Carlos Restrepo passed away peacefully at his home in Colombia, South America on January 5, 2023 with his family by his side. Carlos was born in Medellin, Colombia in 1949 and was the 3rd youngest of 14 siblings. In 1970, he met the love of his life and college sweetheart, Gilma, whom he married in 1976, and were inseparable ever since. He enjoyed his career as a chemical engineer and worked in the textile industry until he retired in 2011.   

A life-long learner, Carlos loved reading, building, gardening, creating videos for families and friends, and exploring new places. The simplest of pleasures in life brought joy to Carlos and he found such happiness in daily activities, with Gilma always by his side. In the community he lived, he was known as Carlos ‘MacGyver,’ always making himself available to help neighbors and friends with projects.  He remained extremely active until his diagnosis, running more than 30 km per week and always keeping track of his distances. In fact, he exceeded the perimeter of the earth, which was a great source of pride for him.

Carlos’ greatest joy was his family. He was a beloved and devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle and friend. He was "Papi", "Charlie", "Abue", to his wife Gilma, daughter Carolina (husband Dennis), and son Felipe (wife Ana Maria), and grandpa to Lucas, Daniel, Benjamin, Isabella, and Amelia. 

We will miss his gentle guidance, optimism, kindness and selflessness, but know that his courageous battle with CJD is finally put to rest and he is at peace, and in Heaven. His pleasant personality was contagious and his loved ones will continue to honor his legacy by living each day to the fullest, as he did.

Carlos’ family welcomes a donation to the CJD Foundation which provides resources to affected families, and promotes research and funding which hopefully very soon will lead to a cure for this devastating and underfunded disease.