Fox Theater unveils Walk of Fame star in honor of ‘Mr. Bakersfield' John Enriquez
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The Fox Theater unveiled a star on its Walk of Fame to honor the late John Enriquez, who many referred to as 'Mr. Bakersfield.'
Enriquez, a community volunteer who contributed his efforts to several causes such as Keep Bakersfield Beautiful and the Fox Theater Foundation, died in November at age 72. He had been battling prostate cancer for 10 years.
John Enriquez, tireless volunteer and model of kindness, dies at 72
Enriquez's family, the Fox staff and Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh were at the Walk of Fame on Saturday to remember Enriquez and celebrate the new star.
Enriquez designed and built the Walk of Fame himself, and he also was a significant contributor to the revitalization of the Fox Theater, even serving as the board president for the theater from 2015 to 2016.
'John is a true star of our community,' Goh said. 'John is a star with the biggest heart of our community, John was dedicated and John was passionate about moving our community forward.'
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Denise Enriquez, his sister, said Enriquez was her rock who always went with her to the hospital whenever she had an appointment or surgery for her medical condition.
'He was always there for me. So he's not just there for the city, he's there for all of us,' Denise Enriquez said.
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