Garden of Love in Memoryland Memorial Park Cemetery.
SGT E5 US ARMY
Fortino Pineda Trujillo, 82, known to friends and family as "Tino", passed away on Tuesday, June 23, 2015. He was born on August 12, 1932, in Villa Victoria, Mexico, as the 11th of 13 children. He attended the University of Mexico City majoring in Economics and worked as a school teacher, federal tax collector, industry inspector, and economist for the government of Mexico before immigrating to the United States in 1952. He served in the United States Army and eventually became a partner at his first restaurant in Glendale, Calif. After moving to Plano, Texas, he opened his legendary restaurant, "Tino's Mexican Restaurant and Cantina" in 1976, when the population of Plano was just 43,000. In 1979, he married his wife, Janie Lanell Trujillo, and they co-owned the restaurant together until she left for Heaven on July 24, 2004.
Along with being known for the BEST Mexican Food in Plano, Trujillo also was one of the Founding Members of Collin College. He was elected to Place 7 on the college's first Board of Trustees in 1985. He won five elections for six-year terms before retiring last year after nearly 30 years of distinguished service to the college. He was integral in the formation and governance of the college district and served as a board officer in the roles of treasurer, secretary and vice chair. During his tenure, the college grew from 1,300 students on one campus to nearly 52,000 annually at seven sites.
Trujillo was reportedly the first person of Hispanic origin elected to public office in Collin County. His service to the community included the board of directors for the Collin College Foundation, Plano Rotary Club, Plano Chamber of Commerce, American Cancer Society, Dallas Restaurant Association and Compass Bank of Dallas as well as service with the Salvation Army of Collin County, Republican Men's Club of Plano, Craig Gilbert Foundation, Hendricks Academy of Honor and Plano Independent School District Advisory Committees for Foreign Language and Career Development. He also established the "Taste of Plano" food festival. For his contributions to the community, he was honored as Plano's Outstanding Citizen of the Year and Small Business Person of the Year as well as the U.S. Small Business Administration's Minority Small Business Advocate of the Year.
Tino truly cared about serving others and was proud to be an American citizen and to serve our country. He always extended a helping hand to others, and at his restaurant the most important thing to him was to speak to every single customer that would walk through the door. He wanted you to feel at home while you were there, and would remember your name and your kids' names the next time you came in. Tino loved to sing at his restaurant, and especially enjoyed visiting with his family and friends while trying to get them to eat a pepper that "wasn't hot". He would smile big when he'd succeed with one of his fun pranks. Tino's "restaurant family" was very important to him, and he even had employees that worked for him for over 30 years. All of his employees hold a HUGE place in his heart. Tino loved being a grandfather and was affectionately called "Grandpa".
∼Fortino Pineda Trujillo, 82, known to friends and family as "Tino", passed away on Tuesday, June 23, 2015. He was born on August 12, 1932, in Villa Victoria, Mexico, as the 11th of 13 children. He attended the University of Mexico City majoring in Economics and worked as a school teacher, federal tax collector, industry inspector, and economist for the government of Mexico before immigrating to the United States in 1952. He served in the United States Army and eventually became a partner at his first restaurant in Glendale, Calif. After moving to Plano, Texas, he opened his legendary restaurant, "Tino's Mexican Restaurant and Cantina" in 1976, when the population of Plano was just 43,000. In 1979, he married his wife, Janie Lanell Trujillo, and they co-owned the restaurant together until she left for Heaven on July 24, 2004.
Along with being known for the BEST Mexican Food in Plano, Trujillo also was one of the Founding Members of Collin College. He was elected to Place 7 on the college's first Board of Trustees in 1985. He won five elections for six-year terms before retiring last year after nearly 30 years of distinguished service to the college. He was integral in the formation and governance of the college district and served as a board officer in the roles of treasurer, secretary and vice chair. During his tenure, the college grew from 1,300 students on one campus to nearly 52,000 annually at seven sites.
Trujillo was reportedly the first person of Hispanic origin elected to public office in Collin County. His service to the community included the board of directors for the Collin College Foundation, Plano Rotary Club, Plano Chamber of Commerce, American Cancer Society, Dallas Restaurant Association and Compass Bank of Dallas as well as service with the Salvation Army of Collin County, Republican Men's Club of Plano, Craig Gilbert Foundation, Hendricks Academy of Honor and Plano Independent School District Advisory Committees for Foreign Language and Career Development. He also established the "Taste of Plano" food festival. For his contributions to the community, he was honored as Plano's Outstanding Citizen of the Year and Small Business Person of the Year as well as the U.S. Small Business Administration's Minority Small Business Advocate of the Year.
