The Tillery family. Photo by Gina Lee Allen.By Gina Lee Allen
Neighbors of Canyon Lake Columnist, Canyon Lake Insider
Meet Cortney and Luke Tillery, Canyon Lake residents since 2014.
Cortney, who grew up in Rancho Cucamonga, and Luke, who grew up in Moreno Valley, met in 2002 while working at Chili’s restaurant in Rancho Cucamonga. Since Luke was a manager, he was not allowed to date employees, including Cortney. To pursue her teaching credentials and to continue dating Luke, Cortney decided to quit her job and return to school.
After a five-year courtship, Cortney and Luke married in 2007 at the Padua Hills Theatre in Claremont, California. Cortney planned the wedding, showcasing her talent and creativity in planning, designing, and decorating.
The Tillerys have two children, 14-year-old Brea and 11-year-old-Brody, who are talented athletes and ambitious students. Brea plays softball for the Mercado Athletics organization as a shortstop. Brody plays basketball for the Rising Stars traveling team. Both children have expressed their love for Canyon Lake and their desire to stay in the community.
After earning a master’s degree and credentials in multi-subject teaching, Cortney pursued a career in real estate. She currently works as a real estate agent at Coldwell Banker ABR in Canyon Lake. Luke pursued a bachelor’s degree in business management at University of Phoenix. He currently works for Southern California Edison as a technical planner. They are also the primary caretakers for Cortney’s father, who lives with them.
Despite their busy schedules, the Tillerys are active members of the community. Cortney has attended Junior Women’s Club meetings and hopes to become a permanent member in the future. Luke enjoys mentoring young kids on his daughter’s softball team. The Tillerys enjoy spending time together camping in their motor home and riding dirt bikes in places like Vail.
The Tillerys said they love living in Canyon Lake and are grateful for all the community has to offer. Luke’s favorite event is Fiesta Day. Cortney’s favorite events are Christmas and the Fourth of July. “I feel like my family is living their best life because of Canyon Lake,” Luke said.
The Tillerys are a successful and well-educated family who have made lasting friendships within the Canyon Lake community.
Gina Lee Allen is a Canyon Lake resident and a former business owner and writer for “Berry News.” She currently writes for Yelp as part of its Elite Squad.
