Victor P. Marquez

Friday, Jan. 15, 2016

Victor P. Marquez died on New Year’s Day 2016. A dear friend who touched the lives of many with his generosity, Victor enjoyed life to the fullest and would always tell you he was doing “damn good.”

Victor was born in 1958 in Durango, Colo. to Yvonne Cruz and Victor P. Marquez, Sr. A 1977 graduate of Cyprus High School, he always enjoyed a good class reunion with longtime friends. He also attended Westminster College. 

Victor spent many years working for Kennecott Copper and Mountain Fuel, but made his mark professionally as a Realtor known for his integrity. His success in real estate allowed him to live his life generously in service to his community. He loved volunteering at his church, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, where he directed the youth basketball program and spearheaded its annual charity golf tournament. More than anything he enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially spoiling his grandchildren. He loved playing golf and bowling with his hermanos, skiing Snowbird with the family priest, Fr. Andrew, going to Utah Utes and Jazz games, playing chess with friends across the globe, and taking pictures at every family function. 

Victor is survived by his mother, Yvonne of West Valley; his father, Victor (Susie) of Portland Ore.; his daughter Crystal Whitlatch (Ryan) and her children Mikaylee and Alyssa, his son Aaron (Ivette) and his children James and Sarah; his siblings Margie (Marcos), Paul (Renee), Mary and Roland; half-siblings Geno, Victoria, Ruben and Brady; many nieces and nephews; and countless friends and family members. 

He was preceded in death by many loved ones, his grandparents and brother Conrad.

Victor fought hard to the very end, all the while setting an example of how to live and die with dignity and faith. We prayed for a miracle, but the miracle for Victor was that God called him home and said, “No more suffering for you, my son.”

Victor found inspiration from the life of Mother Teresa and would want you to live by her words: “Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.” 

We know he’s looking down on us – doing damn good – and telling us, in his words, “Vaya con Dios!”

A funeral Mass was celebrated Jan. 8 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Magna.