Wendorf’s Touching Tribute to Juan Maldonado

Gregg Wendorf’s tribute to the late Juan Maldonado, former San Juan mayor, was a touching obituary of sorts (Advance News, July 17th). Wendorf’s pain of losing his long-time friend was obvious and shared by many, I’m sure.

I first met Juan back in the 1970’s when I became a reporter, and later anchor, for what was then known as Channel 5 Eyewitness News in Weslaco.

I was in my early 20s and very hesitant to enter journalism because of what I thought and knew was my lack of knowledge of news in general.

When I met and told Juan about my fears, he reassured me that if I researched and reported each news story with accuracy and a fair balance, I would do just fine.

“Your TV viewers are just as clueless as you are about whatever issue you cover,” he told me. “Both you and your viewers will learn as you dig for the truth.”

Juan was one of those people that you knew you could trust with your innermost thoughts, fears, questions.

But his words of “learning alongside my viewers” stuck with me my entire career and as a result, I eventually became a successful TV news anchor and news director. Then for 30 years, a science writer for the Texas A&M University System.

I didn’t know the first thing about agriculture and its science when I started with A&M in 1988.

But it was Juan’s wise and encouraging words that propelled me to the successes I’ve had in journalism. That success allowed me to fund my daughter’s education through law school to become an attorney, something I always wanted for myself.

When I shared my lament with Juan, that I had always wanted to be an attorney but instead would help my daughter Denise get through law school, he told me, “God puts us on this earth to each play a certain role in life. Trust in God that both you and your daughter will succeed.”

He was so right. As usual. I would often call on Juan for background information on whatever news story I was writing. He never, ever once failed me.

But that was Juan, a mentor and leader to all who knew him. As Wendorf said, “He was one of those guys who never met a stranger.” That was Juan. Selfless, sincere, productive, heart-warming, and always in a great mood.

I used to jokingly call him Man of La Mancha, for the striking and unique birthmark under his left eye. He was easy to “spot” anywhere, I used to joke with him.

When I think of the political leaders of the Valley, my mind jumps to two now-deceased giants: Kika de la Garza and Juan Maldonado.

Those two giants, among others, were giants because they carried on their massive shoulders ALL of their constituents to a better place, a better life.

It’s painful writing these words. Tears come to my eyes when I think about the loss of this kind, intelligent, wise gentleman that Juan was.

We’ll miss you terribly, Juan. May the good Lord keep you and hold you tight in His paradise.