We'll Miss you Tony!

Our beloved "Uncle Tony" lost his very short battle with cancer last Friday. It all happened so quickly. Tony was so many things to all of us - he was my mother-in-law's youngest brother. He was Rod's Godfather when Rod was baptized in the Catholic church as a baby. He was an unfailing & caring son who selflessly moved in with his parents (just about 3 blocks from us) to help care for them on a daily basis. He was a fantastic graphic designer who would often give me impromptu 'lessons' over dinners at my in-laws house...almost weekly. He cared & loved me like I have always been a niece. He played & giggled with Sophia. He was LIFE in every sense of the word. He loved chocolate. He loved Sprite out of a 20oz bottle. He loved his dogs - they were his 4-legged pride & joys. He gave the best hugs. He had a mustache & beard - which meant he gave the BEST scratchy kisses on the cheek when he saw you. He also had the funniest facial expressions - especially when he didn't know you were watching him! He was all of these things until he was gone. However, we rejoice in the sense that he now sits joyfully next to God in Heaven without pain or suffering any longer. And you know what? I feel just a little bit safer knowing that Tony is watching out for us all & will guide us out of harms way until we meet again. The cancer may have gotten the better of Tony, but we got the BEST of him.

It's always a hard lesson to be reminded of - love passionately & deeply, for you never know when the time will come to say goodbye. Make sure you hug a bit tighter, kiss a bit longer, smile often & laugh much together. And ALWAYS say "I love you" or perhaps "Te Amo" each time you see someone you love. Don't stop at family. Let cherished friends know too - for we will all have our last day...someday.

PATINO, Anthony "Tony", 43, passed away on Friday, March 27, 2009. Born in San Salvador, El Salvador Central America on May 7, 1965, where he spent his youth until the age of 13. Tony moved with his parents to College Station, Texas where he attended A&M Consolidated H.S. and then went on to attend Texas A&M University until he moved to Miami, FL where he finished his Art degree at the Miami International University of Art and Design. In 2000, Tony moved to Montgomery, AL to be near his parents and family and there he founded Patino-Burch Designs, and went on to become an award winning graphic designer receiving several awards from the American Advertising Federation. Tony enjoyed his ability to be artistic and creative with his hands, donating his artistic work to his family and friends. What Tony will best be remembered for by his family and friends is his unconditional love and devotion for his parents. One of Tony's greatest regrets would be his inability to be able to say goodbye to each of his family members and his many friends. The youngest of eight children, Anthony is survived by his parents, Doris and Reynaldo Patino; his brothers, Benjamin Wallace Young, Reynaldo Patino, Jesse Patino, Enrique Patino & Eduardo Patino and his sisters, Patricia Lopez and Elizabeth Patino, who says that Anthony was her best friend. Also, he is survived by his many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews all of whom loved him dearly. Tony's love for animals has prompted the family to ask that in lieu of flowers you make a donation, in his memory, to the Montgomery Humane Society. His Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 4th at 11am at Church of the Holy Spirit.