Jorge Fernandez Andrade

My name is Karina. My tio Jorge was born on January 16, 1980, in El Centro, California. He was one of eight siblings – Lydia, Marta, Gaby, Anel, Aida, Rafael Jr., and Valente – and together they shared a lifetime of memories and a bond that only siblings can understand.

He later married Holly Asberry Andrade – his “honey,” his best friend, and the love of his life. For two decades, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and true partnership. He didn’t just love Holly – he lived in her love. And in marrying her, embraced her son Kolby as his own. Family was always at the heart of who he was.

Tio Jorge lived boldy. He was daring, passionate, and unapologetically himself. He didn’t just go through life – he charged through it, usually with a pair of cool sunglasses, a confident walk, and a mischievous grin. He had a sarcastic sense of humor that kept us all on our toes and a love for fixing things that made him our go-to guy for just about everything. If it had wheels or an engine, Jorge was in his element.

He loved cars, speed, and projects – and he could fix anything. He was a true gearhead, someone who could turn a pile of parts into something that roared to life. But it wasn’t just his hands that were skilled – it was his mind, too. Tio Jorge had a way of engaging you in conversation that made you feel heard, respected, and never judged. He loved to pick your brain, but never to criticize – only to understand.

At work, he was admired and recognized often for his excellence. In fact, he was even gifted a grill as a token of appreciation – which he used proudly, especially to enjoy Holly’s cooking, which he loved.

And if there was one thing that brought out the playful, childlike joy in him – it was fireworks. He loved fireworks. He especially loved doing them with my siblings – turning a regular night into something spectacular. Lighting up the sky was just another way he lit up our lives.

Just two months ago, I had the chance to see my Tio Jorge. He and my parents were on their way back to Utah after picking up our grandpa’s ashes in Mexico. And it was my tio – in true Jorge fashion – who told them, “We have to stop in Arizona and see Karina before heading back.”

I’m so thankful he did. Because that day, I got to have a one-on-one conversation with him – one that I’ll carry in my heart forever.

He asked me, “Do you believe in God?” I told him, “Yes, I do.” Then he asked, “What do you think God is?”

I thought about it, and I told him, “I believe God is energy – something that lives within us, around us, something that guides us.”

He paused for a moment, then said, “Well, if you believe God is energy…what if God is the sun?” “It’s everywhere.”

I looked at him and said, “Wow. Good point. I believe God could be the sun.”

That moment meant everything to me.

Tio… you are my sun. Even though I can no longer see you, I will feel you with me – everywhere I go. Warming me, guiding me, reminding me to live boldly and speak freely, just like you always did.

I love you so much, and I miss you more than words can say. Thank you for everything.