Aly Yepez Contreras

ALY YEPEZ CONTRERAS

     In the early morning hours of October 29, 2023, Aly Yepez Contreras slept peacefully at home in Bishop, Georgia, and left this world too soon following the path of light from the night’s full moon to ascend to Heaven and touch the face of God.  He was born May 23, 1970, in Samaipata, Bolivia, to his parents Jacobo Yepez and Sarita Contreras and was one of six sons.  He and his brothers grew up helping with the family’s nursery business named “Vivero Sarita.”  Aly was awarded an academic scholarship to the Instituto Tecnológico Agropecuario of Portachuelo and earned a bachelor’s degree in Agronomy.  After graduation, he worked as the Supervisor of Don Asano’s organic farm in Bolivia and continued helping with his own family’s business.

   Aly came to the United States and Athens, Georgia, in 1993, and became a US citizen.  In Athens, he met the owner of a landscaping business and began working for him.  This endeavor spurred an interest in starting his own landscaping business, which he cleverly named “Green-Go Landscaping” in 2001.  The business continues under the management of his immediate family.  His entrepreneurial spirit also led him to the construction business.  Because of his skillful workmanship and sense of design, many homes in the area became more beautiful and livable.

     Aly met his beloved wife, Aminta (Monzy) Treviño Yepez, in 2002.  Fortunately, Aly was a patient man because Monzy summarily rejected his first proposal of marriage even though it came with a lovely engagement ring never to be seen again.  He became a devoted, loving father to sons Hector Alfredo Vega (Yvette), Jacobo Ali Yepez, and to the daughter he joyfully spoiled with a trip to Bruster’s at any hour she asked and who is named for him, Alya Sarahi Yepez.  His brothers are Percy, Nain, Yeran, Alba, and Miguel Angel.  Other loving, surviving family members include brother-in-law, Rey Treviño (Nora) and their children, Reyna Treviño and Giovani Treviño; brother-in-law Alfredo Treviño (Elo) and their children, Rafael Treviño and Angela Treviño; sister-in-law Esmeralda Lopez (Hector) and their children, Viviana Lopez and Ariana Lopez; and brother-in-law Juan Jesús Treviño (Elizabeth) and their children, Juan Jesús Treviño, Jr. and Andres Treviño. 

     Aly was an avid soccer fan and a skilled soccer player and official.  As his reputation spread while playing on 45 different teams in the Athens area, he was unequivocally judged the area’s #1 soccer player during his younger decades.  He was a fierce competitor, but at the end of the game, he became any opponent’s best buddy.  His sons describe him as “amazing” on the soccer field, anticipating correctly the offensive or defensive moves of all players and accurately striking the ball with both feet.  The teams he played for most frequently were the Internationals and Terrapin Football Clubs.  His children recognize that he was a good man and a hard worker who maintained his role as head of the household by shielding the family from the pressures and hardships he encountered from providing for them.  Alya describes her father as funny and outgoing.  Aly never met a stranger and was immediately open and welcoming to all.  All his children know he loved them deeply, not by his words, but by his actions and the gentle change in the tone of his voice when he spoke with them.  While he worked hard for everything he had, he also watched out for the welfare of his workers, insuring they were always taken care of, especially during Covid.  His family and his wide circle of friends will miss his infectious and wry sense of humor and contagious laughter.  Aly’s premature passing diminishes this world as all mourn the loss of love and laughter he so generously gave.

    His family is grateful for the family and friends who have supported and loved them throughout Aly’s illness.  Rachel’s Southern Style Restaurant in Watkinsville graciously satisfied Aly’s craving for catfish any day of the week, and Marti’s at Midday and The Royal Peasant in Athens provided the family with their delicious food.  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints provided plentiful provisions to sustain the family.  A celebration of Aly’s life was held at the family’s residence on October 30, with over 180 people in attendance.  Memorial gifts can be directed to “Yepez Education Fund” at any branch of The Commercial Bank (1357 Oconee Connector, Bldg. 200, Watkinsville, GA 30677; 100 Moores Grove Rd, Winterville, GA 30683; 102 N. Church St, Crawford GA 30630;) or to Dr. Nancy Hart, 150 Colonial Dr, Athens, GA 30606.

     Ve con Dios.