Robert Cortes one of the pioneers of modern powerlifting has passed away on January 24th, 2014 in Orange, California. Robert Cortes is currently credited on the Powerlifting Watch 60+ Raw 148lb. class all time deadlift record. Robert’s powerlifting can be traced back to the 60’s and it has been said that one reason the master’s division was created was due to Robert having to compete (and often placing) against younger lifters such as a young Mike Bridges, and a young Rickey Dale Cain to list just a few.

He has been induced into the USPA, WABDL, USPF California, and most recently the AAU Powerlifting Hall of Fame. (His last public appearance in Oct. of 2013.)
He has held multiple world records in numerous federations in the bench, squat, and deadlift, with his last meet taking place just after his 80th. birthday.

He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and a very large extended powerlifting family which will dearly miss him. They say in the end you see a single bright white light, I’m sure that Robert saw three.