Tololinos were saddened by the recent death of a long time AURA employee, Hugo Villagran, head of the La Serena carpenter shop and lead man of the building maintenance crew. In a valiant fight against cancer, Don Hugo outlived the doctors' predictions by a year, and was working until the week before his death.
Don Hugo represents that side of our Chilean staff which is "transparent to users" but vital all the same. He and his crew made sure that buildings used by La Serena staff and visiting astronomers were functional, and safe. As an employee representative in collective bargaining sessions, his experience and wisdom were valued by all. And as an enthusiastic organizer and participant in employee sponsored recreational activities, "El Charro" created many happy times for the rest of us.
!Que en paz descanse!
Governing Board,
Tololo Employees Association