Gabriel Max Marquez

As we journey through this adventure of exploration and experience called life, we meet hundreds, perhaps thousands of other travelers. There are those with whom we merely cross paths, possibly recalling a laugh, a kiss, or even a good cry. Some of these souls, whether through luck or destiny, are called upon to become something truly meaningful, important, and even sacred in our history. These are our family (inherited or chosen), best friends, lovers, spouses, etc.

In our inner circles, we relish and come to depend on that one person whose jovial essence is titanic; who possesses a personality to put a smile on even the most melancholy of kvetches; a living dynamo juggling a maximum amount of responsibility with an unparalleled exuberance in seeking joy, the one whose raucous laugh and wicked wit we can evoke during the most trying ordeals or the loneliest of boredom in order to provide that much-needed smile in the nick of time. And there is our Gabe...

Sadly, I will never possess the precise words to adequately describe Mr. Gabriel Max Marquez. I pray there is someone out there whom would tell his entire story with deserving and lyrical justice. Imagine how spectacular!!

Our dearest Gabe entered this world on December 2, 1968 to Maxine and George Marquez in La Junta Colorado. A few years later, Maxine moved Gabe and Marcus to Greeley Colorado where they attended school. Naturally, Gabe was a very popular and outgoing student. He attended Colorado State University where he forged some of his longest iron-clad friendships. Gabriel moved to New York City in the summer of 1993 quickly amassing an army of close friends. To be friends with Gabe is to be friends with many. He quickly began a career in a field he absolutely loved: travel. He met his soulmate Kevin Knight in 2000, and love blossomed into a lifelong partnership. On March 14 Gabe was reunited with his life partner, Kevin, his adored mother Maxine, his father George, his grandparents Carmen and Max. He leaves behind grieving friends, family, and associates too numerable to count. As I write this, I am looking at photos, reading beautiful stories and hilarious anecdotes shared by all whom Gabe has touched.

Through all your extensive earthly travels: oceans crossed, continents visited, beaches walked, bars cruised; countless lives have been touched by you, my cousin Gabe. I cannot begin to imagine or comprehend your achievements beyond. Until we see you again, we will strive to enjoy life to the fullest because that is what you would want.