Hector A. Carrillo

Hector A. Carrillo passed away in Tucson, Arizona, late afternoon on May 6, 2015, with his wife and soulmate of 20+ years, Natalie, by him.  He finally succumbed to a debilitating neurological disease that eroded his motor skills over the last 16 years.

A native son and 1967 graduate of Tucson High School, Hector first demonstrated his musical passion and talent as bassist for Frozen Sun, a popular local band.  A true child of the 60s, he was carried to San Francisco, California by his love of music and adventure.  There he continued playing bass and guitar, occasionally performing at the Last Day Saloon with friends and always jamming.

San Francisco had much in store for Hector.  He earned an associate degree in nursing from City College in San Francisco and practiced his entire healthcare career tin the city, first as an orderly and later as a registered nurse at San Francisco General Hospital.  For 29 years, Hector devoted his skills, candor, and compassion to SFGH patients, often in the hospital’s ER and Urgent Care units.  After his retirement, then Mayor Willie Brown proclaimed December 22, 2001, as "Hector Carrillo Day" for his many contributions to SFGH.

Despite having lived in San Francisco for more than 30 years, Hector returned home to Tucson in 2003.  Along with Natalie, Hector is survived by his sisters, Lorraine (Smith) and Cathy (Martinez), as well as by his brother Ernesto.  He was known as “Uncle Tractor” to nieces Gina (Lorraine), Barbie, and Jennifer (Cathy) and Ernesto’s children, Michael and Harmony; plus grandnieces Cassandra (Gina), Gabrielle and Makyla (Barbie) and grandnephews Hector and Martin (Gina) and Brandon (Barbie).

Hector lived his life with passion, style, and impish humor.  He explored the world, the vibration of music and the mysteries of life, enjoying all with gusto.  We will miss him dearly.

Lastly, on Hector’s behalf, special thanks to the staffs and caregivers at Casa Jorge Assisted Living, where he spent most of his final years, and at Casa de la Luz Hospice, where he passed his final days.  Also, thank you to Kim Bui for giving Hector comfort with regular mani-pedicures.