Tino truly cared about serving others and was proud to be an American citizen and to serve our country. He always extended a helping hand to others, and at his restaurant the most important thing to him was to speak to every single customer that would walk through the door. He wanted you to feel at home while you were there, and would remember your name and your kids' names the next time you came in. Tino loved to sing at his restaurant, and especially enjoyed visiting with his family and friends while trying to get them to eat a pepper that "wasn't hot". He would smile big when he'd succeed with one of his fun pranks. Tino's "restaurant family" was very important to him, and he even had employees that worked for him for over 30 years. All of his employees hold a HUGE place in his heart. Tino loved being a grandfather and was affectionately called "Grandpa".
Tino is survived by his son Eric Trujillo and wife Patty; step-daughter Angela Garcia and husband Chris; step-son David Walker and wife Natalie; grandchildren Erica Trujillo, Cecelia Trujillo, Brittany Garcia, Brian Garcia, Travis Nys, and Trent Walker; his huge Restaurant Family and all of his Rotarian and Collin College friends. He was deeply loved by his family and friends and will be greatly missed.
A memorial service is set for noon on Thursday, July 9 at the Spring Creek Campus Conference Center at 2800 E. Spring Creek Parkway in Plano in the Auditorium. The flags on all campuses of Collin College will be lowered to half-staff in Trujillo's honor, and a tree will be planted on campus. Memorial gifts can be made to the Collin College Foundation for the Tino Trujillo Scholarship Fund, 3452 Spur 399, Suite 429, McKinney, Texas 75069 or by calling 972.599.3144. Dallas Morning News, June 27, 2015.
**************************************
By JOE SIMNACHER Staff Writer
Published: 26 June 2015 11:02 PM Dallas Morning News
Updated: 26 June 2015 11:11 PM
Fortino Pineda “Tino” Trujillo, best known for his Tino’s Mexican Restaurant and Cantina, was also the quiet bridge-builder for numerous civic and business projects in Collin County.
Trujillo, 82, died in his sleep Tuesday at the home of his sisters in Colima, Mexico.
A memorial will be at noon July 9 in the conference auditorium at Collin College’s Spring Creek Campus, 2800 E. Spring Creek Parkway in Plano. He was a founding trustee of what began as Collin County Community College.
“He served others,” said his daughter, Angela Garcia of Nolensville, Tenn.
Kind, gentle and soft-spoken, Trujillo would unite people with needs with others who could help.
“He was a connector,” his daughter said. “When he couldn’t physically or financially help somebody, he would get you to the right person and network.”
Trujillo was among the earliest supporters of a community college for Collin County, said Bob Collins, a fellow founding trustee. Trujillo was a leader among the volunteers who obtained signatures to bring the issue to a vote in April 1985. He was elected to five, six-year terms to the college board of trustees. He stepped down last July.
“He was a great guy, a great community guy,” Collins said. “He loved the college.”
Trujillo was born in a village in Mexico, the 11th of 13 siblings. His parents wanted a dozen children, but the last pregnancy produced twins.
“They were dirt-poor,” his daughter said. “For him to give back to people who don’t have as much ... that is what fulfilled him. It was part of his being.”
Trujillo earned a college degree in economics in Mexico City. He was a teacher and tax collector before becoming an economist with the department of price controls, a position that required travel to California.
In 1952, he immigrated to California. After he became a citizen, he was called to serve in the Army, based at Fort Hood.
After his military service, Trujillo moved to Glendale, Calif., where he was a quality-control inspector for General Motors. He also worked part time at a Mexican restaurant, where he became a managing partner.
In 1975, Trujillo quit both California jobs and moved to North Texas to be a trade commissioner for the Mexican consul general in Dallas. After about a year of government work, he returned to the restaurant business.
“I missed the people,” he said in 2005.
In 1976, he opened Tino’s Mexican Restaurant and Cantina on Avenue K in Plano. The restaurant was later in Collin Creek Mall and had locations in Sherman and Rowlett. It is currently Tino’s Too, near the original Plano location.
In 1979, he married Janie Lanell, who became his restaurant partner. Ms. Trujillo died in 2004.
Trujillo bonded with customers, singing for them on Friday and Saturday nights, as well as for special occasions.
His community service extended to a Rotary project that purchased and refurbished five North Texas ambulances, which were donated and delivered to small towns in Mexico. He also helped establish a student exchange program and donated educational supplies to Mexico.
Trujillo served on numerous boards, including those of the Collin College Foundation, the Plano Rotary Club and the Plano Chamber of Commerce. He was the Plano Chamber’s citizen of the year in 1987 and its businessman of the year in 1985.
He was a recipient of Mexico’s Ohtli Award in recognition of his contributions to the well-being, prosperity and empowerment of Mexican communities.
In addition to his stepdaughter, Trujillo is survived by two sons, Eric Trujillo of Simi Valley and David Walker of Plano; siblings including a brother, Manuel Trujillo of Sun Valley, Calif.; and six grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to the Tino Trujillo Scholarship Fund at the Collin College Foundation, 3452 Spur 399, Suite 429, McKinney, Texas 75069.
