Raymond Elias Lopez

It is with a profound sadness that we announce the passing of Raymond Elias Lopez, whose spirit departed from us on December 13, 2024.

Born June 15, 1972 in La Isla, San Buenaventura, Departamento de Usulutan, El Salvador. The second youngest of 6, he was always the bright light of his family. 

Growing up, he was very close with his mother. He would help his mother prepare meals for his siblings, and made sure they were always attended to. The bond he had with his mother taught him two very important traits that we will always remember Raymond by; his attentiveness, and his passion for cooking. 

At around 15 to 16 years of age, he left his home country for better opportunities. In August of 1988, he made it to Los Angeles where he reunited with his older sister Maria. Growing up, she was always like a 2nd mother to him. Naturally, when he arrived, she signed off on being his mother and enrolled him into High School. During this time, he was tasked with completing school and caring for his nephew Pedro, who was born a month prior to his arrival and always referred to as his son. Raymond, always full of ambition wanted more out of life, so he quickly figured out how to earn employment. By the time the 1990s came around, Raymond was graduating from High School, was employed, and was caring for his nephew, just like his sister asked. 

By the time he reached his 20’s Raymond was full of life, ambition, and goals, and was extremely driven. While working at Pizza Hut, he saw the opportunity for growth. Given that he was full of aspirations, he took on the challenge and quickly ascended to area coach. A position that left him in charge of numerous locations. He was very well known in the stores he managed, and was also very well liked. He had a knack for remembering birthdays, or special occasions, and was always known to hand out gifts. Simply put, a very selfless man. His position at work also provided some comfort, and gave him the opportunity to travel. 

Throughout his life Raymond traveled a lot throughout Mexico, always referring it as his second home. His charm, charisma, and his nature to attract people gave him the opportunity to make friends everywhere. There wasn’t a place or a room that Raymond could walk into and not get peoples attention. Whether it was his sense of humor, or signing Vicente Fernandez songs (which he did an amazing impersonation of) people were quickly attracted to him. In his late 20s, Raymond would go on to purchase a home. 

When he purchased his home in Van Nuys, CA., we saw the second half of Raymond. Having purchased a home with a pool, he had his nephews and nieces over nearly every weekend. His passion for cooking started show again, and shortly thereafter, he was hosting every Thanksgiving and Christmas, Birthdays, and weekend get togethers were hosted without question. However, his drive and ambition craved for something more. He had a few endeavors, here and there; owning a restaurant, managing multiple Starbuck’s, locations but then he fell into the one thing we saw him enjoy the most, Real Estate. 

For the reminder of his life, he resided in various parts of San Bernardino County. Having lived in Hesperia, Victorville, and Upland. He had a great Real Estate Career while working for Beezer homes, and was able to help his younger brother buy a home. The work schedule allowed Raymond to continue doing the one thing he always loved, cooking and attending to others. 

We remember Raymond for who he was; an uncle, god father, brother, friend, and to his nephew a father. His sense of humor, his charismatic attitude, and attentiveness will always live on with family, and if you pay close attention, you can see a little bit of him in each and one of them.