Orange County Says Goodbye to “Hoagy” Holguin
By: O.C. Supervisor Shawn Nelson
Orange County sadly said its last goodbye’s to Hoagy Holguin at formal Catholic funeral ceremonies at St. Anthony Claret Catholic Church in Anaheim.
Representing Supervisor Nelson, Policy Advisor Steve Spernak delivered condolences to Mrs. Holguin, the family and about 400 friends who gathered to celebrate the remarkable life of this prominent civic leader who loved everything Anaheim.
Steve Spernak was joined by Mayor Tom Tait and Councilmember Lucille Kring along with the president of the Los Angeles Police Protective League who delivered a touching message to the family about how Hoagy was twice-named as their Citizen of the Year for his work helping LAPD athletics.
Hoagy’s fundraising and contributions to the LAPD Baker-to-Vegas competition for 25+ years prompted the LAPD to change the name of their MVP trophy to the James “Hoagy” Holguin Award. Hoagy proudly served as a member of the Anaheim Police Officer Honorary Association.
Hoagy was dedicated to the children of Anaheim, helped Supervisor Nelson at the annual Flag Day honors, served as a Trustee with the Anaheim Union High School District and was on the advisory board of the CSUF Mihaylo College of Business.
Hoagy is survived by siblings Anthony, Sherrie, Michael, Carrie, Colleen, Claudia and Erica, as well as his 3 daughters. His beloved wife, Patty, offered him a second family, as her children became his along with the ten grandchildren who adored him as their teddy-bear of a Grandfather.