Henry L. "Hank" LacayoNewbury Park, CAHenry L. "Hank" Lacayo, 85, of Newbury Park, CA, passed away peacefully on Monday May 1st, 2017 with his family by his side.Hank was born on August 9, 1931 in Los Angeles, CA to Mary Luisa Velazquez of Mexico and Henry Luis Lacayo of Nicaragua.Hank graduated John C. Fremont High School in Los Angeles in 1949 and enlisted in the United States Air Force. In 1953, Hank began his long and illustrious career in the labor movement. His career in public service spanned six decades and he was recognized at the local, state, and national level.Hank began his career at North American Aviation in Los Angeles in 1953 and quickly rose through the ranks of the United Auto Workers (UAW). Hank moved his family to Michigan in 1974. It was there at the UAW National headquarters he became Administrative Assistant to three successive UAW Presidents Leonard Woodcock, Douglas Fraser, and Owen Bieber. He also was the National Director of the UAW Community Action Program, the political and legislative arm in 1976. Hank served as an advisor to several Presidents of the United States including Kennedy, Johnson, Carter, and Clinton. He was also involved in the electoral process for several U.S. Senators, U.S. Representatives, State Governors and legislators. He walked among giants. He stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial hearing Dr. Martin Luther King deliver his famous, "I have a dream speech" and connected former UAW President Walter Reuther with his friend Caesar Chavez and later marched alongside him in Delano to raise awareness and support for the farm workers. He retired from the UAW in 1986 relocating back to California with his wife Leah and two sons Jacob and Joshua. Although "retired", Hank focused more of his time on the local and state level. Advisor to many, he served on committees and boards throughout the state of California and Ventura County. Causes near and dear to Hank included immigration rights, voter education, senior advocacy and elder abuse, veteran's rights, women's rights, philanthropy, and political activism. Hank was involved and empowered others to get involved in the community. These are lessons he learned early on in his life being a product of immigrant parents. He was always proud of his heritage and upbringing. He worked tirelessly to not only provide for his family, but to ensure that the underprivileged were served.He leaves behind a long list of accomplishments and awards. One of Hank's proudest achievements occurred in May 2012, where he received an honorary doctorate degree (D.H.L.) from California State University, Channel Islands (CSUCI). He was a mentor to many in the community and across the state and nation, earning the nickname "Tio Hank." His legacy and work will live on in those he impacted and influenced over the years.In addition to all his work in public service Hank had a love for many things including spending time with friends and family, traveling, playing games (card games, crossword puzzles, scrabble or online games), and fishing. Fishing was his favorite hobby.He truly never "retired" or hung up his coat or put his phone on mute. He was still involved with several organizations and causes up until the time of his passing.He met his loving wife Leah of 44 years in 1973 while working on the Tom Bradley for Mayor of Los Angeles campaign. Wherever Hank went Leah was by his side. They were a dynamic duo, best of friends, always supporting each other. In addition to Leah, Hank is survived by his brothers Otto (Lynda) and Louis (Mary), and sister, Sister Carmela. He is also survived by his children Jacob (Jenny), Joshua (Kevin), Jill (Mike), Lori (Mike), Heather (Scott), Sonia (Thom), Lauria (George), Penny (David), and Kama (Smith). He is also survived by many grandchildren and his mini pinscher Cha Cha.He is preceded in death by his son Henry and daughter Laurelyn. In lieu of flowers, the Lacayo Family would like memorial donations to be sent to the Henry L. "Hank" Lacayo Institute (HLI) for Workforce and Community Studies at CSUCI, La Hermandad Hank Lacayo Youth and Family Center, Cancer Support Community Valley/Ventura/Santa Barbara or an organization that symbolized his work in the community.A private funeral service will be held on Monday May 8th and a memorial service to celebrate the life of Hank is planned for late June."Adelante" Hank Lacayo!