Angel M. Diez

On January 26, Angel Diez, 76, passed away after more than 5 years of a knock-down-drag-out fight against cancer. Angel was born on December 4, 1945 in Havana, Cuba to Angel and Engracia Diez. At the young age of 15 he and his brother, Alberto, were part of the "Pedro Pan Operation" and left Fidel Castro's communist Cuba together in search of--what their parents hoped-was a safer and better life in America. Leaving behind his parents and home must have been incredibly hard. However, it helped contribute to Angel's life-long attitude of accepting things for exactly what they were with a no-nonsense attitude and carrying on with his well-known drive, efficiency and focus. The young boys luckily found a new home in Spokane, Washington. Getting off the plane in June was the coldest the two teens had ever been! The Diez brothers were brought into a loving and wonderful foster family with the Gillespie's. Angel attended Gonzaga University where he met his future bride, Kathy, and was very involved in soccer and baseball. Throughout their 53 years of marriage Angel and Kathy have remained forever bonded to the university and have enjoyed the iconic rise of the Zags basketball team, frequently traveling to games and WCC tournaments. Angel went on to get an MBA from the University of Washington. Angel and Kathy married in 1968 and moved to Vancouver, Washington where they made their home and raised a daughter (Kristin) and son (Matt). Angel was a leader in the pulp and paper industry during a career spanning over 40 years with many different companies. He was highly admired and respected by associates and easily made friends with colleagues from around the world. In spite of his worldly travels for business, he always made time for people & activities that were important to him, namely family, friends and sports. Angel was a dedicated family man. His children knew without a doubt that he would be present at any event that they deemed important (even if it wasn't) and would always be there to support them. Looking back, it was amazing that he was able to design his successful work life to fit so seamlessly with his involved family life. He enjoyed watching, playing and coaching sports. Angel made a name for himself playing in the Portland soccer community for DECADES with St. Pat's SC, Pierre's SC and the Mojos. He truly was an inspiration to any devoted soccer player as he remained fit, played into his 70's and through various knee surgeries. When he injured his wrist (in his 50's) and was advised to stop playing he questioned his doctor and asked for his rationale considering a person doesn't need their arm to play soccer. He had a commitment to youth in his community and coached little league sports in Vancouver even before the birth of his children. As his kids grew he spent thousands of hours developing their skills, attending games, and coaching their teams. During his rough Chemo schedule, it was still a priority for him to watch his adult daughter play in her slow pitch softball league and give her pointers. He even attended his oldest grandson's practices (not just games) for his very first soccer team. In fact, it was impossible for him to stop coaching and as recently as December he was at the local park teaching basketball skills to both of his grandsons. Angel's guidance and coaching, and not just in the field of sports, has had a positive impact on the lives of so many people. Angel is survived by his wife, Kathy; daughter, Kristin (Josh); grandsons, Cayden and Finn; brother Alberto (Shannon); as well as cousins, nieces, nephews, additional relatives and many friends. Angel was preceded in death by his son, Matt and parents, Angel and Engracia Diez. All are invited to attend Angel's funeral Mass on Feb. 24, 2022 at 11 am at St. Joseph's Church 400 S Andresen Rd. Vancouver, WA 98661.The service can also be viewed at: www.facebook.com/stjoevan or www.youtube.com/stjoevan. A graveside service for immediate family will follow at Evergreen Memorial Gardens 1101 NE 112th Ave Vancouver, WA 98684. All are invited to a Celebration of Life reception at the Artillery Barracks 600 Hatheway Rd Vancouver, WA 98661 from 1-4. Please consider a donation in Angel's memory to: Brenden-Colson Center for Pancreatic Care at Oregon Health & Science University 2730 S Moody Ave, CL4RS Portland, OR 97201 or to the Gonzaga University scholarship fund. Please share a memory at www.columbian.com/obits or at www.evergreen memorialgardens.com

Angel M. Diez

December 4, 1945 - January 26, 2022