Héctor I. Pérez, director of Lake Whitney Ranch, passed away on Aug. 14, following complications from open-heart surgery. He spent a lifetime serving others through ministry, hospitality, and leadership.
“Héctor and Anabel were an incredible addition to the Texas Conference family,” says Ismael A. Castillo, Ph.D., president of the Texas Conference. “Héctor’s passion for camp ministries was undeniable. It has been amazing to see the progress made at Lake Whitney Ranch in the past seven years. I pray we can continue his work at Lake Whitney Ranch to develop it into the retreat center he envisioned, where people of all ages could come to relax, enjoy, and encounter Jesus.”
Pérez devoted much of his professional life to camping ministry within the Seventh-day Adventist Church, with his career including leadership roles at Pine Springs Ranch, Camp Berkshire, and Lone Star Camp, as well as Lake Whitney Ranch.
“It was such a pleasure to work with Héctor,” say
s Randy Terry, Lake Whitney Ranch Operating Committee chair “He was so excited when the open-air pavilion was complete. I think he sent pictures to everyone. We were really blessed to have Héctor and Anabel join our team. I am thankful that Anabel can continue her ministry work at Lake Whitney Ranch.”
Pérez had a degree in computer science from Antillean University in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico. Before entering full-time camp ministry, he held management positions in other industries. His education and skill set made him a one-of-a-kind camp director.
Pérez was actively involved with the Association of Adventist Camp Professionals and contributed to the broader camping ministry through leadership and service. His influence touched the lives of countless campers, staff members, church members, and guests.
Pérez will be remembered for his dedication, his generosity, his love for people, and his unwavering commitment to providing places where others could encounter faith, fellowship, and the beauty of God's creation.