On the recordFebruary 3, 2011
I extend my condolences to the family of my good friend Mr. Eddie Escobedo, who passed away in Las Vegas, NV, on October 15, 2010. He was 77 years old. Eddie left behind his loving wife of 50 years, Dona Maria Escobedo, his children, Eddie, Jr., Hilda, Nicolas, Victor, and nine grandchildren. His passing leaves an empty place in the lives of those who knew and loved him, but it also leaves an enormous void in the Las Vegas community. Eddie was best known as the publisher of the Spanish-language El Mundo newspaper and a strong advocate for the Hispanic community. He arrived in southern Nevada when approximately 60,000 people lived in the Las Vegas Valley. His assertive leadership drew attention to the issues that pertain specifically to the Latino community, paving the way for hundreds of thousands of them who now reside in Nevada. Eddie was born in Juarez, Mexico, in 1932, and as a teenager immigrated to the United States. He recognized early on that in America he would have the opportunity to accomplish his dreams. He enlisted in the Air Force and earned his citizenship after serving with distinction. Several years ago I received a call from my friend Eddie to invite me to Christmas in the Barrio, where he would help give toys to needy children. Seeing those little faces glow because they would have a little bit of Christmas even though their families were struggling is a memory that I keep very fondly.
