Marcos R. Baca

With the deepest sorrow, we announce that Marcos Baca, age 20, our most beloved son, brother, family member, and friend, passed away suddenly on Saturday, November 14, 2021. 

Cherished and beloved by his parents, Candido Baca and Jeannette Pacheco-Baca. Loving brother and brother-in-law of Lucas Baca, Julianna “Juju” Baca and Cameron Smith, Angela Andrade and Kaimiola Andrade, and the late Gennine Marie Baca. Adored grandson of Arthur & Romelia Pacheco, Delfida Baca and the late Reymundo S. Baca. 

Marcos entered this world on September 16, 2001. He was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and attended Albuquerque High school, graduating in 2020. 

An enthusiastic and talented athlete, Marcos took every opportunity to excel at everything put in front of him. He was exceptional in track, kickboxing, soccer, baseball, and even snowboarding. Even his passion for the violin was practiced to perfection from when he was five years old until he was 18. 

After graduating, while mapping out his future plans, Marcos worked at Monica's El Portal. A quaint cafe on Rio Grande Blvd. A place for him to unrelentlessly use his charismatic personality to bring even the tiniest amount of joy to all who came in for their morning coffee. 

Marcos was one of those people that, when something extraordinary happens, you couldn't wait to tell him about it, knowing he would share in your excitement. He was not embarrassed to cry with you when you were hurting or laugh when you made a fool of yourself. Never did he hurt your feelings or make you feel like you were not good enough, but instead, he would be the one to build you up and show you the things about yourself that make you unique - even beautiful. 

Marcos' life was cut short on November 14, 2021 – a life of so much accomplishment and promise – it was wholly unexpected and shocked everyone who knew him. 

At only 20 years young, he left behind so many people that loved and cherished him, including his newly adopted dog, Suki, who was able to bring him joy in the little time they shared. 

Those who knew Marcos, even just a little, lost a shining light in their lives. He now watches over his entire family, including his cherished aunt, Roseanna Suazo, and cousins Aaron Suazo and Amanda Suazo. His nieces from Hawai'i, Hi'ilei, Mapuana, and Nanea Andrade, and his best friend since the 6th grade, Ryan Abeyta. 

Since Marco's death, many have talked about how special he was and how fortunate they were to have known him. 

They recall how his bubbly spirit, kind hazel eyes, and how he lit up every room he walked into with his beaming smile, topped with his "all gas no brakes" life motto. 

There was never any pressure, jealousy, or competition but only a quiet calmness when he was around. You could be yourself and not worry about what he would think of you because he loved you for who you were. 

They marvel at how he had just advanced to an expert-level motorcycle road racer, having already accomplished three incredible seasons. The night he was taken from us, he was leaving a motorcycle awards ceremony, where he received various awards promoting him from novice to expert. 

His friends and teammates at Sandia Motorcycle Roadracing, Inc (SMRI), an organization whose purpose is to promote motorcycling and motorcycle road racing, will always look back on how Marcos flew their club colors halfway around the world In Thailand, a trip he went on with his father. 

They remember how his life was about to change completely by entering the Marine Corps. He was only weeks away from being sworn in and following in the footsteps of his father. 

They reminisce about his ever-present smile and the warmth, depth, and intelligence behind it. How he was always meant for greatness and a long and happy life. 

Most of all, they recall the sheer pleasure of his company, how good he made them feel, how free they were to be themselves around him, and how much they will miss him. 

Marcos cared about people in the purest way. He loved them for who they were and because he wished the best for them, without guile and without asking anything in return. 

If we could love more like him, we'd all have a shot at real happiness. To forgive so well you don't even know you are doing it. To be so grateful for the here and now that you are not worried about the future. And to love so unselfishly, not expecting anything in return. We should all love like that. Like Marcos. 

Sometimes we hurt over why these temporary people are not our forever people. But that's not their role. They're not meant to stay in our lives forever. God called them to be there for us for only a short time. God called them to be in our lives so they can make us better for the ones who are meant to stay forever. To teach us how to let go, how to be better than we were yesterday, how to leave people better than when we found them. Because that's what Marcos did, he perfected it. 

Marcos had so much goodness, so much capacity to bring happiness to others, and such a bright future. The world is a lesser place without him. 

We find comfort in knowing Marcos is being welcomed, with warmth and love, into the gates of heaven by his big sister, Gennine, his grandpa Rey, and his uncle Stephen Suazo. How he will have so much to tell them about his time here on Earth and about the people who miss them too. How they will all smile and listen with awe. 

As we hold all of this hurt within us, while we are gripping at all of the "what-ifs," the "why's," the way we remember he was not done loving beautifully and fully and with every inch of his human heart — we remember that we had a front-row seat to all those memories. 

Some chapters end quickly, sometimes in the middle of the page, sometimes even before we are ready. What we don't often realize is that that is closure, too. Because it's still an ending. And sunsets are proof that endings can often be beautiful too. 

But life doesn't wait for us to be ready, so we can't stop living. We won't stop exploring the corners of this world that make us stop and think of you, Marcos. And most importantly, we won't ever leave you behind. The sun might warm our skin, but you will always warm our hearts. 

Let us find comfort in the soft silence of your love, this love. The love that all of us, who were so lucky to know you and love you, carry. It's all here, alive and breathing. And it will never stop.