My brother, Robbie, died last week. It was a shocking and devastating loss, and all who knew him are still in disbelief/mourning. Robbie was unlike anyone I've ever known, and I often envied his charisma, laissez-faire attitude, and adventurous spirit. He had a larger than life personality. When he entered a room, the noise and fun levels immediately rose and you couldn't help being drawn to him. He was a smart, selfless, compassionate, and funny guy, and there isn't anything he wouldn't have done for someone in need. His passion for life was unparalleled, and his ability to connect to everyone he came in contact with was something to behold. He traveled the world, and built memories and long-lasting relationships along the way. You rarely knew where he was, or how long he'd be staying put, you only knew you couldn't wait to see him again. I was fortunate to spend more time with him last year than in the many previous years combined, and will always cherish that opportunity.
I have avoided Facebook for a long time because it was becoming increasingly hostile. These last few days, when hearing others discuss what they saw/posted, I was reminded of what I miss - the personal connections, the sharing of lives, memories, daily interactions. I knew my brother was loved, he knew he was loved, and it is wonderful to see that evidenced. The messages, the pictures, the outpouring of love and support, the people from literally all over the world sharing stories has been uplifting. I am grateful for the relationships he had, and that his life was filled with so many people who agree, in spite of his flaws, he was amazing, and will be missed. Love you, brother. RIP. I'm comforted that you're with Dad, and am beyond sad you both left us way too soon. <3
— Brandi St. John
Today has been one of the saddest days of my life! Our friend, our brother Robbie Hernandez is gone! Robbie aka Slop may have been the coolest person I have ever known! I met him in 1982 in art class Prospect High School and became friends and I was always inspired by him, we used to sneak out of class and borrow his brother Carlos Hernandez or his cousin Jeff Hernandez car and cruise around listening to Rick James - Ghetto Life. We never got caught! Through Rob and his brother Los, I learned how to DJ (which is what I do for a profession today) Rob taught me about dancing and style he was always so full of life and fun. I got to learn about what it was to be a part of a Mexican- American familia! Rob soon transferred to Westmont High School and because of that I gained life-long friends through him like: Andrew A Alonzo, Alan Reed, Adam Sterio, Richard Bernal, Ritchie Valles, Kevin L Roberts, Milan McFetridge, Ron Smith, Bravo, James Fisher, Lee Madison, Wild Wayne, Dave Gustafson, Todd Giovannoni, Jess Alonzo, Mark Aldridge, Dennis Kyne, Joseph Hernandez to name a few! After high-school, we had many adventures including going to Hawaii together in 1985, which was his first time. The thing about Rob is that you could go years without seeing him and then hook up and it was like no time pasted! After my first divorce, he saw that I was depressed and he took me to live with him in Montana, where I learned how to snowboard and turned my life around. Rob was always the life of the party, Rob was also a very good athlete he seemed to pick up any sport easy! Years later after I had moved to the UK for many years I came back and luckily I got to spend a lot of time with Slop, nothing had changed he was still that same crazy, fun-loving force of nature! That was 5 years ago and I always thought that we would be able to have another run down that road together. I am very sad that won't happen, but I will tell you this, no one ever lived life to the fullest like Robbie Hernandez! Big love to the all the homies and the Hernandez family, you will never know how much you all have meant in my life!!
— Steve Walker
My People!
My birthday is 6 weeks away. I was born on November 2 "Dia de los Muertos" (The Day of the Dead) - a holiday where people pray for and remember friends and family members who have died, and help support their spiritual journey. As many (or all of you) know, I no longer have many family members that are among the living. My friends are my family. In recent years, I stopped celebrating myself and I'd begun celebrating the souls of the most important people in my life (my Mom, Dad, Grandparents, Aunts Uncles and so many more loved ones...).
This story isn't about me, this story is about what's important to me.
I don't open-up much, but this has been a tough week. I have a cousin named Slop (Robbie), this is the cousin who taught me how to be a gypsy - quite literally. He was a world traveler and he's the reason I traded my stilettos for the earth. Remember that one time I lived on a hippie commune in New Mexico? Well, that was because of Slop and it was the best experience of my life - I always felt safe because he was there. Slop, my cousin who plays the Ukulele and jams to reggae music. He was the biggest Raider fan and when I was a Raiderette, he went to all my games. We called each other on Raider Sundays and we called each other for our birthday's - his is on November 3rd or 1st (I always mix them up) every year, but he always remembers mine. When a boyfriend in Colorado did the unthinkable, Slop had my back. When my Mother was battling Cancer, he was amongst the few who I could count on; he'd pick me up from the airport, he helped me find her when her husband tried to create distance between us and he gave me a place to sleep when I was locked out.
