Alexander C. Perez

Cpl. Alexander Cane Perez, “Zander,” 25, of Kerrville, Texas passed from this life on July 18, 2015 in Kerrville, Texas. This beautiful soul came into the world on Aug. 9, 1989. He was the youngest of three children born to Alex and Cynthia Perez.

Zander spent his first six years of life in Kerrville, Texas. Then in 1995 he, his mother and sisters moved to Greeley, where Cynthia met and later married Dan Saffer. He spent his school years in Greeley and his summers in Kerrville, Texas.

In 2008 Zander graduated from Greeley Central High School. That year, he enlisted in the Marine Corps. He served as a 0311-Rifleman until honorably discharged on Oct. 13, 2012. His deployments included 2010 USSPELELIU and 2012 SW Asia (Afghanistan) Tour. Throughout his military career Zander received several commendations: the Navy Meritorious Unit commendation, two Sea Service Deployment ribbons, the Marine Corp Good Conduct medal, Global War of Terrorism service medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Humanitarian Service medal, National Defense Service medal and two Expert Rifle Badges.

After his active duty, Zander returned to Colorado. While he lived in Colorado, he worked for Beegles Aircraft Services and Journey Homes. In 2013, he moved to Kerrville, Texas, where he lived and worked with his dad, Alex, and his uncles, Andy, Albert, Frank II and Arthur until his death.

Zander didn’t always have a lot to say, yet his beautiful smile spoke volumes. In high school, he loved wearing corny t-shirts with double meanings. He would just sit and grin while people read them and worked it out in their minds. A passion of Zander’s was working out daily. He would also run anywhere from 40-50 miles a week. Overall, family was everything to Zander. He loved being Uncle “Z” and spending time with his niece and nephews. He enjoyed fishing with his dad and uncle, going to movies with friends and family and loved quality time spent barbecuing with them all. Anyone who knew Zander could attest to the fact that he had a heart of gold. He was caring and very compassionate. Zander was the type of man who would give his shirt off his back to help someone. The loss of this gentle soul will leave a big hole in the hearts of all that knew and loved him.

Zander was preceded in death by his grandparents Ramon L. Ybarra, Sr, Frank Perez, Sr., Ross and Pearl Saffer; his Uncle Jeff Saffer and cousin Sebastian Ray Ybarra and infant nephew Orrin Daniel Larsen.

Those left to mourn his passing include his parents Cynthia (Ybarra) and Dan Saffer of Greeley, Colo., Alex Perez of Kerrville, Texas; his siblings Crystal Perez, Zach Halsey and their daughter Brynlee Chae Halsey, Angie Larsen and husband Ben; David Saffer and his wife Alicia and their sons Rayden, Gauge and Judah all of Greeley, Colo.; Michael and Alex Perez II of Kerrville, Texas; grandmothers Janie Perez of Kerrville, Texas and Mary Ybarra of Center Point, Texas; uncles David Ybarra, Ramon (Yogi) Ybarra, Jr. (Gladys), Danny Ybarra (Margarita); aunts Vicky Rodriguez (Jim), Diane Rosales (Amos), Rosie Osorio (Grabiel), Andy Perez (Whitney), Frank Perez II, Albert Perez (Patricia), Arthur Perez (Denisha), Veda Pieper (Leo), and Steve Saffer; and numerous cousins and friends.

A memorial celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. Aug. 19, 2015 at the Journey Christian Church in Greeley. Inurnment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens with full military honors.

Colorado Honorary Pallbearers will be David Saffer, Danny Ybarra, Jim Rodriquez, Leo Pieper, Steve Saffer, Oliver Mendoza, Jeremy Paz, Daniel Sanchez, Cpl. Tyler Weaver, Cpl. Ramon Alvarado, Viviano Ramos and Joshua Rodriguez.

Texas Honorary Pallbearers were Michael Perez, Alex Perez II, David Saffer, Andy Perez, Frank Perez II, Albert Perez, Arthur Perez, Oliver Mendoza, Mathew Downs, David Ybarra, Raymond (Yogi) Ybarra, Jr., Jim Rodriguez, Amos Rosales, Grabiel Osorio, Nick Engeraan and Josh Elliott.

Memorials in honor of Zander’s life may be sent to Stoddard Funeral Home.

The family of Zander wishes to extend their sincere thanks for all of the support, meals and messages the community, family and friends have showered upon them at this difficult time.

Please visit www.stoddardsunset.com to sign an online guestbook