Fran Domínguez was a clever individual, with a fantastic sense of humour, highly outgoing, and possessed the most valuable trait in life: being a good individual. He adored history and journalism, but he always proudly proclaimed two things: his support for Real Madrid and, above all, his deep-rooted pride in hailing from the Historic Town of La Orotava. These were the sentiments expressed by his companion, Lucy González Alonso, in remembrance of the La Orotava journalist and deputy director of DIARIO DE AVISOS, Fran Domínguez, who passed away last February at the age of 52. “The finest depart/delay their journey of walking and writing/leaving us alone/Caring for their eternal treasure within the pages. These are lyrics from a song by singer-songwriter Pedro Guerra and they ring true, the finest always leave,” stated during the inscription of a passage now bearing his name, honouring his memory on the stairway linking Calvario and Rosales streets, a landmark in the heart of the Orotava neighbourhood.
The event held yesterday afternoon was overseen by Mayor Francisco Linares, with members from various political factions, family, friends, fellow communication professionals, and local residents who wished to accompany and commemorate “a genuine local resident”, as described by the mayor. On May 27, the City Council unanimously approved the proposal to dedicate this charming area, as suggested by the Pinolere Cultural Association, the Liceo de Taoro Cultural Society, and the San Isidro-Salesianos School Alumni Association, of which Fran Domínguez was a member.
Javier Barcos, the president of the latter association, delivered remarks on behalf of the three organisations and lauded the honouree’s impressive professional background, his fondness for cinema and history, his enthusiasm for politics, as well as his personal attributes, emphasizing “his extraordinary humanity”, underscoring that “he was an individual who nurtured those around him”. A graduate in Geography and History and Information Sciences from the University of La Laguna (ULL), he collaborated with other Tenerife journalists and writers on the short story collections Listán y hule. Historias de guachinches and Desideratum: Crónicas de San Borondón. He devoted himself to various municipal projects and matters of interest. Notably, he advocated for and contributed to the Pinolere Cultural Project, also participating in the publication of the magazine Cuadernos de Etnografía Canaria by the cultural association, and was engaged in a book and documentary endeavour regarding the life and works of Domingo Codesido Ascanio, known artistically as David Carpenter and, affectionately by locals, as the Tarzan of La Orotava.
He maintained close ties with the San Isidro Basketball Club, where he played for several seasons, remaining involved in the sport with his companions, partaking in amateur competitions alongside the Chopastor group. His abrupt departure was executed discreetly to spare his loved ones pain. “That greatness in his battle” – he appended – “has spurred his friends, family, and colleagues to continue dedicating songs at gatherings and pilgrimages to sites like this, where one can behold one of the most stunning vistas of your town and where, in summer, you’ll catch the final glimmers of each sunset.” After the reading of the minutes from the council session, the mayor presented his mother and sister, Lala Hernández and Mili Domínguez, with a framed copy of the resolution and notable tokens of the tribute, also received by the Director of DIARIO DE AVISOS, Agustín González, who, in turn, presented the inaugural president with a significant plaque in memory of Fran on behalf of the newspaper’s team.
An Integral Part of His Beloved Town’s History
His life partner of over two decades expressed gratitude, on behalf of the family, to the aforementioned associations and the municipal Administration for endorsing the proposal to name a thoroughfare after him. “Today, history and La Orotava merge as one, and he shall forever be interwoven into the annals of his cherished town,” he emphasised. Linares concluded the series of speeches. “It is a fitting tribute yet, simultaneously, untimely as now was not the right moment for such an honour.” He stated that this was “a simple yet profound gesture”, symbolising the gratitude of “his Villa” to Fran Domínguez, “a devoted native, through thick and thin, a true gentleman, a youthful, vibrant individual, with an insatiable thirst for knowledge and a deep appreciation for culture.” Prior to concluding, the mayor pledged to install the plaque donated by DIARIO DE AVISOS so that the Fran Domínguez passageway, along with the official sign, “radiates affection.” The event culminated with the recital of verses dedicated to Fran in folía style, penned by his group of comrades, with Pepe Díaz Pacheco (vocals), Santiago Lechado Pérez (guitar), and José Manuel Melián (timple) leading the performance.
