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Fresno, California

MARCUS RIOJAS Obituary

Marcus was born on April 9, 1963. He went to be with the Father on Friday, October 26, 2012. The joy he brought to all, especially his immediate family, was amazing. His love for all was immeasurable. As a professional photographer, he made memories for many. He was a very giving man who would help anyone in need. He helped care for his Grandmas who he loved dearly. Living life to the fullest at all times was his way. His love was unconditional for extended family and especially his friends. Marcus is survived by his parents, Adelfa and Joe; his three brothers, Nathan, Charles and Raul, and their spouses Deborah, Celeste and Rebecca; his three nieces, Terese, Celina and Alyssa; and three nephews, Jerad, Andrew and Joshua. A Graveside Service will be held at Belmont Memorial Park on Friday, November 2, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home, 1525 East Saginaw Way, Fresno, California (559)227-4048

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Fresno Bee on Nov. 1, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for MARCUS RIOJAS

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donna perez

November 16, 2012

mark we love you and will miss you . you had a heart of gold .youve allways had away to make people happy .you allways had away to make people laugh .you were so fun to be around .ill miss your funny jokes and your laughter, i love you cuz ,you will allways be in my heart. love you mark always and for ever rest in piece cuz love your cuz Donna

Olga Flores-Mandler

November 15, 2012

My heart was with Marcus the last several months. No matter what he said, it was always funny. He truely was a cool dude. I named my lil boy after him. May his family be at peace. I will always love you my friend...

November 12, 2012

Dear Riojas Family,
Marcus, means so much to me, as do you, Joe and Adelfa, he and you took me in, supported me, as a result I raised my family based on your family of love, forgiveness, happiness, and most of all laughter. Such a brief time in my life, yet so memorable, Marcus, you will always remain in my heart and soul dear dear friend. Blessings to you, you have truly touched so many people with your kindness, laughter, friendship but most of all just being you. Your parents mean so much to me, your mom with her beautiful smile and ageless look, you dad with his tradional values, have raised you, the man you became, so many laughs, smiles, and always a positive outlook, thank you for your friendship and love, and most of all thank you for being my friend. Love, Corina Alvino-Onato, High School friend, and honorary sister. May our heavenly Father bless your family during this most difficult time. Life will never be the same. You will be remembered always!!! Love c.

Donna Perez

November 10, 2012

Mark I love you an you will be missed. You will always be in my heart. I will always remember the fun times we had as children. I will miss your laughter an your jokes. Live your cousin Donna and family.

Lisa Perez

November 10, 2012

We didn't speak often but when we did we always were cracking up laughing. You are such a special person who brought joy to anybody that knew you. Love you cousin.

Dolores Montoya

November 10, 2012

Dearest nephew I will always keep you in my heart. Love your aunt Dolores.

Mahaffey Stan

November 9, 2012

Marcus; My friend.

November 6, 2012

November 6, 2012

November 4, 2012

November 4, 2012

Brotherly love, it's like no other. What a wonderful foursome...til they meet again.

Rebecca Riojas

November 4, 2012

Marc..You have brought so much love, laughter and have left us with so many memories. We will always love and miss you!! RIP Our Markie

Rebecca Riojas

November 4, 2012

November 3, 2012

Miss you miss you miss you. Love you forever

Katrina Irwin

November 3, 2012

I knew Marcus from Studio Z when I was a receptionist there in 2001 or so. I ran into him at Macy's a few years back and we got a chance to catch up. When I learned of his passing through Linda, I was saddend. I wished I could have been to the service to say goodbye, but I was out of town. All this to say that although I did not know him a great deal, he still had a huge impact on my life. He was so sweet and funny. And yes, his laugh was one that made you feel like you beloged. I cant imagine the loss you feel. Many prayers and love to his friends and family! Blessings Marcus.

Cindy Garcia

November 2, 2012

My cuzn Markie...Always pouring out your love and humor to all around you. My kids will never forget how you made them feel the first time they met you at our family reunion ;) A memory they will treasure forever. Your heart was true and it showed. You will be forever loved and your legacy will live on to generation and generation.

Mayra Martinez

November 2, 2012

Marcus, you will be miss. It was all fun and laugher hanging out with you. You were a great photographer. Love my wedding pictures. Thanks for been a great friend.

November 2, 2012

Oh my friend for 20 years he was my family we made him a Diaz when he went camping with us it was hard for him but he made it funny and cooked for us. I have so many,many wonderful memories it is just hard to believe I will not be able to go to him when I need a shoulder to cry on he would make my problem go away for that time spent with him. All my prayers are with you Mr.& Mrs. Riojas and family. God Bless you all
Susan and Paul Diaz

Rebecca Cassidy

November 2, 2012

My heart aches at the thought of never sharing a hysterical laugh with you. Until we meet again my love.

