Don’t grieve for me, for now I am free

I’m following the path God laid for me.

I took His hand when I heard Him call;

I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day,

To laugh, to love, to work or play.

Tasks left undone must stay that way,

I found that place at the close of day.

If my parting has left a void,

Then fill it with remembered joy.

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss;

Ah yes, these things, I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow

I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My life’s been full, I savored much;

Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.

Perhaps my time seems all too brief;

Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.

Lift up your heart and share with me,

God wanted me now, He set me free.

Manuel R. Soto, age 77, died peaceful surrounded by family on Oct. 12, 2017, in Everet. Manuel was born on June 3, 1940, in Los Angeles to parents Manuel and Ramona Soto. Manuel graduated from Bell High in Bell, Calif. He met Carol Ann Corbin at the age of six and married her in St. George, Utah, in 1955 at the age of 16; she was the love of his life for 61 years. Manuel is survived by his loving wife Carol Ann Soto and their six children Manuel C. Soto and wife Sandra, MaryAnn Turnbull and husband Bill, Donna Swegle, Ramona Thomas, Ralph Soto and wife Melinda, Carmen Soto and wife Michelle, 19 grandkids and 32 great-grandkids.

Manuel moved to Washington in 2008, a few years after the passing of his mother, to be close to his family, even though he complained about the weather daily. Manuel was always a hard working man; he was a long haul truck driver for 15 years, then became a heavy duty mechanic. Manuel was an active man, who loved working outdoors and took great pride in his yard, especially the orchard he tended to his California home. Manuel had a tremendously warm heart and enjoyed spending time with family and treated his friends like family; he was always entertained by a good debate. His friends and family will always remember him as a loving father, grandfather and great grandfather, a role model and hero who’s smile and laughter could fill up the whole room.

He is preceded in death by his mom Ramona Soto of Cudahy, Calif. and his dad Manuel C. Soto of Cudahy, Calif., grandmother Florance Carrillo Vargas of Lompoc, Calif., and grandfather Ralph Vargas of Lompoc, Calif. along with numerous aunts and uncles. At Manuel’s request no services will be held; the family will have a private celebration of life for him.