SGT E5 US ARMY
Fortino Pineda Trujillo, 82, known to friends and family as "Tino", passed away on Tuesday, June 23, 2015. He was born on August 12, 1932, in Villa Victoria, Mexico, as the 11th of 13 children. He attended the University of Mexico City majoring in Economics and worked as a school teacher, federal tax collector, industry inspector, and economist for the government of Mexico before immigrating to the United States in 1952. He served in the United States Army and eventually became a partner at his first restaurant in Glendale, Calif. After moving to Plano, Texas, he opened his legendary restaurant, "Tino's Mexican Restaurant and Cantina" in 1976, when the population of Plano was just 43,000. In 1979, he married his wife, Janie Lanell Trujillo, and they co-owned the restaurant together until she left for Heaven on July 24, 2004.
Along with being known for the BEST Mexican Food in Plano, Trujillo also was one of the Founding Members of Collin College. He was elected to Place 7 on the college's first Board of Trustees in 1985. He won five elections for six-year terms before retiring last year after nearly 30 years of distinguished service to the college. He was integral in the formation and governance of the college district and served as a board officer in the roles of treasurer, secretary and vice chair. During his tenure, the college grew from 1,300 students on one campus to nearly 52,000 annually at seven sites.
Trujillo was reportedly the first person of Hispanic origin elected to public office in Collin County. His service to the community included the board of directors for the Collin College Foundation, Plano Rotary Club, Plano Chamber of Commerce, American Cancer Society, Dallas Restaurant Association and Compass Bank of Dallas as well as service with the Salvation Army of Collin County, Republican Men's Club of Plano, Craig Gilbert Foundation, Hendricks Academy of Honor and Plano Independent School District Advisory Committees for Foreign Language and Career Development. He also established the "Taste of Plano" food festival. For his contributions to the community, he was honored as Plano's Outstanding Citizen of the Year and Small Business Person of the Year as well as the U.S. Small Business Administration's Minority Small Business Advocate of the Year.
Tino truly cared about serving others and was proud to be an American citizen and to serve our country. He always extended a helping hand to others, and at his restaurant the most important thing to him was to speak to every single customer that would walk through the door. He wanted you to feel at home while you were there, and would remember your name and your kids' names the next time you came in. Tino loved to sing at his restaurant, and especially enjoyed visiting with his family and friends while trying to get them to eat a pepper that "wasn't hot". He would smile big when he'd succeed with one of his fun pranks. Tino's "restaurant family" was very important to him, and he even had employees that worked for him for over 30 years. All of his employees hold a HUGE place in his heart. Tino loved being a grandfather and was affectionately called "Grandpa".
∼Fortino Pineda Trujillo, 82, known to friends and family as "Tino", passed away on Tuesday, June 23, 2015. He was born on August 12, 1932, in Villa Victoria, Mexico, as the 11th of 13 children. He attended the University of Mexico City majoring in Economics and worked as a school teacher, federal tax collector, industry inspector, and economist for the government of Mexico before immigrating to the United States in 1952. He served in the United States Army and eventually became a partner at his first restaurant in Glendale, Calif. After moving to Plano, Texas, he opened his legendary restaurant, "Tino's Mexican Restaurant and Cantina" in 1976, when the population of Plano was just 43,000. In 1979, he married his wife, Janie Lanell Trujillo, and they co-owned the restaurant together until she left for Heaven on July 24, 2004.
Along with being known for the BEST Mexican Food in Plano, Trujillo also was one of the Founding Members of Collin College. He was elected to Place 7 on the college's first Board of Trustees in 1985. He won five elections for six-year terms before retiring last year after nearly 30 years of distinguished service to the college. He was integral in the formation and governance of the college district and served as a board officer in the roles of treasurer, secretary and vice chair. During his tenure, the college grew from 1,300 students on one campus to nearly 52,000 annually at seven sites.
Trujillo was reportedly the first person of Hispanic origin elected to public office in Collin County. His service to the community included the board of directors for the Collin College Foundation, Plano Rotary Club, Plano Chamber of Commerce, American Cancer Society, Dallas Restaurant Association and Compass Bank of Dallas as well as service with the Salvation Army of Collin County, Republican Men's Club of Plano, Craig Gilbert Foundation, Hendricks Academy of Honor and Plano Independent School District Advisory Committees for Foreign Language and Career Development. He also established the "Taste of Plano" food festival. For his contributions to the community, he was honored as Plano's Outstanding Citizen of the Year and Small Business Person of the Year as well as the U.S. Small Business Administration's Minority Small Business Advocate of the Year.
