My name is Emma Santillan, Alejandro Santillan’s eldest daughter. This GoGundMe account is to help raise money for his memorial services. Alejandro or as many of you know him by Alex, was an amazing father, husband, brother, son, compadre and overall an awesome person. During his 45 years of life, he made an impact on everyone he met. Alongside Veronica Santillan he raised 5 amazing children (including myself of course). To his family, he was everything. A provider, a protector, and someone who always put his loved ones first. His strength, sacrifices, and quiet acts of care never went unnoticed. He created a home filled with warmth, laughter, and memories that will last a lifetime. To me, he was more than just a dad, he was my protector, my guide, and one of the most important people in my life. He taught me what it means to be strong, to keep going even when things are hard, and to care deeply for the people around me.

Alex will always be remembered for the way he brought people together especially through his cooking. He had a gift in the kitchen that turned ordinary moments into something special. Whether it was his unforgettable BBQ ribs, his rich and flavorful barbacoa, his pozole, a seafood boil shared with family, or his mashed potatoes that everyone loved most, his food was more than just a meal, it was his way of showing love. He truly enjoyed meeting new people and had a natural gift for connecting with others. He treated everyone with warmth and kindness, as if they were already part of his family, and carried so much love in his heart that anyone who met him could feel it. Alex’s legacy lives on in the love he gave, the lessons he taught, and the moments he created around the table with the people he cared about most. He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.