Sandra Gomez

November 2, 2012

Mark was an amazing person. He loved everyone and everyone loved him. He always made you laugh and was the life of the party. My family has so many great memories of him. He will truly be missed dearly since he made such a big impact on alot of people's lives. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Riojas Family. Cuz I will miss you dearly thank you for the beautiful pictures you gave to me of Darian what a great gift that I will treasure forever. Love you always

Cathy Martinez

November 1, 2012

Oh Marcus...I can still hear your laugh so clearly. As much as I am rejoicing that your are in heaven I am feeling a pain in my gut, in my mind and in my heart that just won't subside. You and I shared so many moments of fun, gossip, craziness, dancing, danger, partying and more partying. From the time we were kids until your last days we also shared many intimate moments of confiding to each other our dreams, wishes and fears. You always told me exactly where I was in your heart and that you loved me. Your gifts were limitless and you shared your talent with everyone. You gave me the greatest gift ever just three weeks ago in your hospital room. I will never forget the last tears we shared together when you repented and acknowledged Christ in your heart. I have to find comfort knowing you are now an angel...just like the ones you once adorned your home with. I will miss you forever...til we can be together again. Love you Marc...Cat

Robin Gonzalez

November 1, 2012

What a wonderful person we lost. Every conversation with Marcus was a conversation filled with smiles and laughter. I will miss that sense of humor! Ive never known such a positive person with such a zest for life. Sending prayers for peace and love for Marc's family.

Erika Barron

November 1, 2012

Its soooo hard to walk out my front door & realize that i will never see your beautiful smile as you would often times greet me as I arrived home. Truth is I'm really gonna miss you my neighbor/friend. Marcus may you rest in Gods peace...love u!!! :*( My deepest & sincerest condolences to the Riojas Family!! ~Erika & Leonard

isabel estrada

November 1, 2012

Oh Markie, what a devastating loss for many :( I remember the summer of about 82 I spent at your home! Talk about a BLAST! Movies, dancing, long talks, visiting friends, etc...never a dull moment! Loved dancing in the living room with you to your jukebox! I don't believe we ever slept that summer, always doing something! Love you with all my heart primo!iss you mucho already...

Marcelo Castillo

November 1, 2012

Rest in peace bro. You always were the life of the party and a caring member of the family. You will be missed. Our prayers go out to your family

Cady Mejias

November 1, 2012

I just wanted to say that ever since I met you, you have been so kind and funny. I love your laugh and happy personality and I wish I could see that one more time. You will always be a member of my family and I love you so much.

Marcos Castillo

November 1, 2012

He was the best friend and companion i could ever have had. always filling people's hearts with joy and laughter he will be greatly missed I especially hold him close to my heart he showed me how to become a good person and never give up on myself I will never forget him my prayers go out to the riojas family god bless

Michelle Reeves

November 1, 2012

May your journey be peaceful, gone but never forgotten

Robert Ramos

November 1, 2012

Marcus, it pains me deeply to know ill not hear your voice, not hear that laugh to not hear the words "oh whatever". Youve always been and will continue to be a very special person in my life. You taught me to live in the moment and to love and appreciate my family despite the circumstances. Ive always admired your big heart, your kindness and generosity towards others!! Youve always brought a smile to my heart and consider myself the luckiest person to have met you while you were so far away from home!! I will never forget that day!! Nor will i forget the time you came back to San Antonio and all the fun, laughs, dinners and shopping. I take great solice in knowing that ive not lost a good special friend but ive gained a special angel that will always be there to guide me and although youre no longer here on earth youre forever there surrounding me and im able to talk with you! I thank God for allowing our paths to cross despite the many hundreds of miles that separated us. I know that we are closer now until the moment we meet again!! Thank you for being in my life and leaving such a fantastic impression on my life, heart and memory!! I will NEVER forget you my dear friend! May your spirit and soul rest in peace and forever find peace knowing that your work here is done. Its time to work your magic from up above and watch over those you trully loved and lived for. You remain forever in my heart and memory! I as well as your family, friends co workers and those youve touched remain blessed for having you in our lives! Rest in peace my friend!!

Norma Castillo Vera

November 1, 2012

Marus was a very special person to me and my family we loved him and forever will tresure those special moments we shared with him. I will best remember him for his wonderful smile that brought joy to many people. My prayers are with him and his family. You will be missed my dear friend.

