The pilot of a helicopter that slammed into a Newport Beach home, killing him and two other passengers, will be remembered at a paddle-out and service in Newport Beach Saturday.

Joseph “Pepe” Anthony Tena, 60, of Newport Beach, was a “proud Spaniard, who first came to Southern California in 1975 to attend Pepperdine University,” his son, Jose Tena, told City News Service in an email.

Tena died in Tuesday’s crash along with Brian  R. Reichelt, 56, of Hollywood, Florida, and Kimberly Lynne Watzman, 45, of Santa Monica.

Tena was born in Huelva, Spain. After attending Pepperdine he emigrated to the U.S. “for good to raise a beautiful family of four beloved daughters, Gabriela, Marta, Alejandra, and Carlota, with his second wife, Marta Aza,” his son said.

Jose Tena is Pepe Tena’s son from his first marriage. Pepe Tena is also survived by a grandson, Pepe X. Tena, and his third wife, Lily Glazer.

Tena’s son said his father was a “man of constant motion” who “enjoyed traveling.” His trips often included visits to relatives back in Spain.

Tena also enjoyed “playing soccer, boating, music, dancing and being around those he loved most,” his son said.

“Truly a bon vivant, he left his life as he lived it, enjoying it to its fullest and not taking any moment for granted,” Jose Tena said.

A paddle-out at Newport Beach Pier will be held at 9 a.m., followed by a 2 p.m. service at 543 Vista Flora, Newport Beach.

Those who attend the service were told to not feel “obliged to wear colors of mourning, as this will be a celebration of life.”

A surviving victim of the crash remained in critical but stable condition at OC Global Medical Center, hospital spokesman Jeff Corless said.

—City News Service

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