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Mark Urquiza Obituary

Mark Anthony Urquiza

Mark Anthony Urquiza passed away on June 30th after more than three weeks battling COVID-19. Mark was a high school 400-meter dash state champion and cross-country runner. Mark was known for his infectious energy, strong will, and yes, stubbornness. He met his wife Brenda at Tolleson Union High School. They welcomed their only child Kristin Danielle in 1981. The family loved their annual summer vacations to California where Kristin now lives. Mark, who was often called "Black Jack" by his friends and family, was a lover of nature, the night sky, and politics, and was the life of the party.

Along with Brenda and Kristin Danielle, he is loved and missed by siblings Frank C. Urquiza, Benny C. Urquiza, Richard C. Urquiza, Diana U. Camacho, Gina Urquiza Waters; siblings-in-law Carol Urquiza, Chris Waters, Yvonne Urquiza, and Ray Camacho; his nieces and nephews; the broader community of Tolleson, Arizona; and countless friends. He is preceded in death by his parents Venancio and Ruth Urquiza and his brother George.

Mark, like so many others, should not have died from COVID-19. His death is due to the carelessness of the politicians who continue to jeopardize the health of brown bodies through a clear lack of leadership, refusal to acknowledge the severity of this crisis, and inability and unwillingness to give clear and decisive direction on how to minimize risk. Mark's daughter Kristin Danielle and daughter-in-law Christine are channeling our sadness and rage into building an awareness campaign so fewer families are forced to endure this. We honor Mark's life by continuing this fight for others, even in these darkest moments. Kristin Danielle will be starting an Ofrenda, an altar with pictures of those lost to COVID-19, outside the Arizona State Capitol building on Wednesday evening at 4:30. All are welcome to bring pictures of their loved ones who are suffering from COVID or who have passed. For more information follow @MarkedByCovid on Facebook.

Published by The Arizona Republic from Jul. 6 to Jul. 8, 2020.
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Memories and Condolences
for Mark Urquiza

Not sure what to say?





Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Daminica Roser

November 2, 2021

My Deepest Sympathy goes out to the Family.

Patsy Martinez

Friend

June 30, 2021

May God continue to bless the Urquiza familia, on the one year remembrance of your untimely passing.

Rest in Everlasting Peace.

Mora Famila
Glendale, AZ

Gilbert E. Mora Jr.

Family

June 30, 2021

I'm so sorry for your loss, and I completely agree with you. Please, everyone, take this seriously. This covid is far worse than the flu, and far more deadly. This is not a guess, it has been scientifically proven.

Dennis Gutowski Jr

Acquaintance

December 7, 2020

God bless you, Mr. Urquiza.

Patty

Friend

September 16, 2020

While I did not ever meet Mark, I feel like I knew him from the way Kristin described him at the DNC and on Lawrence O’Donnell. He sounds like one fine man! I feel for you and your family, Kristin, and send my condolences as well as my support for your new, worthy organization in your father’s name.
David Vezmar

David Vezmar

Acquaintance

September 2, 2020

This is my burning desire, I wish if Mark Urquiza would have witnessed his daughter’s love and respect for him, how much she loved her honorable Godly Father and appreciated being his daughter and how proud she feels life-long to be associated as a daughter of Mark Urquiza!

Ajay Saha

Significant Other

September 2, 2020

My deepest sympathies and prayers for you Kristin and your family.

Gary Stewart

September 2, 2020

My sincerest condolences to Urquiza Family for your loss of Mark, my dear friend. He was such a beautiful spirit inside and out. Such a fun and happy friend to be around. We always kept in touch whenever he would work out of town. The last text I ever heard from Mark was June 20. I then started to hear rumors I didn't want to believe. My heart broke when it was validated. Mark you will be missed by all who knew and Loved you so. God is taking care of you now my friend in the Heavens. . . . Love IB

Inez Belurgi

Friend

August 26, 2020

Kristin and Mrs Urquiza - I am sorry for your loss. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

Jason F

Friend

August 22, 2020

We send our condolences from Los Angeles. We saw the segment on the DNC convention and we are sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing his wonderful story. Best regards, The Guerra Family

Steve Guerra

Friend

August 22, 2020

Mark (Black Jack) was a close friend not only that he was a brother from another mother. i will miss him. RIP my friend.

Jesse Benson

Friend

August 21, 2020

Mark was clearly a joy and a gift to all who knew him. Only the most adorable, fun-loving, outgoing people enjoy performing karaoke! I am so very sorry for your loss and I hope that your activism yields positive results and, with time, brings a you sense of peace. Your unblinking strength is so inspiring. Thank you for sharing your father’s story with the rest of the world.

