BY TRACY DIETLIN
Alex Antonio Perez lost his one year and three-month battle with Glioblastoma brain cancer on Wednesday, January 31, a little after 7:00 am. His devoted wife, Jennifer, was by his side. Alex fought the disease with everything he had. After being diagnosed in October of 2016, he had several surgeries, many chemo and radiation treatments, tried several holistic treatments, and did everything possible to beat cancer. He just turned 30 on December 10 of last year and his wife had a birthday party for him at The Hood, where many close friends came out to support and celebrate him, wondering if this would be his last one.
Alex leaves behind his wife Jennifer Powers Perez, his mother Doreen Perez, his father Robert Perez Sr. his brothers Robert Perez Jr. and Michael Perez, and sister Renee Perez, as well as 8 nieces and nephews.
Many of us here in the valley knew Alex as the gifted and amazing singer-songwriter for the bands: Stone Fox, Los Cochinos, Red Sanz, Deadend Paradox and most recently, Hollace. Alex was blessed with a beautiful voice and the ability to sweep you up with his performances on stage. He was a talented and true artist- wordsmith, painter, musician, songwriter and poet.
This past week the valley has mourned the loss of a husband, son, family member, bandmate and friend. There will be a Celebration of Life for Alex on Saturday, February 17 from 4:00 – 10:00pm at 71377 Estellita Drive in Rancho Mirage. This is at their private residence and is for family and close friends. Jennifer is asking everyone to join together to celebrate his life “He wanted this to be a party so let’s have some drinks, listen to and sing along to Alex’s amazing music, share stories and rejoice in the time we had with him and all the memories that we made with Alex.”
The family will have a private burial for Alex. Anyone wishing to help the family with his burial can donate to the GoFundMe campaign below. RIP my sweet friend.
Jennifer wanted to share a few of the song lyrics Alex wrote:
PEACE LOVES A NEW DAY (Hollace)
Keeping the lonely
The waves come away
Sleeping so soundly
Peace loves a new day
Came here to save you
But I’m not alone
Teach you to make you
Do not hurt a soul
Leap, we’re changing scenes
Don’t feel you’re all alone
I’m waiting on the road
Let’s live till we die
Gotta keep it forever
Keep it forever
No more excuses
It’s time to convey
The hurt that we’re feeling
As time slips away
KEEP IT IN TIME (Deadend Paradox)
I’m all alone
with my pocket
The trees can deliver
The world on a silver high
I’m getting old
I can’t stop it
A speech can’t unravel
The travel that’s in my eyes
If you keep it in time
Lost it there when you need a sign
Peace of Mind
I know I’m lucky to be
I need some soul
When I’ve lost it
Drink from the river
That says that I’m the only one
I gotta roll
With the punches
On a personal note: Phil and I were devastated when Jennifer gave us the news about Alex’s passing. We had been very close to Alex over the last couple years, both as a friend and as the managers for his band Hollace. At one point we all felt that Alex might beat this terrible disease. He was even able to perform at last year’s CV Music Awards in July of 2017 after going through major brain surgery and chemo. I will cherish that performance forever, as I will cherish the time we got to spend with him the day before he passed on to his new journey. Our hearts go out to his wife Jennifer and his Mom and Dad and family. We will truly miss you dear friend. You will forever be in our hearts. We love you Alex.
–Tracy Dietlin and Phil Lacombe