Tino truly cared about serving others and was proud to be an American citizen and to serve our country. He always extended a helping hand to others, and at his restaurant the most important thing to him was to speak to every single customer that would walk through the door. He wanted you to feel at home while you were there, and would remember your name and your kids' names the next time you came in. Tino loved to sing at his restaurant, and especially enjoyed visiting with his family and friends while trying to get them to eat a pepper that "wasn't hot". He would smile big when he'd succeed with one of his fun pranks. Tino's "restaurant family" was very important to him, and he even had employees that worked for him for over 30 years. All of his employees hold a HUGE place in his heart. Tino loved being a grandfather and was affectionately called "Grandpa".
Tino is survived by his son Eric Trujillo and wife Patty; step-daughter Angela Garcia and husband Chris; step-son David Walker and wife Natalie; grandchildren Erica Trujillo, Cecelia Trujillo, Brittany Garcia, Brian Garcia, Travis Nys, and Trent Walker; his huge Restaurant Family and all of his Rotarian and Collin College friends. He was deeply loved by his family and friends and will be greatly missed.
A memorial service is set for noon on Thursday, July 9 at the Spring Creek Campus Conference Center at 2800 E. Spring Creek Parkway in Plano in the Auditorium. The flags on all campuses of Collin College will be lowered to half-staff in Trujillo's honor, and a tree will be planted on campus. Memorial gifts can be made to the Collin College Foundation for the Tino Trujillo Scholarship Fund, 3452 Spur 399, Suite 429, McKinney, Texas 75069 or by calling 972.599.3144. Dallas Morning News, June 27, 2015.
**************************************
By JOE SIMNACHER Staff Writer
Published: 26 June 2015 11:02 PM Dallas Morning News
Updated: 26 June 2015 11:11 PM
Fortino Pineda “Tino” Trujillo, best known for his Tino’s Mexican Restaurant and Cantina, was also the quiet bridge-builder for numerous civic and business projects in Collin County.
Trujillo, 82, died in his sleep Tuesday at the home of his sisters in Colima, Mexico.
A memorial will be at noon July 9 in the conference auditorium at Collin College’s Spring Creek Campus, 2800 E. Spring Creek Parkway in Plano. He was a founding trustee of what began as Collin County Community College.
“He served others,” said his daughter, Angela Garcia of Nolensville, Tenn.
Kind, gentle and soft-spoken, Trujillo would unite people with needs with others who could help.
“He was a connector,” his daughter said. “When he couldn’t physically or financially help somebody, he would get you to the right person and network.”
Trujillo was among the earliest supporters of a community college for Collin County, said Bob Collins, a fellow founding trustee. Trujillo was a leader among the volunteers who obtained signatures to bring the issue to a vote in April 1985. He was elected to five, six-year terms to the college board of trustees. He stepped down last July.
“He was a great guy, a great community guy,” Collins said. “He loved the college.”
Trujillo was born in a village in Mexico, the 11th of 13 siblings. His parents wanted a dozen children, but the last pregnancy produced twins.
“They were dirt-poor,” his daughter said. “For him to give back to people who don’t have as much ... that is what fulfilled him. It was part of his being.”
Trujillo earned a college degree in economics in Mexico City. He was a teacher and tax collector before becoming an economist with the department of price controls, a position that required travel to California.
In 1952, he immigrated to California. After he became a citizen, he was called to serve in the Army, based at Fort Hood.
After his military service, Trujillo moved to Glendale, Calif., where he was a quality-control inspector for General Motors. He also worked part time at a Mexican restaurant, where he became a managing partner.
In 1975, Trujillo quit both California jobs and moved to North Texas to be a trade commissioner for the Mexican consul general in Dallas. After about a year of government work, he returned to the restaurant business.
“I missed the people,” he said in 2005.
In 1976, he opened Tino’s Mexican Restaurant and Cantina on Avenue K in Plano. The restaurant was later in Collin Creek Mall and had locations in Sherman and Rowlett. It is currently Tino’s Too, near the original Plano location.
In 1979, he married Janie Lanell, who became his restaurant partner. Ms. Trujillo died in 2004.
Trujillo bonded with customers, singing for them on Friday and Saturday nights, as well as for special occasions.
His community service extended to a Rotary project that purchased and refurbished five North Texas ambulances, which were donated and delivered to small towns in Mexico. He also helped establish a student exchange program and donated educational supplies to Mexico.
Trujillo served on numerous boards, including those of the Collin College Foundation, the Plano Rotary Club and the Plano Chamber of Commerce. He was the Plano Chamber’s citizen of the year in 1987 and its businessman of the year in 1985.
He was a recipient of Mexico’s Ohtli Award in recognition of his contributions to the well-being, prosperity and empowerment of Mexican communities.
In addition to his stepdaughter, Trujillo is survived by two sons, Eric Trujillo of Simi Valley and David Walker of Plano; siblings including a brother, Manuel Trujillo of Sun Valley, Calif.; and six grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to the Tino Trujillo Scholarship Fund at the Collin College Foundation, 3452 Spur 399, Suite 429, McKinney, Texas 75069.
