Julian Perez Ortega, born on March 5, 1974, in the province of Chiriqui in Panama, passed away on Thursday, August 2 at age 44. Julian moved to Wenatchee, Wash., at the age of ten, where he would ultimately graduate from high school and meet the love of his life, whom he would later marry and have three sons with.

Julian was the type of guy who made instant, personal connections with everyone he met. Not only did this mean that he made a lot of close friends, but he was also able to use this trait to move through the ranks of his employer, DCI, where making connections turned out to be a valuable asset. An immigrant who spoke very little English upon moving to the United States, Julian worked hard to excel in everything he did and ended up obtaining a nice piece of the American dream for himself and his family.

Julian will reside forever in the heart and mind of his wife, Courtney Perez, and their three sons: Alex, Emilio, and Elias. Julian will also be lovingly remembered by his two brothers: Carlos Perez, and Alberto Perez, as well as his aunt, Olma, and uncle, Garrick Booth. Julian has many other family members he cared deeply for in both the U.S. and Panama, and they will always fondly remember the easy going, funny, and caring man who has now joined his mom in the afterlife.

There will be a Celebration of Life ceremony in Indianapolis, Ind., on August 22, from 6 to 8 pm, at Daniel’s Family Vineyard and Winery, 9061 N. 700 W. McCordsville, IN, 46055, www.danielsvineyard.com. There will be a second Celebration of Life ceremony in Seattle, Wash., on August 26, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, at JM Cellars, located at 14404 137th Place NE, Woodinville, WA, 98072, www.jmcellars.com.

People are sharing memories at a Julian Perez Memorial on Facebook.

The Julian Perez Education Fund has been established to help Julian's children with the resources needed for their future endeavors. Every donation is greatly appreciated as it is truly an investment in the future of his children. You can donate at www.gofundme.com/julian-perez-education-fund.