Humberto “Bert” Gaspar Cortes passed away on October 16, 2024. He was born on January 6, 1932, in Santa Cruz del Sur, Cuba, to Isabel Lachicott Salazar and Hernan Cortes Grences. He had an older sister, Isidora, whom he adored and always had a very close relationship. Although it had been quite some time since Bert had been back to Cuba, he frequently reflected on the beauty of his country and how certain smells reminded him of home.

In 1949, after completing high school in Cuba, Bert moved to the United States. He would eventually attend Lindsey Wilson College in Columbia, Kentucky, from 1953 to 1955, earning an Associate’s Degree. Upon graduating, he took a summer job in Nashville, Tennessee working for The Upper Room. The Upper Room is a global ministry organization that printed daily devotional books. Through his time and connections there, Bert was introduced to a prominent Oklahoma family that helped him move to and settle in Oklahoma City, where he would spend the rest of his life.

In 1961, Bert became a proud and grateful United States citizen. He later attended Central State University (now University of Central Oklahoma), where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education with a focus on Spanish. Bert went on to teach junior high and high school Spanish at Putnam City and Heritage Hall in Oklahoma City. Bert took great pride in teaching, and counted it a privilege to get the chance to have an influence on young people. He loved running into former students and being referred to as Señor Cortes.

In 1968, Bert met his life partner, Kenneth Dorsey, in Oklahoma City. The two shared a deep love for traveling, both nationally and internationally. They frequently visited Bert’s sister in Panama, as well as destinations like Destin, Florida, and Laughlin, Nevada, with close friends. In their retirement years, they continued their travels and enjoyed working estate sales with friends. Bert felt truly blessed to have found Kenneth, and greatly cherished their 52 years together.

Bert spent his last years at Concordia Life Plan Community, where he formed lasting friendships, felt a strong sense of belonging and left a lasting impact. Bert was quiet and reserved, but greatly valued personal connections. He was observant, thoughtful and very intentional in everything he did. Bert counted his relationships as his most prized possessions, and his time as his most valuable gift. He was a wonderful man who was deeply loved and will be dearly missed.

Bert was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Isidora, and his partner, Kenneth.

He is survived by a cousin, Isabel Lachicott of Matanzas, Cuba, as well as many nieces, nephews, and a close-knit circle of friends.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, October 25, at the Sayre-Doxey Cemetery near Sayre, Oklahoma.