Garden of Love in Memoryland Memorial Park Cemetery.
SGT E5 US ARMY
Fortino Pineda Trujillo, 82, known to friends and family as "Tino", passed away on Tuesday, June 23, 2015. He was born on August 12, 1932, in Villa Victoria, Mexico, as the 11th of 13 children. He attended the University of Mexico City majoring in Economics and worked as a school teacher, federal tax collector, industry inspector, and economist for the government of Mexico before immigrating to the United States in 1952. He served in the United States Army and eventually became a partner at his first restaurant in Glendale, Calif. After moving to Plano, Texas, he opened his legendary restaurant, "Tino's Mexican Restaurant and Cantina" in 1976, when the population of Plano was just 43,000. In 1979, he married his wife, Janie Lanell Trujillo, and they co-owned the restaurant together until she left for Heaven on July 24, 2004.
Along with being known for the BEST Mexican Food in Plano, Trujillo also was one of the Founding Members of Collin College. He was elected to Place 7 on the college's first Board of Trustees in 1985. He won five elections for six-year terms before retiring last year after nearly 30 years of distinguished service to the college. He was integral in the formation and governance of the college district and served as a board officer in the roles of treasurer, secretary and vice chair. During his tenure, the college grew from 1,300 students on one campus to nearly 52,000 annually at seven sites.
Trujillo was reportedly the first person of Hispanic origin elected to public office in Collin County. His service to the community included the board of directors for the Collin College Foundation, Plano Rotary Club, Plano Chamber of Commerce, American Cancer Society, Dallas Restaurant Association and Compass Bank of Dallas as well as service with the Salvation Army of Collin County, Republican Men's Club of Plano, Craig Gilbert Foundation, Hendricks Academy of Honor and Plano Independent School District Advisory Committees for Foreign Language and Career Development. He also established the "Taste of Plano" food festival. For his contributions to the community, he was honored as Plano's Outstanding Citizen of the Year and Small Business Person of the Year as well as the U.S. Small Business Administration's Minority Small Business Advocate of the Year.
Tino truly cared about serving others and was proud to be an American citizen and to serve our country. He always extended a helping hand to others, and at his restaurant the most important thing to him was to speak to every single customer that would walk through the door. He wanted you to feel at home while you were there, and would remember your name and your kids' names the next time you came in. Tino loved to sing at his restaurant, and especially enjoyed visiting with his family and friends while trying to get them to eat a pepper that "wasn't hot". He would smile big when he'd succeed with one of his fun pranks. Tino's "restaurant family" was very important to him, and he even had employees that worked for him for over 30 years. All of his employees hold a HUGE place in his heart. Tino loved being a grandfather and was affectionately called "Grandpa".
∼Fortino Pineda Trujillo, 82, known to friends and family as "Tino", passed away on Tuesday, June 23, 2015. He was born on August 12, 1932, in Villa Victoria, Mexico, as the 11th of 13 children. He attended the University of Mexico City majoring in Economics and worked as a school teacher, federal tax collector, industry inspector, and economist for the government of Mexico before immigrating to the United States in 1952. He served in the United States Army and eventually became a partner at his first restaurant in Glendale, Calif. After moving to Plano, Texas, he opened his legendary restaurant, "Tino's Mexican Restaurant and Cantina" in 1976, when the population of Plano was just 43,000. In 1979, he married his wife, Janie Lanell Trujillo, and they co-owned the restaurant together until she left for Heaven on July 24, 2004.
Along with being known for the BEST Mexican Food in Plano, Trujillo also was one of the Founding Members of Collin College. He was elected to Place 7 on the college's first Board of Trustees in 1985. He won five elections for six-year terms before retiring last year after nearly 30 years of distinguished service to the college. He was integral in the formation and governance of the college district and served as a board officer in the roles of treasurer, secretary and vice chair. During his tenure, the college grew from 1,300 students on one campus to nearly 52,000 annually at seven sites.
Trujillo was reportedly the first person of Hispanic origin elected to public office in Collin County. His service to the community included the board of directors for the Collin College Foundation, Plano Rotary Club, Plano Chamber of Commerce, American Cancer Society, Dallas Restaurant Association and Compass Bank of Dallas as well as service with the Salvation Army of Collin County, Republican Men's Club of Plano, Craig Gilbert Foundation, Hendricks Academy of Honor and Plano Independent School District Advisory Committees for Foreign Language and Career Development. He also established the "Taste of Plano" food festival. For his contributions to the community, he was honored as Plano's Outstanding Citizen of the Year and Small Business Person of the Year as well as the U.S. Small Business Administration's Minority Small Business Advocate of the Year.