Gayle Share

August 20, 2020

I have never met a more enthusiastic person who loved his life. I met Mark many years ago at my work "Max's". Mark was always excited about a new adventure he was going to, birthday party, Nascar races, etc. I never saw Mark without that big wide grin of his that was infectious. Mark we will miss you.

Lou Ann anzaldua

Friend

August 19, 2020

Blackjack was a dear friend who I went to a lot of Nascar race with and watched all sports with him. He was THE LIFE OF THE PARTY. He is dearly missed.

Tony MacTaggart

Friend

August 19, 2020

You were a one of a kind. I will miss you my dear friend.

Diana Scheifen

Friend

August 18, 2020

Blackjack was a one of a kind.
He will be missed by all those who came into his life.
I've known him when he worked with my late husband Don at Gilbert Eng.
I will miss you my dear friend.

Diana Scheifen

Family

August 18, 2020

Blackjack was a one of a kind.
He will be missed by all those who came into his life.
I've known him when he worked with my late husband Don at Gilbert Eng.

Diana Scheifen

Family

August 18, 2020

I never ever saw Blackjack not laughing or smiling. He was a great friend to all he met. No one was a stranger to Bj. He will be missed by all and the world is a bit bleaker without our friend. Hugs to the family

Chris Erario

Friend

August 18, 2020

I’m so sorry for your loss. Thank you for your courage. Your father would be so proud of you.

Bari Brodsky

Acquaintance

August 18, 2020

Kristin, Christine and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for speaking the truth during your time of grief. And thank you for working to save the lives of others. Mark would be so proud of you.

Kerry

Friend

August 18, 2020

Dear Kristin - Thank you for having the courage to speak the truth. I am sure your father would be so proud of you. I am so sorry for your loss.

lisa colgan

August 17, 2020

Mark, in Kristin, you have a special soul, who speaks for you and all who have been severely impacted by Covid 19. God bless you. Just read article in NY Times about you.

Rick Carlson

Friend

July 21, 2020

Met Mark in the 70s working at Penn. Mark was always pumped up about everything. Laughed at everything. Always was positive. And silly also. Played a lot of softball in leagues and tournaments with Mark. One of those people you don't forget. Have not seen in years. But not forgotten. Peace Amigo.

Alfred Flores

Friend

July 15, 2020

Josephine Abrams

July 14, 2020

Dear Kristin,
My sincere condolences to you and your family.
I read about your dad in the NYT. Thank you for writing this courageous obituary and starting the campaign to honor your father's memory in such a brave way.
My family admires yours and supports you for far away,
Anne

Anne

Neighbor

July 13, 2020

Mark was a neighbor of mine for the 1st several years of my life, until my family moved when I was 11. I only have a few memories of Mark personally but they all involve a smile and a beautiful White dog, him holding his daughter or his wife Brenda. He was a great father, husband and neighbor. He will always be remembered that way. Prayers and love always to his family.

Stacie Roland

Friend

July 13, 2020

from Kouts, Indiana: We are so sorry to learn in the New York Times of Mark's death and your heartbreak. We are thinking of him and all of your family and shedding a tear.

Sandra and Larry Holt

Friend

July 13, 2020

Mason Tromblee

July 13, 2020

May God rest his soul. So proud of you and the obituary, your voice definitely needs to be heard by all. So many lives lost. I pray God continues to give you strength!!! Wishing you peace and above all, the help and guidance we all need during this tragic time for so many.

EB

Friend

July 13, 2020

I am a Canadian, who just read your story. I have read many stories of deaths in the USA, but yours touched my heart. I am so sorry that you are affected by Covid, and so proud of the action you took to place responsibility at the foot of politicians where it belongs.
Thank you for being the change in action that needs to happen. You and your family are in my thoughts.

Mary Smith

July 13, 2020

Extending our deepest condolences to the family. Sorry for your loss. I enjoyed playing softball with Mark on the team "Slugs". Rest in peace my friend.

Dale Wayman

Friend

July 13, 2020

From Denver I am so sorry for your loss. I appreciate your statement regarding the irresponsibility of national leadership. Thanks for sharing on NOR. If I were in Az I would participate in your offense but will do so in spirit. Adelante for your strength! Rest in Power Mr Urquiza!

Carmen

Acquaintance

July 12, 2020

We pray for Mark from our home in Washington State. We too held a funeral locally for our loved one in another county to safely distance and bury our beloved father and spouse. God bless your wonderful family and hopefully your message will be heard. May Mark be in the arms of the Angel's in heaven.

