Tributes

Ernest N Lavin (Prophet) of San Antonio, Tx went home to our Lord and Savior on 1-1-2024 at the age of 81. Ernest was born in Monterrey Mexico on 3-11-1942 and moved to San Antonio with his Parents and siblings in 1947. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years Gloria (Arias) Lavin. They married on December 16th, 1961 at St. Michael’s Church in San Antonio, Tx. He is survived by His sister Sylvia (Lavin) Beilstein, Daughters Cindy De La Garza, Jackie Valdez, Debbie Sill, Three Sons in Law (Sons) Roland De La Garza, Louis Valdez, Eddie Sill, and Seven Grandchildren, Ally Valdez, Aaron Valdez, Emily Sill, Ethan Sill, Hannah Sill, Madison De La Garza, and Ella Rose De La Garza. He is also survived by six Brothers in Law, Four Sisters in Law, Numerous Nieces and Nephews. Ernest, known as Prophet, served the SAFD from June 1st 1968 until February 19th 2000, 32 years of dedicated service. He was one of the original EMS paramedics when the City of San Antonio offered the service in 1974. He remained with EMS until his retirement and was instrumental in the development, training, and success that helped future paramedics. He was called Prophet because of his ability to predict working fires and diagnose patients with injuries that allowed him and his partners to save countless lives. He delivered over 40 babies and was instrumental in developing a positive rapport with the communities he served. When important dignitaries were scheduled to arrive in San Antonio, Prophet and His partner Hector Cardenas would be assigned to the visiting dignitary and events. On September 13th, 1987, Pope John Paul the II made his historic visit. Prophet and Hector were the paramedics driving in the EMS ambulance behind the Pope’s Vehicle. He was an active member of the ACTS Community and served in various Church, Ministry, and Fellowship Retreats to help others to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. His greatest joy was his wife, family, and his grandchildren. Papo was at all their Birthdays, Recitals, Sport Events, and Graduations. He chronicled their events and left us a tremendous catalog of memories. Traveling in his RV taking trips across the southwest US, Dinners, BBQ, Trips to the beach, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas made him the happiest. Dad, Daddy, Papo, Grandpa, as he was called by all of us who Love him and now will miss him, left a legacy of giving, compassion, and Love. He was a dedicated Husband, Father, Father-in-Law, Grandfather, ACTS Brother, Friend, Neighbor and dedicated servant. Matthew 25:23 – The Lord says, “Job well done good and faithful servant”! Visitation will begin at 5:30 P.M. followed by the Rosary at 7:00 P.M. on Monday, January 8, 2024 at Mission Park Funeral Chapels North, 3401 Cherry Ridge Drive. The Procession will depart the Funeral Home Chapel at 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 for the Funeral Mass at 11:00 A.M. at San Juan de los Lagos Catholic Church, 3231 El Paso. Interment with Fire Department Honors will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery 17501 Nacogdoches Rd.

Tributes

Ernest N. Lavin (Prophet)

March 11, 1942 - January 1, 2024