In Loving Memory
Obituary
Michael Patrick Cortez
Michael P. Cortez Michael Patrick Cortez, devoted husband and father, outdoorsman, dog lover, motorcycle and cooking enthusiast, died on Monday, May 9, 2016 in Olympia, Washington. Mike was born to Gabriele and Albert P. Cortez in Nuremberg, Germany. Although he considered Olympia to be his hometown, he was nevertheless proud to show off family photos of himself as a child, dressed in traditional Bavarian lederhosen. He spoke fondly of his childhood and the many life lessons he learned from his school and family life. A charismatic storyteller, Mike was always eager to share vivid stories and keen observations about his youth with those around him. After graduating Timberline High School in 1984, Mike began working in sales. A natural talent, he rose to become a well-known and respected auto parts sales representative in Olympia and the surrounding area, most recently working as a territory sales manager for O'Reilly Auto Parts. His honest, personable style, paired with a love of his career, frequently resulted in employee awards, and many of his business clients and colleagues became personal friends. On December 3, 1999, Mike married Shannon Nagel of Tacoma, Washington. Mike greatly enjoyed spending time with his family, especially traveling and backpacking with his wife and children. This is clearly demonstrated by the many heartwarming images that he shared on his Facebook page as he celebrated family time spent outdoors. Mike is survived by a host of loving family: his wife, Shannon; their two children, Ryan Michael and Lanie Grace; his mother, Gabriele; sisters, Manuela Cortez and Monique Edwards; brothers, Albert Jr. and Brian Cortez; stepmom, Fita Cortez; and in-laws, David and Judy Nagel, Jeremy Nagel, and Mark and Angela Wegley. Mike had an enduring passion and appreciation for quality and fun in all of his pursuits, which included many hobbies and interests. Whether explaining his choice of vehicles (a Mustang 5.0 and a Suzuki Hayabusa), his preferred hobby retailers (REI and Cabela's), his secret cooking ingredients (???), or the training of his Boston Terriers, he freely offered his knowledge and ideas to others with infectious enthusiasm and good humor. A man of Christian faith, Mike was an active member of The GraceWorks Church, where he had attended regularly with his family since 2010. He carried a coin in his pocket inscribed with the words of Jesus from Luke 18:27, "What is impossible with man is possible with God." Those possibilities inspired within him a truly remarkable Christian character; his generosity, kindness, and patience will be remembered by all who knew him.
To honor him and my sister Ive gone to his “campsite” for the past two years and get it all ready for those that want to pay their respects to him on the anniversary of his death. Mark and I had a window of time to do this together on Tuesday so we snuck down to Lacey and spent time at my Brother In Laws “campsite.” We left a few things for him...a rock Charlie painted that had a skillet with bacon and eggs painted on it (he was the best breakfast maker around...his biscuits and gravy were always perfect) and a UW rock. My mom gave me the flowers, an angel, bubbles, and a lei for the kids. It’s a hard day for my family and my sister family. We were lucky to have the time we did get with him even though we all wish for more. We think and talk of you often! In loving memory of you, Mike Patrick Cortez!
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