Royce Elijah Hernandez was born October 25th, 1997, to Susan Basler and Gildardo Hernandez and raised in Akron, Colorado. He was the youngest of Susan's children, Julie, Oliver, and Sarah. He was also the youngest of Gilbert's children, Jorge, Gilberto, Laura, and Elda. Royce came into the world in the middle of one of Colorado's worst blizzards in history. He always liked to make a big entrance. He could truly be the class clown or a quiet confidant. He was always there to offer a friendly hug and a big smile, but he was also strongly introverted and could spend hours playing his many instruments and video games. Royce was always a natural musician and taught himself to play various instruments and songs. His voice was beautiful and he loved to sing to many different types of music. Royce's love for music was evident at a young age and carried on throughout his life. At 15 years of age, he was diagnosed with diabetes. At 19, Royce moved to the Denver area and began working a construction job that he enjoyed. On April 7th, 2017, Royce passed away unexpectedly. At just 19 years old his story was just beginning, but the other part of the story has been torn away. In addition to his mother, Susan Basler, and his siblings, Julie (Stephen), Oliver (Destiny), Sarah (David), Jorge, Gilberto, Laura, and Elda; Royce leaves behind his nieces and nephews, Ashley, Stephen, Carson, Joshua, Austin, Abigail and Elizabeth, his maternal grandfather, Leo Basler and his many uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends. His father, Gildardo Hernandez, his grandmother, MaryAnn Basler, and his grandparents, Samuel and Dora Hernandez preceded Royce in death.
There will be a public visitation at Bowin Funeral Home in Akron, Colorado from 2-4 pm on Thursday, April 20th. A rosary will be held at Saint Joseph Catholic Church at 7 PM Thursday April 20th. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 AM Friday April 21st at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Akron, Colorado. Interment will follow the mass at St. Joseph's Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorials can be made in Royce's memory to:
Bowin Funeral Home or to
University of Colorado Health-Diabetes and Endocrinology: https://www.uchealth.org/give-to-uchealth/