When Fred Cortinez was born in 1917, H-E-B was known as the C.C. Butt Grocery Store with one location in Kerrville; the United States entered World War I; and the jazz tune “Tiger Rag” was a hit record. That year, blues legend John Lee Hooker was born, as was performer Dean Martin and former U.S. President John F. Kennedy.

Last month, Cortinez, a WWII hero, business owner and 20-year H-E-B Partner, passed away. He was 100.

As a celebration to his life, Austin American-Statesman Metro Columnist Ken Herman posted a thoughtful opinion piece and video about the centenarian.

Like many from his generation, the Texas-born Cortinez embraced hard work. He served in WWII, operated and owned service stations throughout Austin, and opened several companies, including a beauty shop and music company.

When most people call it quits to settle down to retirement, he decided that wasn’t for him. In 1993, the youthful Cortinez joined the H-E-B team, becoming an H-E-B Partner at the fresh age of 76. He continued to work, not because he needed to, but because he wanted to. After two decades, he officially retired from the H-E-B store at the Hancock Center in Austin. He was 95.

People like Fred are rare. Yes, for hitting the milestone of a three-digit age, celebrating a century of life. But more so, people like Cortinez are revered and remembered for their decades of sacrifice and service to the community. Recognizing that legacy, Austin Mayor Steve Adler paid tribute to Cortinez in a Facebook post, calling him a “hero” and “an example for us all to shoot for.” Agreed, Mr. Mayor.

For twenty years, Fred was a part of the H-E-B family, a family that misses him and will forever embrace his memory.