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BORN
1932
DIED
2021
Mario Gareña Obituary
1932-2021
West Jordan, UT Jesus Arturo Garcia Peña, September 25, 1932 - August 25, 2021
Our beloved husband, father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather and friend Jesus Arturo Garcia-Peña, known in the artistic world as Mario Gareña, returned home to his Heavenly Father on August 25, 2021. He was born to Arturo Garcia Lujan and Ines Peña, in Barranquilla, Colombia on September 25,1932. He started a successful musical career at the age of 19. He was born to be on the stage where he loved to captivate audiences with his charisma. He never forgot his beloved Colombia. He was a poet, a singer, a composer and an extraordinary performer. He was an ambassador of Colombian music and culture to many nations in three continents. He composed and recorded "Yo me llamo Cumbia" in 1969, a song that has earned the title of a national anthem of Colombia. In 1970 he represented his country in a Festival of Latin American Music in New York, with "Te dejo la ciudad sin mi" winning first place as best lyrics, best music score and best performer. He composed hits such as "Mi Raza", "Que Linda", "Mi novia es Barranquilla" and hundreds of songs, many of which were recorded by the best bands and groups in Latin America during the 70's and 80's. He moved to the US during the 90's to be close to family. He loved this blessed land.
He met the love of his life, Damaris, in Cali, Colombia in 1956 and together had eight boys. He joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in 1980 in Bogota, Colombia. Dad loved family and always looked forward to family gatherings to enjoy spending time together. He had a very generous heart and was usually the first to show up when someone was in need. Dad lived life to the fullest and brought a fresh perspective to life's predicaments. He leaves an immortal legacy of music and love.
Survived by Damaris (Ex, but best friend to the end), sons; Chepe (Nilza), Edgardo (Lisa), Igor (Ceridwen), Mario, Mauricio (Maryin), Leopoldo, and daughter in law Mavi Anaya. He is also survived by his sister Marina Garcia Arteta, 21 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. Preceded in death by sons Ricardo and Sergio, siblings Mercedes Barreneche and Edgardo Garcia.
A viewing will be held Thursday September 2, 2021 from 10:30-11:45 am. Funeral to follow from 12:00 pm -1:00 pm at the Welby LDS Stake Center, 8841 South 4800 West, West Jordan, UT, 84088.
The funeral services will be broadcast live at the following link:
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=welby+stake+9th
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To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mario Gareña
4 Entries
Michelle Barrera
July 21, 2025
We are colombian and forever will remember Mario, whom we grew up with, listening to his songs and beautiful voice. My husband had the opportunity to meet him personally at the house of relatives in Barranquilla, Colombia, where Mario taught him breathing technique for singing. We will always remember Mario. Hernán and Michelle Barrera
Eddie Diaz
August 24, 2022
Mario a great person and amazing artist.
Eddie Diaz
December 18, 2021
One of the best artists from Colombia.
Blanca Pinzón, Sandra Pinzón y familia
September 2, 2021
Apreciada Damaris, Igor, Edgardo, Mauricio y familia, los acompañamos sinceramente y de corazón en este duro momento de la partida del hermano Mario Gareña, aunque no compartimos directamente con él, admiramos toda su labor como padre, esposo, compañero de viaje, por el legado tan ejemplar de criar una familia tan especial y linda como son ustedes, ayudarle a Nuestro Padre Celestial a vivir el Plan de Salvación con una familia tan grande, enseñarles principios e incentivarles el desarrollo de talentos y habilidades como los tienen ustedes. Que Dios los bendiga y sigan adelante unidos, fortalecidos y con el solaz que esta partida es por "breves momentos", mientras de nuevo nos encontraremos como familias eternas!. Los recordamos y queremos mucho. Un gran abrazo!.
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