Mateo Quintero

2005 - 2021

Mateo Quintero
Mateo Quintero, 16, of Ellensburg, died unexpectedly on August 16, 2021.
Mateo was born in Bogota, Colombia on January 11, 2005. He spent his childhood living in Bogota with his father, Yeferson Quintero and grandparents, Fabio Castrillon and Irene Ortiz. In 2015, the family moved to Washington to begin a new chapter in life with Maria Magana, who became Mateo's mom. He was about to start his Junior year at Ellensburg High School.
We were a normal family with big dreams and goals we were working toward. As parents, we supported Mateo in the plans he had for the future. We always encouraged him to lead by example and to be the light his friends needed. To always be kind and offer help to whomever needed it, no matter what. When dad wasn't home, Mateo was his mom's, sister's, and his four pets' protector. He always came home with jokes to tell, and an "olis" as his greeting. Mateo was young but a big gentleman, who always made sure that we were taken care of. If there was anything that needed fixed, Mateo fixed it. If anyone needed a hug, Mateo was there. He had a gentle heart and deep compassion for everyone. Mateo had determination. He was detail orientated. But above all, he loved his family. Mateo had many different interests some of them included working on his bike, cooking, and his most recent was wanting to start investing.
Mateo is preceded in death by his great-grandmother Ilma Perez and his cousin Juan J. Magana. Mateo is survived by his sister Viridiana and Gabriela, his parents, grandparents Fabio Castrillon and Irene Ortiz, and Amelia Magana, great grandpa Alberto Ortiz, aunts Lesli and Andri Castrillon, and Sofia, uncles Alberto, Armando, and uncle and aunt Juan and Guadalupe, uncle and aunt Manuel and Fabiola, uncle Guadalupe, aunt Chayo, and uncle and aunt Manuel and Margarita. Mateo also has many cousins and extended family members.
The family would like to thank everyone who has supported them through these difficult times. Thank you to the Ellensburg Police Department for their fast response, Chaplain Dwayne Smithgall from Mercer Creek Church, Kelly and Charity at Brookside Funeral Home. Thank you to all the families for their unconditional support. Online condolences may be left at www.brooksidefuneral.com. Brookside Funeral Home is caring for the family.