Many of you have heard that Bernie Sargent and his wife Melissa have sold their home and left El Paso for good after 37 years here. Bernie and Melissa were key figures in the local historical community and have served on numerous boards, including at the state level.
I had the privilege of serving with Bernie on the El Paso County Historical Commission for seven years, including as Vice-Chair while he was Chair. Bernie and I currently serve as Chair and Vice-Chair, respectively, of The Trost Society, the only local non-profit focusing on historic preservation and promoting our architectural patrimony. He is also on the Advisory Council of my group to restore Sacred Heart Church. We have collaborated on many projects and had a lot of good times together!
His wife Melissa long served as co-host of the El Paso History Radio Show on AM 690 and on several boards herself, including the Concordia Heritage Association. She, too, has been an iconic member of the historical community.
I am so sorry to see Bernie and Melissa go! Their departure is a tremendous loss for our community.
I am grateful to Saul Saenz of KVIA, which has the top-rated television news network in El Paso, for dedicating an entire episode of ABC7 XTRA to Bernie and his legacy. I was glad to be invited to contribute to his report.