Mario J. Aranda Sr.

I was saddened to learn recently of Mario's passing. My husband, Chuck, and I were missionaries in the West Mexican mission when we first met Mario. We connected after our missions at BYU. Chuck baptized the first six members of the church in Mazatlan in 1962. Mario painted a picture of Mazatlan as wedding gift to us and when he delivered it, the foam on the ocean waves was still wet. That beloved painting has been hanging in our home for 56 years and will always be a part of our family.

Mario and I served as Co-chairs of our Pastor Relations Committee at New Spirit Community Church. It was an honor to work with him and get to know him. I wasn't at the time aware of all his previous accomplishments in education and diplomacy, because he was a humble man. Still he exuded the gravitas of someone who knew what he was doing, and was always considering how to bring out the best in everyone around him. He will live on in the hearts and minds of people who had the luck to get to...

I read Mario’s obituary to my two sons, John and Aaron, and we talked about the powerful presence Mario was in our family. Being best man at our wedding. Being my confidant and very close friend for decades. Being the person I could talk with for hours—sharing our rantings, our fears, our joys, sharing our physical and spiritual journeys, our hopes and beliefs in that mystical, mysterious place we call “heaven” and our intentions to continue the conversation and the celebration once we both...

Mario touched my heart. He was warm and loving and I will always remember him. He was on my Intern Teaching Parish Committee at New Spirit Community Church in Berkeley, CA, and he brought so much love and warmth to our gatherings. I remember his hugs, his kindness, and his laughter, and his sincerity. Such a beautiful man. We were blessed to have him with us.

I am deeply sad to hear that Mario Aranda passed away due to COVID-19. He was a great inspiration to me as a young Latina activist. In fact I became an educator partly because of him. Your legacy and inspiration will live on. My deepest condolences to the Aranda family.

Ximen, I am sorry to hear about your loss. Your Father sounds like a very accomplished and loved man. What a legacy he has. I think I remember meeting him at your wedding. Prayers for peace and love as you grieve this great man. He will always live on in your heart...

He was my brother I never had and mentor in Chicago. He helped me to know our Savior.

What a power house! Rest in Power!