Diane Bowers

July 12, 2020

I went through all of my elementary school and high school years with Mark as a classmate (same grade). I have warm memories of him from those days. Then as "grown-ups," whenever our paths would cross, he was always friendly, kind and enthusiastic to catch up. That was so Mark... and, of course, he had a big smile and a twinkle in his eyes the whole time! The world is without yet another bright light.
To the entire Urquiza family and all of his friends, everyone who has cared about him -- on behalf of the Rojas family (of Tolleson) I extend our heartfelt sympathy for your tremendous loss and wish you peace.

MaryAlice

Classmate

July 11, 2020

I am no one you know; I am from South Carolina.
However I have read about your father and the rage you feel. I am so proud of the obituary you wrote for your father; you stated what needs to be stated.
If I lived in AZ I would place my remembrances at the Ofrenda.
Keep the faith and the strength.
With love and condolences from a stranger but a friend.

S Rico

July 11, 2020

My deepest sympathy to his family and friends. He died needlessly and much too soon. Supporting you in every way possible to prevent such further suffering. Peace.

Jan

Neighbor

July 11, 2020

We send our heartfelt condolences to the family. We always enjoyed our little visits at the old Blockparty, and at the State Fair. Such a shock, such a great loss to his family, friends and the community. May he rest in peace, may your pain be eased, our prayers are with youSincerely,
Carlos & Terri
Photographers at the Fair

Carlos & Terri Ramirez

Acquaintance

July 11, 2020

So terribly sorry for this loss. Condolences and prayers for his family.

Kathleen Harrison

July 11, 2020

God bless you all at this sad and painful time. May your father, Mark, Rest In Peace. I am heartbroken for you all and share both your grief and anger at his needless death. May you all at some time in the future find some semblance of peace. Please know how sorry I am for your loss.

Stella P

Friend

July 11, 2020

God bless you all. You are right. Mark didnt need to die and I cant agree with you more. May you find peace in this difficult time. He is now your Angel and watching you all so proud.

Ann. Erie pa.

Friend

July 10, 2020

Mark Blackjack Urquiza, you will be missed by many friends that you have, but above all mostly your fearing Familia . My condolences to your Family, who had much love for you always !! And to my good friend Benny, I will always remember the good times we had with your Brother, Blackjack !! RIP Big Brother !!

Steve Soto

Friend

July 9, 2020

My heart felt prayers to the Urquiza family for your loss of a loving father, brother, and dear friend to many out there. His honor should be recognized as his daughter and family plan to pursue. That is a very brave decision. Benny my heart hurts for you my friend that is your brother that you share many memories with. Please keep his spirit alive within you and you will feel him come into your heart. Peace and Love be with you, and your family.

Diana Sauceda

Diana Sauceda

Friend

July 9, 2020

Words cannot express how sad I am to hear of your loss. I extend my Deepest Sympathy to the Family. Blackjack you will be missed

Patsy Martinez

Friend

July 8, 2020

Paul and I send our condolences to Brenda and the family. We were schoolmates of both Mark and Brenda at TUHS. A long time ago but wanted to send our sympathies. Mark had a smile that could light up a room.

Paul and Doris (Bowen) Undiano

Classmate

July 8, 2020

I never got to meet Mark and so many of the rest of you but I am ever so thankful for our Facebook time. My heart just hurts for the sadness. I will always keep you all in my heart and in my prayers. Fly high with the angels, Mark!!!

Kathy Markham

Family

July 8, 2020

Our Sincere Condolence to Kristin, Brenda, The Entire Urquiza Families & Relatives. I (Pam) grew up with Mark in the Project Homes here in town. Such memories we all have living there! The big memory Our Families have is that Flagstaff Snow Trip that we all will never forget, and nor did Mark! Mark going down our snow board, breaking his ankle, Brenda running down the hill, hurting her ankle! Our Family sitting with Kristin at the emergency room waiting on results of the both. Crazy how fast life goes anymore! Our Hearts hurt to know a Pandemic took such a Wonderful Man away, and has many others. Prayers will continue for the safety of our loved ones. Love Dale & Pam Crandell & Family, Byrne Family also.

Bobby Dale Crandell

Friend

July 8, 2020

You are missed BlackJack....

cathy west

Friend

July 8, 2020

Our sincere condolences to the Urquiza familia from the Mora Familia. Peace be with you all.

Gilbert E. Mora Jr
Glendale, AZ

Gilbert E. Mora Jr.

Friend

July 7, 2020

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