1940
Herbert
2021
Herbert John Lizalde
August 21, 1940 — September 2, 2021
Herb Lizalde, “Beto” to family, 81, passed on peacefully in the arms of his wife in San Diego on the evening of Thursday, September 2, 2021 as his beloved comforted him with love and prayer.
Born August 21, 1940 to Federico and Elisa Lizalde, Herb grew up in Guadalupe, Santa Barbara County, California. A gifted athlete, Herb loved playing sports with his brothers and childhood friends in the Santa Maria Valley. He attended Santa Maria High School, Hancock College and California State University, Long Beach. Herb was named "All-American" center in 1960.
Herb was a life-long fan of San Diego sports teams, The Chargers, The Padres and the San Diego State Aztecs. As season-ticket holder, he especially enjoyed traveling to away games.
In 1977, Herb opened an authentic Mexican restaurant in Old Town, which soon became a San Diego Institution. Over a 34-year career his extraordinary talents, which he attributed to his family traditions, brought him numerous culinary awards and accolades.
An inquisitive soul and world-traveler, Herb enjoyed exploring far-flung destinations alongside the love of his life and fellow adventurer in life, Mikell. Herb's warmth of spirit and generosity were apparent to all, and given ample testimony by his countless friends who were also charmed by his singular sense of humor. While attending the 1989 World Series between the San Francisco Giants and the Oakland A's with his brother Milo, the two were witness to the 6.9 Loma Prieta Earthquake that rocked the stadium. Herb's dead-pan reaction: "We need to get to second base.... this place is going to collapse."
Herb was preceded in death by his parents, Federico and Elisa Lizalde; sister Rosalie Lizalde; and by brothers Manuel Lizalde Carrillo, Milo Lizalde and Fred Lizalde; Father in-law Jack McDonough as well as their beloved dog Dundee and cat Bindi.
He is survived by his wife Mikell McDonough; stepdaughter Kelly Jones and granddaughter Sofia Andrews; beloved nephews Luke Lizalde (Jaya), and Matt Lizalde (Shawna); sister-in-laws Lynn McDonough (Doug Pope), Shannon Skiles, Margaret McDonough and Jackie McDonough; best friends JJ McDonough Beemster and Wayne Ritter (Sue); brothers Lenny and John; many other beloved cousins, nieces, nephews and friends; as well as by his cherished rescue dog, Simba, and Toyger cat, Bobbi.
Masses will be celebrated at the Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá at 7:00 am, and The Carmelite Chapel in Salt Lake City at 7:30 am, as well as in Waterford Ireland, in honor of Herb’s Life and the Repose of his Soul, on November 11, 2021.
Charitable contributions in Herb's name can be made to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, The Barn Sanctuary, The Asher House or the San Diego Zoo.
Dios te bendiga, Beto.
Que descanse en paz.
Born August 21, 1940 to Federico and Elisa Lizalde, Herb grew up in Guadalupe, Santa Barbara County, California. A gifted athlete, Herb loved playing sports with his brothers and childhood friends in the Santa Maria Valley. He attended Santa Maria High School, Hancock College and California State University, Long Beach. Herb was named "All-American" center in 1960.
Herb was a life-long fan of San Diego sports teams, The Chargers, The Padres and the San Diego State Aztecs. As season-ticket holder, he especially enjoyed traveling to away games.
In 1977, Herb opened an authentic Mexican restaurant in Old Town, which soon became a San Diego Institution. Over a 34-year career his extraordinary talents, which he attributed to his family traditions, brought him numerous culinary awards and accolades.
An inquisitive soul and world-traveler, Herb enjoyed exploring far-flung destinations alongside the love of his life and fellow adventurer in life, Mikell. Herb's warmth of spirit and generosity were apparent to all, and given ample testimony by his countless friends who were also charmed by his singular sense of humor. While attending the 1989 World Series between the San Francisco Giants and the Oakland A's with his brother Milo, the two were witness to the 6.9 Loma Prieta Earthquake that rocked the stadium. Herb's dead-pan reaction: "We need to get to second base.... this place is going to collapse."
Herb was preceded in death by his parents, Federico and Elisa Lizalde; sister Rosalie Lizalde; and by brothers Manuel Lizalde Carrillo, Milo Lizalde and Fred Lizalde; Father in-law Jack McDonough as well as their beloved dog Dundee and cat Bindi.
He is survived by his wife Mikell McDonough; stepdaughter Kelly Jones and granddaughter Sofia Andrews; beloved nephews Luke Lizalde (Jaya), and Matt Lizalde (Shawna); sister-in-laws Lynn McDonough (Doug Pope), Shannon Skiles, Margaret McDonough and Jackie McDonough; best friends JJ McDonough Beemster and Wayne Ritter (Sue); brothers Lenny and John; many other beloved cousins, nieces, nephews and friends; as well as by his cherished rescue dog, Simba, and Toyger cat, Bobbi.
Masses will be celebrated at the Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá at 7:00 am, and The Carmelite Chapel in Salt Lake City at 7:30 am, as well as in Waterford Ireland, in honor of Herb’s Life and the Repose of his Soul, on November 11, 2021.
Charitable contributions in Herb's name can be made to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, The Barn Sanctuary, The Asher House or the San Diego Zoo.
Dios te bendiga, Beto.
Que descanse en paz.
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