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 losing his 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.

Chris had 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 and was 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 describe the 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 been made through Island Funeral Service.

Please visit our guest book at www.islandfuneral.com.

Paid Obituary.