Tino truly cared about serving others and was proud to be an American citizen and to serve our country. He always extended a helping hand to others, and at his restaurant the most important thing to him was to speak to every single customer that would walk through the door. He wanted you to feel at home while you were there, and would remember your name and your kids' names the next time you came in. Tino loved to sing at his restaurant, and especially enjoyed visiting with his family and friends while trying to get them to eat a pepper that "wasn't hot". He would smile big when he'd succeed with one of his fun pranks. Tino's "restaurant family" was very important to him, and he even had employees that worked for him for over 30 years. All of his employees hold a HUGE place in his heart. Tino loved being a grandfather and was affectionately called "Grandpa".
Tino is survived by his son Eric Trujillo and wife Patty; step-daughter Angela Garcia and husband Chris; step-son David Walker and wife Natalie; grandchildren Erica Trujillo, Cecelia Trujillo, Brittany Garcia, Brian Garcia, Travis Nys, and Trent Walker; his huge Restaurant Family and all of his Rotarian and Collin College friends. He was deeply loved by his family and friends and will be greatly missed.
A memorial service is set for noon on Thursday, July 9 at the Spring Creek Campus Conference Center at 2800 E. Spring Creek Parkway in Plano in the Auditorium. The flags on all campuses of Collin College will be lowered to half-staff in Trujillo's honor, and a tree will be planted on campus. Memorial gifts can be made to the Collin College Foundation for the Tino Trujillo Scholarship Fund, 3452 Spur 399, Suite 429, McKinney, Texas 75069 or by calling 972.599.3144. Dallas Morning News, June 27, 2015.
**************************************
By JOE SIMNACHER Staff Writer
Published: 26 June 2015 11:02 PM Dallas Morning News
Updated: 26 June 2015 11:11 PM
Fortino Pineda “Tino” Trujillo, best known for his Tino’s Mexican Restaurant and Cantina, was also the quiet bridge-builder for numerous civic and business projects in Collin County.
Trujillo, 82, died in his sleep Tuesday at the home of his sisters in Colima, Mexico.
A memorial will be at noon July 9 in the conference auditorium at Collin College’s Spring Creek Campus, 2800 E. Spring Creek Parkway in Plano. He was a founding trustee of what began as Collin County Community College.
“He served others,” said his daughter, Angela Garcia of Nolensville, Tenn.
Kind, gentle and soft-spoken, Trujillo would unite people with needs with others who could help.
“He was a connector,” his daughter said. “When he couldn’t physically or financially help somebody, he would get you to the right person and network.”
Trujillo was among the earliest supporters of a community college for Collin County, said Bob Collins, a fellow founding trustee. Trujillo was a leader among the volunteers who obtained signatures to bring the issue to a vote in April 1985. He was elected to five, six-year terms to the college board of trustees. He stepped down last July.
“He was a great guy, a great community guy,” Collins said. “He loved the college.”
Trujillo was born in a village in Mexico, the 11th of 13 siblings. His parents wanted a dozen children, but the last pregnancy produced twins.
“They were dirt-poor,” his daughter said. “For him to give back to people who don’t have as much ... that is what fulfilled him. It was part of his being.”
Trujillo earned a college degree in economics in Mexico City. He was a teacher and tax collector before becoming an economist with the department of price controls, a position that required travel to California.
In 1952, he immigrated to California. After he became a citizen, he was called to serve in the Army, based at Fort Hood.
After his military service, Trujillo moved to Glendale, Calif., where he was a quality-control inspector for General Motors. He also worked part time at a Mexican restaurant, where he became a managing partner.
In 1975, Trujillo quit both California jobs and moved to North Texas to be a trade commissioner for the Mexican consul general in Dallas. After about a year of government work, he returned to the restaurant business.
“I missed the people,” he said in 2005.
In 1976, he opened Tino’s Mexican Restaurant and Cantina on Avenue K in Plano. The restaurant was later in Collin Creek Mall and had locations in Sherman and Rowlett. It is currently Tino’s Too, near the original Plano location.
In 1979, he married Janie Lanell, who became his restaurant partner. Ms. Trujillo died in 2004.
Trujillo bonded with customers, singing for them on Friday and Saturday nights, as well as for special occasions.
His community service extended to a Rotary project that purchased and refurbished five North Texas ambulances, which were donated and delivered to small towns in Mexico. He also helped establish a student exchange program and donated educational supplies to Mexico.
Trujillo served on numerous boards, including those of the Collin College Foundation, the Plano Rotary Club and the Plano Chamber of Commerce. He was the Plano Chamber’s citizen of the year in 1987 and its businessman of the year in 1985.
He was a recipient of Mexico’s Ohtli Award in recognition of his contributions to the well-being, prosperity and empowerment of Mexican communities.
In addition to his stepdaughter, Trujillo is survived by two sons, Eric Trujillo of Simi Valley and David Walker of Plano; siblings including a brother, Manuel Trujillo of Sun Valley, Calif.; and six grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to the Tino Trujillo Scholarship Fund at the Collin College Foundation, 3452 Spur 399, Suite 429, McKinney, Texas 75069.
