Obituary of Manuel Castilleja III

Manuel Castilleja, III, age 28, born on February 1, 1993, in Nampa, Idaho and passed away on July 14, 2021, in Homedale, Idaho.  Many of his friends knew him as Manny but his family knew him as Gordy.  Gordy graduated from Homedale High School and attended College of Western Idaho.  His closest friends and cousins spent many hours online gaming with him.  Gordy always had an infectious smile that could light up a room the moment he walked in, and he made sure to leave this earth in the same manner.  

For those who were fortunate enough to truly know him immediately recognized him as a person with a big heart, he loved his family and cared for those who loved him.  Gordy enjoyed spending time at home with his family, watching the Dallas Cowboys or Lakers and was excited to see his Suns playing in the Championship.  Gordy was familiar with championships since he played basketball from elementary to high school and hooped it up with his cousins for fun at family gatherings. 

He lived in Homedale all his life and is survived by his parents Manuel and Teresa Castilleja, and three brothers Angel Castilleja (Rita) of Blackfoot, Jeremy Castilleja (Desiree) of Caldwell, Jovany Castilleja of Homedale, and his grandmother Dolores Castilleja of Homedale.  Many uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews, and nieces. 

He is preceded in death by his Grandparents Benito & Guadalupe Ortiz, Manuel Castilleja, Uncles Rudy Ortiz, and Mario Gonzalez, Jr., cousins Delilah Fierro, Eugene Ortiz, Rachel Ortiz, and Joshua Ortiz.

They say there is a reason, they say that time will heal.  But neither time nor reason will change the way we feel.  For no one knows the heartache, that lies behind our smiles.  No one knows how many times we have broken down and cried.  We want to tell you something, so there will not be any doubt.  Gordy, you were “golden” and so wonderful to think of but will be so hard to live without.