Severo Patubo "PAPA" Cortez

Many things can be said about Severo Patubo Cortez. Known to friends and acquaintances as a friendly, energetic, empathic and decisive man, his compassionate nature would always shine through, revealing his charm, warmth and conscientious demeanor. He was warmhearted, gentle and organized in all the things he sought to accomplish. Severo was a mentor, a natural “teacher” capable of seeing things clearly, leading others and bringing out the best in all of those around him. He generally had a focus on harmony and peace.

Severo was born on February 3, 1924 at his parents' house in the Philippines. His parents were Angel and Flaviana Cortez, and they raised Severo in Bukig Aparri Cagayan. When he was young, Severo's friends and family found that “straightforward” and “honest” were perfect words to describe him. Even as a child, Severo demonstrated strong qualities of self-confidence, perceptive ability and a disposition that was enjoyable to those around him.

Severo grew up with eight siblings- older brothers: Philip, Caesar, Roberto and sisters: Anastacia, Marcaria, Uliana, Brihidad, and Perpetua. Severo was constantly involved in all sorts of activities with his family. He was even-tempered, taking care not to get involved in too many family conflicts. This quality served him well, in perpetually bringing harmony, understanding and a sense of peace to the family. Severo carried these traits into his adult life and served as one of many reasons why family and friends found him pleasurable and delightful to be around. Severo was a person who genuinely understood and cared for others, making powerful connections with those he knew.

As a young boy, Severo was imaginative, ingenious, clever and a “novel” thinker. Regardless of whether his peers were older or younger, or came from different backgrounds, Severo could easily relate to other kids. He was an active child who took part in basketball. However, to Severo, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with his many friends.

Always considered a “good” friend, Severo sought to understand the things that others enjoyed. For this reason Severo always seemed to possess a never-ending collection of acquaintances. Severo’s friends found him easy to know and get along with because of his talent for being socially at ease, adept at conversation, and always amiable in his dealings with others. Severo would always seek to learn what his friends enjoyed, and he would go out of his way to make sure that their needs were met. Severo was always seen as the type of person who was the more gracious giver. In fact, he sometimes felt ill at ease when he was the one on the receiving end. Throughout his life he had many friends. While growing up, some of his best friends were El Pedio, Uncle Lupe, Juspicio Lolong, and many others. Later in life, he became friends with everyone he encountered because of his friendly and inviting personality. He could always be found with a smile on his face.

On March 28, 1949 Severo married Lucia Bueno Caballeron at the Methodis Church of Bukig Aparri Cagayan. Compassionate and devoted, Severo worked hard to make his new family happy. He was always generous with his time and this meant that Lucia came first in Severo’s book. He was always caring and made certain that he considered Lucia’s feelings. By trusting his emotions, Severo did his best to make sure that both the marriage and home life ran smoothly. This is just one more example of how Severo was truly a person of empathy.

Severo’s quality of being a caring and tolerant person who was very accepting of others translated to being a good father to his children. Severo shared these values with his eight children- five sons: William, Fred, Nelson, Rogie, Rey and three daughters: Erlinda, Olive, and Grace. Severo was also blessed with 18 grandchildren: Wilma, Wally, Wayne, Wina, David, Rodel, Vanessa, Jerome, Christian, Jake, Dan, Ryan, Reylyn, Paula, Michael, Kaylee, Joey and Rambo and 12 great-grandchildren. Severo related well to children of all ages and was able to connect to them on their level. The children always loved him and he was completely and totally devoted to them.

Severo experienced success in his work life over and over again. His primary occupation was as a farmer. He spent over 40 years farming to feed his family and himself, with no hourly wage, no salary, just simply farming to live. Severo always made the effort to understand what was needed at work, and was well known as a team player. Severo took pride in managing his professional responsibilities and seemed to always know what was necessary to successfully complete a project. Severo was one to take the initiative and his skills at working cooperatively were highly valued.

Because he was organized and methodical, Severo took great pleasure in his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were collecting materials that he could reuse, such as nails, screws, rubber bands, miscellaneous strings, etc. Severo enjoyed sharing his passions with others and could singularly focus on one hobby at a time.

Severo derived much satisfaction from sports. Because he was so instinctive and could always grasp the big picture, Severo delighted in the strategy and inner workings of a competition. Recreational sports included volleyball, with his team consisting of his sons and nephew, Ceaser Jr. Severo was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite teams' events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were boxing, basketball, baseball, MMA, and all sports in general.

Severo enjoyed traveling, and because he was so well organized, he would take on the responsibility of planning and scheduling all of the family vacations. His gift for keeping things lively meant that vacations with Severo were always enjoyable. A favorite vacation included visiting the Philippines.

Being the focused and organized person that he was, Severo had taken care to plan for this part of his life. When that time eventually arrived, Severo knew exactly what he wanted to do. His new life involved relocating to Honolulu, Hawaii. In retirement, he found new pleasure in finding a convenient solutions to daily hassles, repairing items that were broken, and spending time with loved ones. Even in retirement, Severo continued to stay in touch with his old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled.

Severo passed away on December 16, 2010 at Odyssey Hospice in Las Vegas, Nevada after suffering a brain hemorrhage. He is survived by his children: William, Erlinda, Fred, Rogie, Rey, and Olive; 18 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; his sister, Pat; and leaving behind a marriage of 61 years to his loving wife, Lucia. Services were held at Palm Mortuary, Eastern Chapel in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Throughout his life, Severo was a gregarious and enthusiastic man. He was generous in sharing his personal attributes, giving and helping those he knew and loved. He would often fill the role of coach, bringing out the best in everyone. He was imaginative, original, tender hearted and easy to get along with. Severo leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and cherished memories. Everyone whose lives he touched will dearly remember Severo Patubo Cortez.

Arrangements under the direction of Palm Eastern Funeral Home, Las Vegas, NV.