District 23 honors the memory of two Toastmasters, Daniel Hermosillo and Benjamin Mullinix, who passed away this month.

DHermosilloDaniel Noah Hermosillo, charter member of CLC Toastmasters Club in Las Cruces, NM passed away on Saturday, March 14th at Providence Hospital in El Paso, Texas. Daniel started working for the City of Las Cruces, New Mexico in 2012, first in the Utilities Department, and a year later, as an Environmental Compliance Officer for Community Development. Daniel is best remembered for his great spirit. He was always the first to volunteer, show enthusiasm for a new idea, or share a good laugh. Daniel was passionate about the environment, so friends and coworkers are raising funds to purchase a tree and memorial plaque to provide a positive tribute to his life by planting a tree at La Llorona Park. La Llorona Park is located adjacent to the Rio Grande River in Las Cruces and is one of Daniel’s favorite places.

Daniel leaves behind a wife, Monique.

Daniel was the current Vice President of Membership and Vice President of Public Relations.  While in Toastmasters he earned the Advanced Communicator Bronze (ACB) and Advanced Leadership Bronze (ALB) designations.  Daniel is a true example of how Toastmasters can transform persons’ public speaking abilities from hardly any to becoming an inspiration to an entire club.  He excelled at every task while in Toastmasters and went from having the bell rung at almost every other word to being one of the best speakers of the club. His tall tales speeches were something to look forward to! He had such a creative imagination! Daniel was very devoted to his club and he will be missed by all.

BenMullinixBenjamin G. Mullinix, Jr., member of Lubbock Toasters Toastmasters, passed away March 3. Ben joined Toastmasters in 1976 in Georgia. He moved to Lubbock and joined Toasters in 2008. Ben was a statistician, and was known for his love of geography, history, and his family.

He rarely missed a meeting and was a huge proponent of Toastmasters, advocating the organization to friends, family, and co-workers. Ben participated in everything from club leadership to contests. He frequently used his storytelling abilities to weave wild tales and often advanced far into the Tall Tales competitions held in our district.

Our condolences go out to Ben’s family and friends.