Good afternoon family and friends thank you coming. We are here to celebrate the passing of my brother Paulo Cortez. He was born on December 02, 1974, only weighing 4lbs. He was a fighter when he was born and he fought till the end. The reason I say celebrate is because we were given the greatest gift any family could ever deserve and that is to have had the ability and the opportunity to have spent ten more days of love and laughter after his inital heart attack, we were able to say "we will be together one day" we will not ever! be saying goodbye. Just see you soon. As everyone knows a massive heart attack would have taken him away instantly but instead God our Lord Jesus Christ has not only shown my brother the warmth and serenity of what's waiting for him but the chance to come back see how much he was loved and the ability to say I will see you again someday, this is not goodbye.

It seems it wasn't very long ago we were here saying goodbye to our Dad and as it is, we all know it's a part of life. As my brother would say we live to die, oh well. The truth is I never thought we would be saying goodbye to the baby of the family we all thought we would go first or at least in order. I guess this is the reason we need to count our blessings and say our prayers every night because we just don't know what tomorrow is going to bring.

Paul was the joy of our lives, he was our bright light in our darkest days, yes he was the youngest but he was always the bravest, very stubborn and proud. He was truly someone anyone could depend on, always smiling that "Cortez" smiling that Cortez smile we are all known for.

He could be your best friend or your worst nightmare but those who knew him could always count on him. He never showed weakness, he wasn't scared of anything not even death. He stood as strong as a 100 year oak tree.

I know we all replay in our mind he was just too young and you might be right but he lived a full life, with no regrets, his life made a complete circle many, many times he went where he wanted, did whatever he wanted and there was not anyone or anything that could stop him from doing what he loved. He lived a very carefree life, one that we could only dream about. He was never afraid to take chances.

He was my mother's baby boy, he confident, caregiver, friend but most of all her shining light.

He was my oldest brother's "Babyboy" he loved him like a son and my little brother treated and loved him like a father.

Paul was my brother Jimmy partner in crime and his best friend they got each other into some sticky situations and came out fighting half the time but then they grew up and now they laugh about it. They were more than brothers they were each others best friend. Although they didn't get to grow old together they talked like three old men more often than we can count. So even though they may feel lost today and have their memories to keep them going and keep them strong, one thing I can honestly say is the first thing he would say to all of us is "what the f*** you crying for"!

He was my big sister Dee and my little sister Vicky's baby brother always telling each other crap and laughing about it. I'm sure they have their own stories and memories to keep them strong. As for me well he was my sounding board, my helper, my friend, and my everything. There was never a time that I can remember that I would call him that he wouldn't answer me. We would call each other to vent, listen, and laugh. I was his Ant Eater and he was my Arrangatang. Correction "Pinche Ant Eater"

Paul showed everyone how much he loved us in his own special way. My brothers daughters became his daughters and he loved them all especially Veronica she was the baby of my brother Sam would have to leave out of town he would tell Paul watch over my girls. He would reply and I quote "really brother their my girls too" I got this.

When his daughter Kassey was born he stepped up and became a great father, took her to school every morning he would sit open her milk and he would not leave until he was sure she felt safe and secure especially on her first day of school and every day after that. They had their differences as many with teenagers would understand, they had their own way of communicating which some of us had a hard time understanding but she was and forever will be his biggest accomplishment.

We have so many people that made such an impact in his life and although I don't know the details I feel he would have been pleased for me to mention them. Belinda his sister in law who knew him since he was , he would always be in his underwear and he would run and hide until mom put pants on him and he'd come running to greet and hug her he would hate it when she left but looked forward to seeing her soon, he loved her like a sister and he was always there for her and her girls he will be deeply missed. Angie his other sister in law, they had a love hate kind of relationship but they understood each other and loved each other in their own special way. Rosemary his girlfriend and her daughter Marie I didn't know Paul had a softer side until just recently the pictures you showed me said a lot about a brother that never allowed us to see that side of him, but it warms my heart knowing you bought that kind of love and kindness into his life. You were there when it counted, and for that he loved you even more.

Those of you who did not know my baby brother very well would automatically think dam he is such a "A hole" and most insults you received from the more he loved you. My daughters made a comment the other day saying "aww tio did love us". If my brother didn't like you he would not talk or acknowledge you. And all of us where very "loved"

We all had a very special connection with him. I could go on and on about what he meant for so many people here, but Ii think it would be better for each one of them to say it in their own special words how he affected their lives.

My brother was someone that never slowed down, he was on the go 24/7 when he was sleeping he was working thinking about what needed to be done tomorrow, always waiting and willing to lend a helping hand, he was a great father, grandfather, brother, brother in law, uncle, cousin, but most of all a great son.

When our dad passed he took on the toughest roll a son could ever have and that was to take care of our mother. He gladly took on the roll without anyone asking him. my mom and he became one, he was her everything and she was his. he gladly and selflessly stopped his life to take care of her. he would cook, clean, and make her coffee every morning like clock work every day, he never failed to have every corner of her house warm in the winter and cold in the summer. he took care of mom so we could all have a life with our own families and for that we thank you little brother.

We promise to try and fill your shoes and take care of her even though they are very big shoes to fill I promise we will do our best.

One day you'll be back driving that big yellow bus to collect the rest of us, but until then you keep an eye on us like you have always done and we will keep your memories alive, you will forever by in our hearts and never forgotten. just last night we talked shit about you and Sam said "You know he would of been the first one to say it" we all knotted "Yup"!

Paul was never a person to really say or show love as his days grew nearer we had heart to heart talks and he said he wished he could say what was really in his heart to each and everyone that made such and impact in his life. i told him I got you. We love and miss you baby brother, go rest high on that mountain for your work here on Earth is done.