Thread: Help with condolences in Spanish

Hello all,

I just posted some background on my inquiry on my introductory post here:

Hello from San Diego County, California

I would like to send a condolence card (in Spanish) to the family of an Emergency Medical Services worker killed yesterday while rendering aid on the scene of an accident. I am VERY grateful for your assistance!

If there are any cultural idiosyncrasies that would not translate well I would be very grateful for any alternatives you might suggest, but I've already posted the following on the Bomberos de San Diego facebook page:

"The San Diego County Council of Firefighters would like to extend their deepest heartfelt condolences to all of Esteban's family and friends.

Esteban, you were taken from us far too young and your proud career was cut short far too soon. Your duties were well completed and your sacrifice will always be remembered.

Rest In Peace now, Brother. We'll take the next watch (shift, duty)."


Any ideas?

Thanks very much.

Jamie Edmonds, Secretary
El Consejo de los Bomberos del Condado de San Diego

Dear Secretary Edmonds,

My condolences to the Bahena family and my admiration to all first responders in San Diego: those who run in, when everyone else is getting out.

It's an honor helping you, I'm from Tijuana and I clearly understand what you are saying. There are only a couple of minor changes in words which help convey the idea In spanish, "cut short" and "would like" for "interrupted" and "wish to" the earlier wouldn't sound as well in spanish.



El Consejo de Bomberos del Condado de San Diego desea extender las más sentidas condolencias a la familia y amigos de Esteban.

Esteban, partiste siendo aún demasiado joven y tu brillante carrera fue interrumpida demasiado pronto. Tus deberes fueron siempre bien cumplidos y tu sacrificio siempre sera recordado.

Descansa en paz hermano, el siguiente turno es nuestro.


Kindest regards,
Mario Verber

¡Muchissimo Gracias, Mario!

That is perfect! Even though my Spanish is rudimentary, I can barely get through just reading your translation without crying.

From what I've been able to learn about Esteban he was well loved by his friends and well respected by his peers. Aside from what should have been a long and healthy life--more than that we could not ask for.

I am in your debt.

Also, my wife just found a post on a news outlet by a cousin who corrects us that his last name was misspelled in the first news reports that were widely disseminated: it is Esteban Bahena.

http://www.sandiego6.com/news/local/...spx?p=Comments

Don't mention it, my pleasure.