Enrique "Henry" Cortez

Enrique Cortez, beloved husband, father, son, and brother, suffered a heart attack and unexpectedly passed away on Jan. 15, 2024, at the age of 56 in Quarry Bay, Hong Kong. He was born on Jan. 14, 1968, in El Paso, Texas, to Isabel and the late Luis Fernando Cortez.

Enrique, known to his friends and loved ones as Henry, was a quick-witted and funny individual with a unique perspective on life. He was acutely aware of the immensity and variability of the world, and valued expanding horizons for himself and his family. He had a knack for noticing the finer details in art, film, food, and people - otherwise known as an obsessive attention to detail - and always offered incisive observations with a twist. Despite his outgoing nature, he cherished his privacy and was the epitome of an extroverted introvert. He enjoyed staying in the know with technological advancements and pursued numerous hobbies and interests that helped him connect with others, all over the world.

Above all, Henry's commitment to his family knew no bounds. He was always there when his loved ones needed him, providing unwavering support and care. His devotion was unmatched, and they were lucky to have had him in their lives.

Henry is survived by his loving wife, Michelle Fay Cortez; his children, Elizabeth Cortez Gillard and her husband Ben Gillard, Daniel Cortez and his fiancée Emma Blomquist, Sarah Cortez, and man's best friend Oliver; his mother, Isabel Cortez; his brother, Fernando Cortez and sister-in-law, Edith Cortez; his sister, Teresa Cortez; his brother, Alex Cortez and sister-in-law, Lindsey Spencer. He was preceded in death by his father, Luis Fernando Cortez.

Henry attended schools all over the US as his family moved often during his childhood, ending his secondary education at Coronado High School in El Paso, Texas. He furthered his studies by earning a culinary degree at Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island, and a food science degree at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York – which *is* an Ivy League school, as he was apt to remind with a lighthearted smirk.

Henry excelled in the culinary world, leaving a lasting impact. He worked at many notable establishments, with a special nod to The Old Brogue Irish Pub in Great Falls, VA. He was a chef at L'Auberge Chez Francois in Great Falls, where he survived the Escoffier-style French brigade. Later, he became the executive chef at J.R.'s Stockyards Inn in McLean, VA, with restaurant, catering and corporate event services that would handle thousands of people at a time. Henry also served as an executive chef at Capitol Catering in Washington, DC, one of the largest catering companies in the nation's capital, where inaugural balls, races in horse country and Congressional fundraising events kept him running nights and weekends. His culinary creations were featured in the Washington Post. In his later years, he embraced the role of Senior Food Scientist at General Mills in Minneapolis, MN. In this "second career," he created iconic products such as Philly Cheesesteak Hamburger Helper and Progresso's Traditional Italian Style Wedding and Chicken Cheese Enchilada soups, among others.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Henry enjoyed a number of varied hobbies. He was always willing to lend a helping hand, to craft a spice mix or replace a broken light. He spent weeks in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina cooking for the first responders. He was active in a prison ministry. He found joy in woodworking, antique vehicle restoration, and was an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys. He would have loved that this obituary started with an AI interface, as his passion for technology led him to be an early adopter of new gadgets and innovations. In his free time, he could often be found engrossed on the internet, researching real estate, technology and sundry other issues of the day.

In life, Henry found solace and spiritual nourishment at St. Joseph the Worker in Maple Grove, MN. This parish will host a funeral service to honor Henry's life on Monday, January 29th. Visitation will begin at 10 am, followed by a funeral mass at 11 am. A lunch reception and an opportunity to share cherished memories will follow the service.

Henry Cortez will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy of love, humor, and dedication will forever remain in their hearts.

We were blessed he was ours and we are honored to have shared him with you.