WOODLAND, Calif. -- Slain Yolo County Sheriff's Deputy Jose "Tony" Diaz was remembered Friday as a charming, funny man who "fought like a warrior."

Diaz, 37, was fatally shot during a traffic stop June 15 in the town of Dunnigan.

Friends, family and local law enforcement came to the memorial to pay their respects.

The memorial opened with a bagpipe performance, as Diaz' flag-draped coffin was brought inside.

"He chose to defend the defenseless, to protect the life of another, rather than himself. He did not give in, even when the cost was so great. He fought like a warrior to protect those he had sworn to defend. But the Yolo County Sheriff's Department, we live by a creed -- service without limitations. Tony Diaz lived and died by this creed," Sheriff Ed Prieto said during the service.

Prieto said when Diaz would come home, whistling, his pet cockatiel would mimic the song. And that since Diaz' death, Prieto said, the pet bird will still whistle the tune while the family prays the rosary.

"It was easy to make him laugh," Prieto said.

Diaz, a father of three, was planning on getting married soon.

Yolo County supervisor Mike McGowan said Diaz never appeared to struggle with life, even though English was his second language.

"I'm in awe of him," McGowan said. "He's done wondrous things for this world."

The slain deputy was driven by motorcade from McNary's Funeral Chapel to the UC Davis ARC Pavilion.

A viewing for Diaz will be held Monday at 6 p.m. at St. Peter's Church in Dixon. He will be buried on Tuesday.

Marco Antonio Topete was charged last week with one felony count of murder with special circumstances because the victim was an officer.