SGT E5 US ARMY
Fortino Pineda Trujillo, 82, known to friends and family as "Tino", passed away on Tuesday, June 23, 2015. He was born on August 12, 1932, in Villa Victoria, Mexico, as the 11th of 13 children. He attended the University of Mexico City majoring in Economics and worked as a school teacher, federal tax collector, industry inspector, and economist for the government of Mexico before immigrating to the United States in 1952. He served in the United States Army and eventually became a partner at his first restaurant in Glendale, Calif. After moving to Plano, Texas, he opened his legendary restaurant, "Tino's Mexican Restaurant and Cantina" in 1976, when the population of Plano was just 43,000. In 1979, he married his wife, Janie Lanell Trujillo, and they co-owned the restaurant together until she left for Heaven on July 24, 2004.
Along with being known for the BEST Mexican Food in Plano, Trujillo also was one of the Founding Members of Collin College. He was elected to Place 7 on the college's first Board of Trustees in 1985. He won five elections for six-year terms before retiring last year after nearly 30 years of distinguished service to the college. He was integral in the formation and governance of the college district and served as a board officer in the roles of treasurer, secretary and vice chair. During his tenure, the college grew from 1,300 students on one campus to nearly 52,000 annually at seven sites.
Trujillo was reportedly the first person of Hispanic origin elected to public office in Collin County. His service to the community included the board of directors for the Collin College Foundation, Plano Rotary Club, Plano Chamber of Commerce, American Cancer Society, Dallas Restaurant Association and Compass Bank of Dallas as well as service with the Salvation Army of Collin County, Republican Men's Club of Plano, Craig Gilbert Foundation, Hendricks Academy of Honor and Plano Independent School District Advisory Committees for Foreign Language and Career Development. He also established the "Taste of Plano" food festival. For his contributions to the community, he was honored as Plano's Outstanding Citizen of the Year and Small Business Person of the Year as well as the U.S. Small Business Administration's Minority Small Business Advocate of the Year.
Tino truly cared about serving others and was proud to be an American citizen and to serve our country. He always extended a helping hand to others, and at his restaurant the most important thing to him was to speak to every single customer that would walk through the door. He wanted you to feel at home while you were there, and would remember your name and your kids' names the next time you came in. Tino loved to sing at his restaurant, and especially enjoyed visiting with his family and friends while trying to get them to eat a pepper that "wasn't hot". He would smile big when he'd succeed with one of his fun pranks. Tino's "restaurant family" was very important to him, and he even had employees that worked for him for over 30 years. All of his employees hold a HUGE place in his heart. Tino loved being a grandfather and was affectionately called "Grandpa".
∼Fortino Pineda Trujillo, 82, known to friends and family as "Tino", passed away on Tuesday, June 23, 2015. He was born on August 12, 1932, in Villa Victoria, Mexico, as the 11th of 13 children. He attended the University of Mexico City majoring in Economics and worked as a school teacher, federal tax collector, industry inspector, and economist for the government of Mexico before immigrating to the United States in 1952. He served in the United States Army and eventually became a partner at his first restaurant in Glendale, Calif. After moving to Plano, Texas, he opened his legendary restaurant, "Tino's Mexican Restaurant and Cantina" in 1976, when the population of Plano was just 43,000. In 1979, he married his wife, Janie Lanell Trujillo, and they co-owned the restaurant together until she left for Heaven on July 24, 2004.
Along with being known for the BEST Mexican Food in Plano, Trujillo also was one of the Founding Members of Collin College. He was elected to Place 7 on the college's first Board of Trustees in 1985. He won five elections for six-year terms before retiring last year after nearly 30 years of distinguished service to the college. He was integral in the formation and governance of the college district and served as a board officer in the roles of treasurer, secretary and vice chair. During his tenure, the college grew from 1,300 students on one campus to nearly 52,000 annually at seven sites.
Trujillo was reportedly the first person of Hispanic origin elected to public office in Collin County. His service to the community included the board of directors for the Collin College Foundation, Plano Rotary Club, Plano Chamber of Commerce, American Cancer Society, Dallas Restaurant Association and Compass Bank of Dallas as well as service with the Salvation Army of Collin County, Republican Men's Club of Plano, Craig Gilbert Foundation, Hendricks Academy of Honor and Plano Independent School District Advisory Committees for Foreign Language and Career Development. He also established the "Taste of Plano" food festival. For his contributions to the community, he was honored as Plano's Outstanding Citizen of the Year and Small Business Person of the Year as well as the U.S. Small Business Administration's Minority Small Business Advocate of the Year.
