Fernando Ortiz Hipolito

Fernando is survived by his family Shane D Norris and Steve M Sullivan and beloved dogs Leela and Sebastian of Atlanta, Georgia. Also by his parents, Venancio Ortiz-Sanchez and Herlinda Hipolito Vargas of Malota Veracruz, Mexico and two brothers and two sisters also of Malota Veracruz, Mexico.

He was an employee of Pro Way Hair School and was loved by those he worked with.

Fernando’s passions included fashion, photography, gardening, flower arranging and listening to a variety of music. Fernando was a gentle kind-hearted soul who brought warmth and love to his family and to all those he encountered. Fernando’s style, class, and love will be missed by all of us that loved him dearly.

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Our Dearest Fernando, Our Little Love,

You came into our lives in the Spring of 2008 a shy young man unsure of himself and his place in the world, filled with more courage than is imaginable and more heart than is possible for one person. You immediately stole our hearts and never gave them back.

As we got to know you over the next few months, we learned of the road that brought you to us. You braved unspeakable moments in your young life. You sacrificed everything you knew. You went through a terrifying journey all in the hopes of finding a better life for yourself not knowing what the future would hold.

We set out to help you make a better like for yourself, but you ended up making our lives better first by simply being with us. You impacted our world in infinite ways that we could never have imagined. You changed our lives. You showed us your heart, your love, your kindness, your gentleness, your spirit, your talent, your emotions and even your style which, was of course impeccable.

You immediately set out to remake our world and we couldn’t have been happier. To see your creativity and talent flow from you as easily as water from a stream was amazing to witness. You took your new home and left a piece of yourself everywhere. You created gardens of incredible beauty and a home with a brightness of spirit we would never have been able to achieve without you. You are all around us in every room, every blade of grass, every flower, every plant, every butterfly and bird. You fill us to our very being with your love.

You were our teacher and guide. You showed us a new world and introduced us to your culture, teaching us so many new things. In turn we showed you some of the world and took you to places you never thought you would see. To watch the wonder and excitement in your eyes at each new discovery filled us with immense joy. You found beauty in the smallest of things and helped us see the world through the innocence of your eyes.

When we thought we had seen all your heart, you surprised us with even more. You brought your love to our babies. First our beloved Sketchy. She took to you immediately as her Daddy even letting you dress her up when you knew she really didn’t like it. You took care of her until her time came to leave us. Then you found your baby boy Sebastian, your Cow, and you raised him to truly be your boy. He is every bit you. Sweet and loving with a big smile and loyalty to his family. And finally came Leela, your Little Squeela, your KiKi, your Chewbacca. Like you, she was small in stature but fearless of heart always standing up for her bigger brother Sebastian while loving him unconditionally just like you taught her. While they may not understand what has happened they love and miss you very much.

We can only hope that you are able to find the peace that was so elusive for you in life.

As we say our final good-bye know that we will always love you and keep you safe in our hearts and minds never forgetting you and what you meant to us and those around you. You will always be our Ortiz, our Maria, Our Little Love.

Shane/”Norris”

Steve/”CoCo”

Sebastian/”Cow”

Leela/”Little Squeela”