoy had a tremendous zest for life. His charismatic personality manifested itself in a wide variety of interests and friends. He enjoyed music, especially singing and playing guitar, riding his motorcycle, fishing, scuba diving, traveling with Pat, and Renaissance re-enactments. Family and friends benefitted from LeRoy's culinary skills. They found their spirits as well as their bodies nourished around his table which abounded in laughter and shared stories.

LeRoy coached wrestling at the Lompoc Boys' Club and high school. Together with his long-time friend, Steve Greco, he was co-founder of LAW (Lompoc Academy of Wrestling). LeRoy always felt it was a tremendous honor and privilege to coach with his former coaches, Jerry Hamstead and Gerry Thompson. He took over as head coach when they retired. He taught "his boys" not only moves and releases, but life lessons in loyalty, perseverance, disciplinary ingenuity, integrity, determination, and teamwork.

LeRoy had a huge heart and was generous with his time and talents. He was an organizer extraordinaire, abounding in enthusiasm and drawing others into his activities. He contributed much to the Lompoc and wider world community. Recognized for his humanitarian efforts by The Vandenberg Village Rotary Club, LeRoy received the Paul Harris Fellow Award.

Leroy is survived by his wife, Patricia; his daughter, Annette; brothers, Joe and Manuel (Roni); sisters--Virginia, Stella, Joann, Judy (Sylvester) Hernandez, Gloria (Ernie) Bermudez, and Maida (Steven) Greenberg; Nino Christy, numerous in-laws, nephews and nieces, and two dogs (Maggie and Bonnie). Nino LeRoy is also survived by many cherished godchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother, Maida Grijalva; sister, Susan Rodriguez; and beloved dog, Sadie, who will eternally rest with him.

Visitation will be at the Starbuck-Lind Mortuary on Thursday, May 28 from 4:30 to 8 p.m. with rosary at 5 p.m. Msgr. John Fitzgerald will celebrate the Mass of Resurrection at Queen of Angels Catholic Church on Friday, May 29 at 10 a.m. A reception will follow at 12 p.m. at the Veterans' Memorial Building. A private family burial will be held later. Memorials are preferred to the LeRoy Grijalva Memorial Scholarship account at Rabobank in Lompoc (828 N H Street; Lompoc, CA; 735-3777).