Robert Mendoza Cortez

Robert "Bobby" Cortez February 20, 1937 - September 20, 2013 Visitation for Robert Mendoza Cortez will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Park & Mortuary on Thursday September 26, 2013 beginning at 4:00 p.m. with the Rosary being recited at 6:00 p.m. A church service will be held on Friday, September 27, 2013, 10:00a.m. at St. Joseph Church, 1515 Baker Street, Bakersfield, CA 93305. Robert "Bobby" Cortez, age 76, of Bakersfield, California, was called home to the Lord, September 20, 2013. Bobby was born in Los Angeles, CA and moved to Delano where he was raised, and attended Delano High School. He served in the Army from 1955 to 1958 and was a proud member of the 11th Airborne Division. Upon finishing three years in the service and taking a total of 21 jumps, he was given an honorable discharge. After his service in the Army Bob married his loving wife, Senaida (Gonzales) Cortez in 1959. He then began working at McMahon's Furniture store where he was the top salesman. After four years, Mr. Cortez left McMahon's to start his own business, "Cortez Furniture." After ten successful years later in the furniture business he decided to pursue the bail bonds field. Mr. Cortez owned Cortez Bail Bonds for a fortunate 44 years. If you couldn't find Bobby at his office, rest assured you could reach him on the golf course with his buddies. His love of music and infectious smile always left those around him feeling uplifted. Bob was best known for his humorous personality and frankly just a "nice guy" persona. He was never too busy or proud to make a friend or simply say hello. At times his unique way of delivering a compliment left his acquaintances humorously baffled and his friends not knowing if they had been flattered or flattened. Many would often hear Bobby express his love and devotion towards his wife Sandy by simply saying, "Look at my beautiful wife! I can't believe she chose me. I'm the luckiest guy in the world!" Their life together can easily be summed up by their wedding and life song, "We Belong Together...for eternity." Bobby loved being a husband, dad, grandfather, and great grandfather. Left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife and faithful partner, Sandy, children Senerina & John Alaniz, Dino & Susie Cortez, and Roberta & Jim Austin, grandchildren Merrisa & Dan Paulson, Josh & Joana Austin, Nicole Alaniz, Jordan Austin, Gabrielle Cortez, Jillian Austin, and Robert Cortez, and great grandchildren Analiz, Benjamin, and Merina. Bobby loved being a "family man" and most importantly providing a strong pillar of support. He was always the "life of the party" and his memory will continue to inspire those lives he touched. As Bobby Cortez would say, "Turn out the lights, the party's over." www.bakersfield.com/obits