I received a call last Saturday morning. My favorite cousin is gone.
I have a wolf pack of girlfriends that gets together for birthday's and we always venmo a few bucks for a group gift. This year, I'm asking my friends to help my family by donating to celebrate my cousins life. This is the single most important thing I can ask for in honor of my Birthday, the Day of the Dead.
— Monique Williamson
I lost my good good friend no words can tell how much I love respect and honored him as my brother RIP. Mi corazón está muy triste perdí mi amigo del alma Robbie Hernandez.
— Yazmil "Rasta" Bermudez
First kids I met in San Tomas gardens when I moved to Cali in 1977. Carlos and Robbie Been my brothers ever since. I don't know what to say. Campbell lost a soldier yesterday. I've been growing my hair for the past year because of this pic. SLop did it and looks dope so can I. Back in 91 slop came over to Ramon's house to see me drew and ray. He was bald. SLop looked dope bald so I did it to. Been shaving me head til last year. Drew and SLop had a big ass Rottweiler named Gerrick. I had to have one to. I always looked up to drew and Robbie as big brothers. Still do. God took Robbie yesterday and I can't handle it. God took my bro. God why?hes still young. He's SLoP he is Campbell. Fuck it was KiSS the Raiders and football. All day football in 77.
— Dave Gustafson
You were there when Ron Smith and I started spinning in his and Dave Smith's garage. You and I just talked about Auto a week ago. Steve Walker and Chris Walker and all the San Tomas hoops Auto made. When RJ and I got our break at the Red Light and had To name our show.... we called it SLOP in honor of the "funkiest." You were a hero to all of us from a young age. Robbie Hernandez I didn't admire many people, but you had my deepest admiration and Love. RIP Slop. We rode hard together. Rest easy now brother. Your spirit rides inside me until I see you on the other side.
— Dennis Kyne
You both were shining light in our time of darkness. Kramer Ohana will always be so grateful. Robbie I appreciate your wisdom, your company, your energy. Love you my Bruddah.
— Kramer Ohana
I've only known you 8 months Robbie, but you really made a big impact on my life my braddah and I'm really going to miss you buddy. Rest easy Slop.
— Stewart Shiroma
I loved that guy, he always had my back, and will always be in my heart, if not in my life. I wish I could have done something to prevent this terrible loss. My condolences to everyone who loved Robbie, a truly unique individual and a great friend who is now in a better place. He will be deeply missed in a world so in need of a man like him.
— Burt White
THE NATION JUST LOST A GREAT BROTHER LAST WEEK ITS NOT GOOD BYE ITS ILL SEE YOU LATER BRO HOLD THOSE GATES OPEN FOR ME DON'T KNOW WHEN ILL GET THERE BUT I WILL GET THERE SO HOLD IT DOWN MISS U
— Patrick Bonilla
R.I.P. Slop - Devasting loss to this earth. Your my hero Slop and you can never be replaced. You will be so missed by so many. God Speed Slop.
— Christa Squier
Robbie Fuckin Hernandez. I'm sorry he is gone. I'lk never forget the time some dude dropped a knife on the dance floor and he picked it up and started shakin it in the dudes face.
— Pierce Adams
I can't believe I won't get to see one of my oldest friends again…at least on this side. I met Robbie in the 70's. His cousin Jeff lived down the street from me on Lovell Ave, and him and I went to school together and would hang out a lot. Remember playing football in the streets until dark?
The whole Hernandez family was so good to me back in the day. Angie (Grandma) was/is one of the best cooks on the planet, and always had such a positive spirit. Larry, (especially Larry) Big Carlos, and Big Robbie always included me and treated me like family. Jeff, Carlos and Robbie were like my brothers. Playing on softball leagues, Larry getting Jeff and I summer jobs where he worked. Cruising around in Larry's badass Corvette. One day Jeff and I came back to his grandma's house on Pollard, and Robbie had gotten back from shopping in San Francisco when he was getting into DJ'ing, and he was blasting Grand Master Flash and the Furious Five "The Message". Since that day, every time I hear that song, I think of Robbie. Those were the days…
One of the things I admired about Robbie, is he knew how to live in the "now". He lived richly in the moment, wherever he was, whatever he was doing. Robbie was an excellent chef with a mean golf game, a generous spirit, and kind heart. He loved being around people, and people loved being around him. He talked about teaching me to surf…I was looking forward to that.
I'm comforted by my belief that when our physical bodies expire, our spirit energy remains intact, and Robbie is not far at all. In fact, he's only started his next, awesome adventure, and he has a head start on all of us. I miss you bud.
— Jason Bruce