Noemi Martinez

November 1, 2012

Primo Marcus, You were always laughing and smiling and this is what I will always remember about you. You brought joy to a room when you walked in. You have a beautiful spirit about you and my prayers are with your family right now.

Amanda Guzman

November 1, 2012

I'll never forget when he took me to the daddy daughter dance for girl scouts because my dad had to work. He danced the night away with me. That night I'll never forget. He was a wonderful person with an amazing spirit and every time I look at my Senior pictures he took I'll always think of him. He will forever live in our hearts.

Aida Guzman

November 1, 2012

Marcus was part of our family. He was the sweetest caring person to me and my girls. I will always think of him when i look at all of the beautiful pictures he took for us. I will miss him dearly. My condolences go out to his family.

Frances Mejias

November 1, 2012

Marcus -
I can't begin to say how much a part of our family you always will be. You celebrated many wonderful moments with us, and your beautiful spirit and infectious humor will always be a joy to remember. Your talents were many, your creativity was inspiring and your giving nature was a blessing to everyone who knew you. Max remembers your joking nature and how you could always tease him out of a bad mood; Michael loved your no-nonsense wit; Michelle will always be thankful that through you she was a beautiful bride (you did her make-up & hair) captured in the wedding photos you took; You have always been Cady's Uncle Marcus and she loves you so; I have always loved you as a brother - no matter the circumstances, you remain forever in our hearts, our beloved friend & brother.

Katie Kole

November 1, 2012

I worked with Marcus at Lifetouch Photography and he made every trip to Monterey very memorable. He made me laugh alot and never left me behind when everyone went out...he wouldnt have it. He will be missed..... RIP my friend!!

KATINA (LOZANO) PAULEY

November 1, 2012

my deepest condolences to the family. I went to school with Marcus I will miiss his laughter and his since of humor and his kindness. Sincerely, Katina Lozano-class mate fresno, ca.

November 1, 2012

marcus , i miss you , you always made me laugh, i had so mutch fun, piking you up and going to lunch, people had to laugh about us , becouse we were like kids
ouf wiedersehen marcus, my buddy

Ronald Rodriguez

November 1, 2012

Raul and entire Riojas Family,
Please accept our most sincere condolences. May your many memories bring you peace and comfort.
Ronald Rodriguez and Family

Richard Medrano

November 1, 2012

I went to high school with Marcus, and even though my social circle was kind of with the 'undesirables', he didn't care, he was friends with everyone and everyone loved Marcus. We had, I believe a Spanish class together and he was alot of fun. I remember his laugh most of all. It's been alot of years, but I do remember his laugh. He was always positive and funny. He wasn't blind to others problems though. He was there to really talk if you needed to. Very compassionate. He was one of the people I thought about from time to time and wondered 'where are they now'? I told myself many times I'd get in touch with him, but never did. I know it's my loss. His memory and laughter will stay dear in my heart from those days. My prayers go out to the Riojas family. May God keep you close and comfort you. To Marcus, I look forward to hearing your laughter once again. We will meet again in the prescence of the Father.

Always a star!

Erlinda Mejia

November 1, 2012

"Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy." (Unknown) I love you, I'll always miss you, I'll always remember you my Marcus.

Yolanda Riojas

November 1, 2012

Missing you very much. You are a big part of our lives & you always made us laugh. Went through photos you took of us & photo we took of you. We cry for the happy times and want more. We love you! You know I'm praying for you & the family.

Marshall Riojas

October 31, 2012

Primo - Where do I begin, you were my brother. I cannot count the memories, stories, nor the adventures we shared. I will continue to photograph and remember all that you shared with me. I await your phonecall to come and fix your computer but that will never come again. Thanks for the memories, laughs and confiding in me. You are gone but not forgotten. I will remember you the rest of my days. I LOVE YOU, this is not good-bye but see you later! Like you always told me, Alrato Vato!!

Connie Florez

October 31, 2012

Aloha 'oe cousin Marcus, we will miss your laughter and joy that you always brought to our family reunions. My prayers are with you and your family.

Love always,
your cousin Connie

Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Chapel

November 1, 2012

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

October 31, 2012

Marcus, thank you for all of the fun and crazy memories that we shared in high school and after, Disco day's n' all! The memory of your laughter will comfort me at this sad time. May your family also take comfort in that. My sincere condolences. Gina Morado

Betty Trujillo

October 30, 2012

Marcus, you will be sincerely missed. Your humor and smile lit up a room, my deepest condolences to your family.

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Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home

836 E. Nees Ave., Fresno, CA 93720

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