Manuel “Manny” Diaz Nery died peacefully on Feb. 9, surrounded by family. Manny is survived by his wife, Tessie, four children — Rowena, Carrie, Therese and Christian — and his brother Samuel. He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, Vivian, Emilien and Simone.

Manny was a proud veteran of the Vietnam War. Manny earned several distinctions for his service as a Platoon Leader during Nov. 7, 1967, including a National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Vietnam Campaign Medal and a Bronze Star Medal.

Many of his soldiers in his battalion attribute their survival to Manny’s leadership and bravery. Though he was born in the Philippines, lived in California and traveled the world as a soldier, his twilight years were those he lived in Whidbey Island.

He was a ferocious fan of Fox News, ate toro sushi hand rolls until he was breathless, devoured anything sweet and took serious pride in tending to his garden of roses. Johnnie Walker was his drink of choice and online poker and Pull Tabs, his hobbies.

He had a phenomenal order to his life and never, ever threw anything away. Manny was many things, but most of all, he was honest, principled, always consistent and a wonderful son. He was devoted to his family, his friends, community and his soldiers and will be missed by all.

A service will be held for Manny at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 4 at the American Legion in Langley, with a reception to follow.