Vince, or 'Sappo', was from Victoria, TX where he attended Victoria Memorial High School. During the summer he went to Cheley Colorado Camps where he was a camper and later served on staff as a horseback riding counselor for young men.
Through his genuine character and fun loving spirit, Vince shared himself as a dear friend and mentor to many. Those who were able to share experiences with him, whether in Texas or in the mountains of Colorado, will always remember his vibrant passion for life and the legacy of his character which this foundation aspires to honor.
In the mountains of Colorado, Vince was a camper for seven summers at Cheley Colorado Camps in Estes Park. Camp was not just a vacation for him. He was driven and set his goals high, achieving recognition in every activity he pursued from backpacking to horseback riding. Not only did he receive acknowledgements for his skills in various activities but he gained respect from his fellow campers and staff for his rich character and model leadership.
As a counselor all his campers looked up to him as a role model, guide, and friend. Vince's legacy at Cheley Camps will always be remembered not only on the walls of recognition, but in the hearts of those who shared time with him in the mountains he loved so much.
After 22 years of a joyous life, Vince passed away on March 19, 2007 after a long struggle with Ewing's Sarcoma. He was diagnosed his senior year at Victoria Memorial High School and fought hard for four years beating the cancer into remission 3 times. Vince was not held captive by his disease; he went on to Blinn College where he lived every day to the fullest and was a fighting Texas Aggie. Vince's big smiles and bright spirit were a result of his passion for friends and family in Texas and all the good times he had in his home state.
The Vincent Bernard Lopez Memorial Foundation was created in his memory and exists to further the qualities of Vince's character and leadership among individuals who may not otherwise have an opportunity.
Keenan Alexander
Vince and Keenan met at Cheley Camps in the 90's. They were campers together for five years and remained close friends through college.
Keenan is a recent Business graduate from the University of Colorado at Boulder. When Keenan's not in the mountains, he's usually spending his time wishing he were.
Currently, Keenan is beginning a career as a contractor at Lockheed Martin in Denver, Colorado. Feel free to contact him with comments or questions pertaining to the Foundation and this website.
keenan@vblmf.org