Tino truly cared about serving others and was proud to be an American citizen and to serve our country. He always extended a helping hand to others, and at his restaurant the most important thing to him was to speak to every single customer that would walk through the door. He wanted you to feel at home while you were there, and would remember your name and your kids' names the next time you came in. Tino loved to sing at his restaurant, and especially enjoyed visiting with his family and friends while trying to get them to eat a pepper that "wasn't hot". He would smile big when he'd succeed with one of his fun pranks. Tino's "restaurant family" was very important to him, and he even had employees that worked for him for over 30 years. All of his employees hold a HUGE place in his heart. Tino loved being a grandfather and was affectionately called "Grandpa".
Tino is survived by his son Eric Trujillo and wife Patty; step-daughter Angela Garcia and husband Chris; step-son David Walker and wife Natalie; grandchildren Erica Trujillo, Cecelia Trujillo, Brittany Garcia, Brian Garcia, Travis Nys, and Trent Walker; his huge Restaurant Family and all of his Rotarian and Collin College friends. He was deeply loved by his family and friends and will be greatly missed.
A memorial service is set for noon on Thursday, July 9 at the Spring Creek Campus Conference Center at 2800 E. Spring Creek Parkway in Plano in the Auditorium. The flags on all campuses of Collin College will be lowered to half-staff in Trujillo's honor, and a tree will be planted on campus. Memorial gifts can be made to the Collin College Foundation for the Tino Trujillo Scholarship Fund, 3452 Spur 399, Suite 429, McKinney, Texas 75069 or by calling 972.599.3144. Dallas Morning News, June 27, 2015.
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By JOE SIMNACHER Staff Writer
Published: 26 June 2015 11:02 PM Dallas Morning News
Updated: 26 June 2015 11:11 PM
Fortino Pineda “Tino” Trujillo, best known for his Tino’s Mexican Restaurant and Cantina, was also the quiet bridge-builder for numerous civic and business projects in Collin County.
Trujillo, 82, died in his sleep Tuesday at the home of his sisters in Colima, Mexico.
A memorial will be at noon July 9 in the conference auditorium at Collin College’s Spring Creek Campus, 2800 E. Spring Creek Parkway in Plano. He was a founding trustee of what began as Collin County Community College.
“He served others,” said his daughter, Angela Garcia of Nolensville, Tenn.
Kind, gentle and soft-spoken, Trujillo would unite people with needs with others who could help.
“He was a connector,” his daughter said. “When he couldn’t physically or financially help somebody, he would get you to the right person and network.”
Trujillo was among the earliest supporters of a community college for Collin County, said Bob Collins, a fellow founding trustee. Trujillo was a leader among the volunteers who obtained signatures to bring the issue to a vote in April 1985. He was elected to five, six-year terms to the college board of trustees. He stepped down last July.
“He was a great guy, a great community guy,” Collins said. “He loved the college.”
Trujillo was born in a village in Mexico, the 11th of 13 siblings. His parents wanted a dozen children, but the last pregnancy produced twins.
“They were dirt-poor,” his daughter said. “For him to give back to people who don’t have as much ... that is what fulfilled him. It was part of his being.”
Trujillo earned a college degree in economics in Mexico City. He was a teacher and tax collector before becoming an economist with the department of price controls, a position that required travel to California.
In 1952, he immigrated to California. After he became a citizen, he was called to serve in the Army, based at Fort Hood.
After his military service, Trujillo moved to Glendale, Calif., where he was a quality-control inspector for General Motors. He also worked part time at a Mexican restaurant, where he became a managing partner.
In 1975, Trujillo quit both California jobs and moved to North Texas to be a trade commissioner for the Mexican consul general in Dallas. After about a year of government work, he returned to the restaurant business.
“I missed the people,” he said in 2005.
In 1976, he opened Tino’s Mexican Restaurant and Cantina on Avenue K in Plano. The restaurant was later in Collin Creek Mall and had locations in Sherman and Rowlett. It is currently Tino’s Too, near the original Plano location.
In 1979, he married Janie Lanell, who became his restaurant partner. Ms. Trujillo died in 2004.
Trujillo bonded with customers, singing for them on Friday and Saturday nights, as well as for special occasions.
His community service extended to a Rotary project that purchased and refurbished five North Texas ambulances, which were donated and delivered to small towns in Mexico. He also helped establish a student exchange program and donated educational supplies to Mexico.
Trujillo served on numerous boards, including those of the Collin College Foundation, the Plano Rotary Club and the Plano Chamber of Commerce. He was the Plano Chamber’s citizen of the year in 1987 and its businessman of the year in 1985.
He was a recipient of Mexico’s Ohtli Award in recognition of his contributions to the well-being, prosperity and empowerment of Mexican communities.
In addition to his stepdaughter, Trujillo is survived by two sons, Eric Trujillo of Simi Valley and David Walker of Plano; siblings including a brother, Manuel Trujillo of Sun Valley, Calif.; and six grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to the Tino Trujillo Scholarship Fund at the Collin College Foundation, 3452 Spur 399, Suite 429, McKinney, Texas 75069.
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