Chris Cuevas,one of the most amazing men in the world left us on 2/19/2013.

Christopher David Joseph Paul Cuevas was born on 12/22/70, in San Pablo, CA, to Helen Pearl (McCoury) & Stephen Cuevas .

He attended Pinole Valley High School and graduated in 1988. Chris was working in Heber Springs, AK, in August, 1990,looking forward to attending both business & culinary school in the fall. Chris did not drink, but unbeknownst to him, got into a vehicle with someone who did.The driver caused a terrible accident that left Chris a C4-C5 quadriplegic.At the time of the accident, the emergency tube that was inserted to save his life punctured his stomach & shredded his esophagus, which caused him losinghis voice box.He endured many surgeries and faced death many times. But through it all, he was the 'come-back kid'.

For the next 22 years, Chris was a resident of Vashon Island, living with his wonderful mother, who was his full time caregiver.Through many hardships, Chris somehow woke up smiling every day, in spite of being in his bed full time. He was always caring, loving, a trickster, thoughtful, forgiving, and a true warrior.

Chrishad many interests: cooking shows & fine food, current events & politics, collecting many things, such as robots, Star Wars items, Day of the Dead, Dogs Playing Poker, lots & lots of movies of all kinds, Sponge bob, Pez dispensers, Hot Wheels, marbles, and baseball caps of all types.

Even though he was confined to his room most of his adult life, he was loved by the local fire department andwas made an honorary chief. He loved everyone at Vashon Pharmacy, Vashon Thriftway,Dr. Weispfenning and staff, KRONOS, Eva from Vashon roasterie, & the delivery staff from Williams Oil.He truly embraced all the community as a whole with his heart. Also, there were many unsung heroes from Hawaii, Colorado, Montana, California, South Carolina, France-you all know who you are!

Chris leaves behind his wonderful and caring mother Pearl McCoury.Words cannot describethe close relationship they've shared for over 22 years. His leaving has truly left a hole in her heart. He also leaves behind sister Mia Sara Cuevas & her four beautiful daughters, brother Troy McCoury, Aunt Theda and Uncle Robert Moore, brothers Darrell Magana and Jonathan Cuevas, plus Aunt Laura, Grandma Doris, Uncle Tim & very close friends Jan & Tony Saulewicz.

One of the most important things that Chris wanted everyone to know is when you are in a situation like his, it's what's on the inside that counts, not the outside.Supporting your friends and loved ones when things take a different turn in life (such as illness or disabilities) is critical for life's survival.It's hard to heal or find one's 'new normal' without ongoing love and follow-through with help. A special memorial will be held in Chris' honor at a future date.Funeral arrangements have beenmade through Island Funeral Service. Thanks so much, Lisa, for all your help.

For those of you who knew Chris or his wonderful Mother Genni (Helen), we invite you to join us to honor Chris' memory. His memorial will be a potluck meal and will be held on Saturday March 16, 1-4pm, at the Vashon Eagles Hall on Vashon Island. Since Chris was a devoted foodie and loved to taste other peoples cooking, please feel free to share one of your own cooking specialties or bring a dish you know that he would like to eat. Any questions or comments regarding the potluck may be directed to Jan Saulewics (206) 579-7539.