Carlos De Paz

CARLOS ALEXANDER ANTONIO DE PAZ
February 25, 1999 – September 27, 2022

It is with immense sorrow that the family of Carlos Alexander Antonio De Paz announces his passing on September 27, 2022, at the very tender age of 23 years.  He was predeceased by both his paternal and maternal grandparents,  Abuelos Anselmo De Paz and Felipa De Paz, each from Guatemala, Gigi, Donald Yaremkiewich and Baba, Adeline Yaremkiewich; and Tios Marco De Paz and Roberto De Paz and Tia Iris Bol, all from Guatemala. 

He leaves to cherish his memory his parents, Carlos De Paz Sr. and Tanya Yaremkiewich, his sister Theresita De Paz – his best friend, biggest supporter and loudest cheerleader, his nephew, Jaxon De Paz and niece, Iyla De Paz who were each the apple of his eye.  He also leaves to mourn aunties, Tara (Kevin) Okrainec and Tina Yaremkiewich along with cousins, Erica (William) Beddington and daughter Kaliah Beddington, and Ashtyn Markusa (Nicole), together with many extended families throughout Winnipeg, Canada, Texas and Guatemala.

Carlos had an infectious and charming personality that came through right from down deep in his beautiful soul.  Even as a young boy (always beyond his years) he was always very inquisitive and carried around deep thoughts and questions about the entire world  - the meaning of it, why and how things happen, and the list goes on (many of which just couldn’t be answered).  He grew to show interest in sports such as soccer and was a great hockey fan; he enjoyed his music and took a great interest in the culinary arts.  Not knowing quite which way to start his young adult life, he joined his father in his roofing business, was taken under his wing, and gained some experience as a commercial roofer.  He quickly excelled in that industry and often times even excelled beyond the expertise of his father/boss, which ultimately started a friendly little competition, strictly for bragging rights. 

Truth be told, he would not leave the house for the day, go to bed at night or hang up the phone without saying “I Love You”.  Nor would he ever accept something given to him or done for him without a “Thank You”.

Sadly, his bright future had several sharp turns that lead down a dark and unforgiving path which included experimenting with drugs.  He fought his deep, intense addiction for more than 10 years, with his family always by his side helping him fight every round of this fight.  We answered every cry for help that he sent us to the very best of our ability.  In and out of rehabilitation facilities, doing everything they possibly could do with what they had in place; receiving intense therapy, time after time, unfortunately, was just not enough to loosen the grips that this cruel addiction had on him.  He always assured us that he never “decided” to be an addict and hated that it had complete control over him and that he had to be a son/brother that hurt and disappointed his family.  Although he was able to find some success in sobriety throughout the years, those times were shortly lived.  But, albeit short, those times were the very best and he thrived in all aspects of this life then.  However, each relapse and/or failed attempt to recuperate lead him deeper and deeper into this addiction and ultimately cost him his precious life.   

Carlitos, even during our long walk with you through all the years of your struggle and feeling the intense and excruciating hurt and disappointment along the way, it NEVER changed the fact that we LOVED you with all our hearts and it was because of love alone we did everything in our power to help you fight your fight.  Unfortunately, addiction is not prejudiced – it does not care about your gender, nationality, financial, social or family status, or even how much you love someone.  It chose you, you did not choose it!  You have now been called home and are finally and completely free of being maliciously controlled by your addiction.  Rest in peace Carlitos and enjoy your eternity of peace and freedom and we hope that we can one day each reunite with you and be one big happy family again.

A private family viewing and cremation have already taken place.

The family wishes to thank all who have contributed to the care, comfort, support, and attention of Carlos throughout his entire journey – all the rehabilitation facilities, the doctors, nurses, specialists, therapists, all the true and positive friends he made along the way, and everyone who was a positive inspiration to him and everyone who cheered him on including all his roofing co-workers and many of those throughout the industry.  An extra special thank you to his aunt, Tara, with whom he shared a special bond and connection with and would spare nothing to give him the undivided attention he needed when he’d go to or call on her when he needed someone other than mom and dad to talk to and get advice and support from.