Perfecto Diaz

“He didn’t tell me how to live, he lived and let me watch him do it”.

If you knew my Dad, you knew without question that he lived his life on his terms and made the best of every day knowing that it was all God’s plan. My earliest memory of him as a little girl is him telling me not to worry, that if you believe in God and you have faith in him that everything would work out. And this is the way that he LIVED. My Dad didn’t just reside each day, he grabbed each day of his life on this earth and ran with it putting all of his trust and faith in God’s hands. He taught us that if you have faith in God and you trust in Him, there is nothing to fear. What a beautiful way to really LIVE.

My Dad was eternally selfless. When you asked him how he was doing, regardless of the situation or the circumstances at hand, whether it was his failing health or a recent surgery, a day of dialysis, he would always meet you with a smile, with an appreciation for each breath he was given on this earth and his answer was always “I’m good” but how are YOU? Even in times when we all knew he wasn’t good, he would say that he was and then turn all of the attention to us. My Dad was the person who made the very best of every day he was given on this earth and he gave that same energy back to all of us. He taught us that with the right attitude, every day is a blessing to be had.

As a father he gave all of his love unconditionally, and without question or expectations. As his children we knew we could always call him and he would be there. The song Ain’t No Mountain High Enough always reminds me of him. No matter the ask, no matter the time, no matter the challenge, our Dad would move mountains and be there with open arms, and an open heart. He would meet us with a gentle kindness and love that only happens between a father and his children. There was nothing that we could ever do that would change his love and devotion to us. He was our safe place and still is. He taught us the value and impact of unconditional love.

My Dad had a LOVE for cars – LOTS of them, 51 cars to be exact. That’s one car for every year of his life since turning 18, and they couldn’t be just normal cars either. They all had to have something extra, something different, a bell or a whistle that made it custom and unique – like him. He was custom, and unique. He was “PERFECTO!”

He would detail each car by hand every week because he took pride in them and enjoyed it. My Dad taught us to take the time to do the things that made us feel good – even if it appeared to be crazy to other people, like owning 51 cars in your lifetime! And I didn’t even get into all of his motorcycles – because we’d be here for days if I did!

My Dad had a love for music – and true talent, he had the ear for it. He played his bass guitar that you see right here, every day. We couldn’t honor my Dad without his bass. He was always playing music, listening to music, talking about music, going to concerts. No matter where he lived, he had his music room lined with guitars on the walls and his full piece band set up. That was our Dad.

When we visited it always turned into a concert! His guitar was a part of him - and when his diabetes started to affect his hand, and he was told that he may never play again – he said you’re wrong. And they were. My Dad never gave up. He persevered. He played until his last day on this earth. He taught us to never give up on what matters the most to us, that perseverance always pays off no matter what – just keep trying, like he did.

My Dad coded 7 times in the ER. But he kept on trying. God was calling him and he said no not yet, not yet. He needed to hear us tell him that it was ok, that Kathie would be ok. He needed to hear it from her

and when he did, he took his last breath. He passed over peacefully surrounded by love and in Kathie’s arms. His terms, his way, peacefully, he tried until the end and did so to make sure she was ok, that we all were ok. I am so so proud of my Dad. If we all could have even an ounce of this man’s beautiful strength and perseverance for his family.

My Dad taught us so many things. He was an example of honor, dedication, responsibility, integrity and truth. He was such a hardworking man and he had such a forgiving heart; an unwavering faith and trust of putting it all in God’s hands.

Of all the things that he taught us, the one thing that means the most - is also the one thing that meant the most to him. And that is his true love and his life - Kathie. Watching them together taught us what finding your true soul mate looks like. Their love, their connection, it was refreshing and comforting. To be around them was to see the love that God wants us all to have. We know they were meant to be. And through it all, our crazy loving family dynamic, that many didn’t understand. My Dad and Mom remained best friends to this day. My Dad never wavered on his love and commitment to my Mom or to his kids. They spoke every other week just to check on each other, my Step Dad Boe worked for him for 18 years! They too became best friends… and Kathie was there 100% of the way. We all saw and continue to see why Kathie was the greatest love of his life, and that’s because she is the same to us. We love you immensely Kathie and we are so blessed that you entered my Dad’s life and ours. Thank you for all that you gave, that you continue to give, thank you for the gift of you.

Above all, what I hoped to get across today is that my Dad is happy, he’s ok and we are ok. He would want that. He was selfless – he would say to you, please do not stop living or being happy. Have your moments, feel them, take it all in and then let it all out – and go live your life like he did. With purpose and without taking one second for granted. Choose to be happy, choose to do what makes you feel good, just like he did, on his terms until the very moment that he crossed over. Do not take negativity in, do not let it penetrate your dreams, your thoughts, your desires or what you feel in your heart. If it’s in your heart go for it. And know that as he always said, there’s nothing to fear – as it is all in God’s hands.

Thank you.