Carlos Luis Hernandez, 59, a devoted family man, dedicated civil engineer, and passionate advocate for the environment, passed away unexpectedly Thursday November 9th returning from a US Department of Commerce Delegation in Dhaka, Bangladesh, where he was participating in a federal program to do what he loved the most -share his immense knowledge of water and wastewater issues. Carlos dedicated over three decades of his life to preserving the environment, leaving an indelible mark on both the public and private sectors. His 20-year tenure as the Water and Wastewater Division Chief at the Miami Dade County Department of Environmental Resource Management was not just a job—it was his pride and joy. Carlos played an integral role in protecting the County’s groundwater and surface water and had a unique way of thinking outside the box. Carlos was a bright light in the darkness and to say that he was the best of us is an understatement. Carlos genuinely believed in helping people and those that knew him, know how tirelessly he worked at doing just that. He never had a bad thing to say about people and even in the face of adversity he always did the right thing. His passing leaves a huge hole in the DERM community and all those who knew him. A civil engineer by profession, Carlos put himself through both Miami-Dade College and FIU where he earned his Masters in Civil Engineering. Carlos later taught environmental engineering classes alongside his role as a devoted member of the College of Engineering boards at both FIU and UM. His influence reached international levels as he actively participated in programs that impacted environmental resource management around the world. Carlos’ spirit included a love of classic cars, biking, camping, carpentry along with always learning, teaching, and helping others. At the center of Carlos's world were his beloved "girls," his wife Patricia, Principal at St. Agatha's Catholic School and his daughter Jian, who is a senior at Our Lady of Lourdes Academy whom he cherished above all else. Carlos is also survived by his mother Gladys Baez, his siblings Flor Martinez and Manuel Hernandez along with 8 nieces and nephews. His visitation will be this Thursday November 16th from 7pm to 11pm at Bernardo Garcia Funeral Homes Kendall Chapel, 12050 SW 117th Avenue, Miami FL 33186, Tel# 305-232-1010. The Funeral Mass will be Friday November 17th at 12:30pm at St. Agatha Catholic Church, 1111 SW 107th Avenue, Miami FL 33174 with interment to follow at Woodlawn Park Cemetery South, 11655 SW 117th Avenue, Miami FL 33816. Carlos is leaving a void in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. His life was a testament to his unwavering commitment to God, family, and the betterment of the world around him. Carlos was committed to helping and inspiring others; always studying and learning; being an advocate for the environment; having exemplary work ethic and dedication; and always doing his very best. Carlos will always be remembered for his passion in all he did, his love for family & children, his playfulness, his funny character and his BIG HEART!