Evan Michael Cebollero

On January 16, 1982, God blessed us with Evan. He was a precious and loved little boy, full of laughter and wonder at his world. From the beginning, it was clear that he would keep us on our toes. One doesn’t sleep lightly with a hurricane in the house! Evan loved Sesame Street and Tonka, books and Legos, music and flowers, but most of all, he loved tormenting his sister, Stefanie. A smack in the head from a pot held in her 2-year-old hands convinced him to develop other interests...

Eventually, Big Bird was replaced with Jeff Foxworthy and his beloved oldies were set aside for Nine Inch Nails. Though he didn’t read music, Evan could play anything he wanted simply by listening, and soon his fingers would find the places they were searching for on his guitar. Sitting with his Abuelo, he discovered flamenco hiding inside his 12-string. Other times, he would drive the neighbors crazy while he and his friends, amps at full volume, tortured their electrics. This deep love of music was always foremost in his life. Evan was his own favorite source of entertainment. He loved accents, monologues and funny tee-shirts, all of which his brother, Alex, appears to have inherited.

As a toddler, toys meant Tonka, but as an adult those yellow toys became huge, powerful pieces of equipment with CAT on their sides. The opportunity to use a new machine generated a call home, Evan bursting with excitement over its capabilities. We were summoned to a site in Georgia one day for a ride in one of CAT’s largest dump trucks and an unforgettable private stunt show by his co-workers . He loved all aspects of his job, his crews, and each class he took. He managed to use up several of his nine lives on Alabama job sites - and we learned to live with bad nerves.

On a beautiful Sunday afternoon, Evan lost control of his motorcycle. He was unresponsive at the scene and never awoke. On September 11, 2006 in the early hours of the morning, Evan left this world for the next.

We were honored to be able to give the gift of life to a young girl who now carries Evan’s heart. There were three men who received organs as well, one of whom has become very precious to our family. We pray for the continued wellbeing and long, healthy lives.

The most wonderful gift Evan left us, however, is his daughter, Destinee. She has her father’s spirit and a smile that melts our hearts. Life will never be the same again...