Dr. Plano B. Valdes' Obituary
VALDES, Dr. Plano B., 75, lifelong native of Tampa passed away at 1:15 PM on Oct. 17, 2014 with his wife Herminia by his side. Before Plano passed he was blessed by the holy water and rosary beads that were blessed by Pope John Paul while Plano and Herminia were in Rome. Dr. Valdes attended Hillsborough County schools, graduated from University of Tampa. Working toward his doctorate degree he studied in Washington, DC, furthered his studies at Oklahoma State College and attained his doctorate degree at Nova University. Dr. Valdes joined Tampa Electric Company in 1981 as coordinator of management training and participated in managing a variety of human resource functions. He was a member of the Edison Electric Institute Human Resources Subcommittee and was a chairman of the subcommittee from 1987 to 1989. He participated in developing the two-week EEI Executive Training Program for senior managers throughout the United States. From 1982 to 1999, he served as the TECO Energy, Inc. National Management Association chapter advisor. Dr. Valdes has served on many boards in the community including the Greater Tampa Safety Council, the Museum of Science and Industry, the DWI Counter Attack School, the Volunteer Center, the Solicitation and Education Councils of the Chamber of Commerce. He has served on the Board of Directors for the Southwest Florida Blood Bank since 1976 and was Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Florida Blood Services and as Vice Chairman of the Trustees of the James N. Patterson Fund. From 1997 to 1999 he served as Chairman of the Florida Blood Services. Prior to joining Tampa Electric Company and TECO Energy, Inc., Dr. Valdes worked as a high school teacher, college lecturer and was a college administrator for 13 years. His undergraduate degree is in mathematics with a master’s in math education. In addition, he also earned his doctorate in college administration in 1976. After attending a Marriage Encounter weekend on their 24th wedding anniversary, Plano and Herminia were invited to become presenters and worked with Marriage Encounter for many years. Plano and Herminia were challenged by their priest from Marriage Encounter to participate and present “Jesus Invites Us to Love”, a CCD program at St. Lawrence Catholic Church where they have been parishioners for many years. Last year Plano and Herminia travelled to Spain to visit their heritage from both sides of their family. Donations in Plano’s memory may be made to LifePath Hospice, Garnet Team, 12470 Telecom Drive, Temple Terrace, FL 33637. “Plano, you were the love of my life, I will always remember you, I will always love you and we will be together again someday in Heaven” your devoted and loving wife, Herminia.
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