January 14, 1992 - March 30, 2020

Julian Gutierrez was born at Cedars Sinai on January 14, 1992 and was raised in Downey. He received the Sacred Sacrament of Baptism at St. Raymond’s Church. He built a solid foundation of Christian character during the years he studied at the Kirkwood Christian School. He was a member of Troop 2, initially participating in the Cub Scout program, then in the following years, with the mentoring of many caring adults, he advanced to the level of Life Scout.
Instilled early on with the passion to serve others, he enlisted with The Few, The Proud, The United States Marine Corps. He was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, the Expert Rifle Qualification Badge, and the USMC Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged after serving four years during Operation Enduring Freedom. He continued his service to our country by serving in the Ready Reserves.
A generous and caring individual to those less fortunate, Julian traveled to a shelter in Tijuana housing deported US Veterans to deliver hope and needed supplies.
Julian attended Junior College, obtained a certificate as an EMT, and was working toward a dual degree in Nutrition and Kinesiology. He took great care to live a healthy life and encouraged his friends and family members to do the same, often buying them supplements and vitamins, and putting together personalized diet and exercise plans.
His love of reading was encouraged at an early age. He astonished many with his photographic memory, his capacity to recite facts, and to prepare cogent arguments. He had a special sense of humor and great timing.
Julian was an only child and is survived by his mother, stepfather, grandmother, aunts, uncles, cousins, and a large extended family, as well as a handful of special friends who have brought so much comfort to the family. He is preceded in death by his father and grandparents. The love we shared with Julian will always be connected in our hearts.
Tragically, while on a day trip to Rosarito, on the night of March 30, he became one of the many victims of the senseless violence sweeping across Mexico.