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Mark Basham Obituary
Mark Anthony Basham, born on the 20th of December, 1959, died on Easter Day.
Preceded in death by his beloved parents, Austin and Judy; survived by his dear sister Donna "Espy", and his three children, Jordan, Mack, and Austin, he passed away in the embrace of his kids.
Santa Fe was his heart; he tried to serve it well, first as City Attorney, later as Probate Judge, always as a love-struck advocate, stupefied by the breadth of the sky. He left only to return, coming home after graduating from Princeton University, coming home after completing his JD at the University of New Mexico Law School, coming home to the mountains and high deserts that filled him with the swelling pride that strikes this state's native sons. Many friends loved him. Many friends will miss him. With his cabin up in Pecos, he achieved one of his life's dreams and shared it freely and generously, as if in disbelief of his luck.
In his last days, he was fortunate enough to have the compan- ionship of Lisa Estrada, to whom he dictated his own short obituary. He signed it as his mother used to sign her letters and messages to him, now addressed to the residents of his cherished city, to the friends that loved him, and to his family, all of whom he must regrettably leave behind. Con cariño.
In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to the Carmelites. Services at the Cathedral Basilica, Friday April 9th at 1:30 p.m.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mark Basham
Melessia Helberg
April 2, 2025
Mark, I miss your sweet smile, twinkling eyes and wonderful sense of humor -- all gone too soon. I will pray that your family will come to a measure of peace where they can remember you, not with tears, but with memories of all the joyful experiences and the wonderful times you shared. I enjoyed working with you for these and other qualities. We miss you Mark Basham. The world lost a wonderful person when you crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Hasta Luego, mi Amigo Mark.
Ned Jannotta
April 2, 2023
Thinking of Hammer on the anniversary of his passing. Missing his bright smile and the twinkle in his eye...
Melessia Helberg
April 2, 2023
Mark, your friends still miss you very much, but we know you have gone to a much better place. I will keep your family in my prayers and hope they will reach peace and understanding in time. May God bless each of you.
Wayne Dotson
April 2, 2023
Mark will continue to live in all those he touched and blessed. Find hope and peace knowing he´s in Gods glory!
Wayne Dotson
January 2, 2022
I just learned of Mark´s passing in todays New Mexican. I am deeply saddened and In disbelief. I knew Marks parents and worked for his mom many years ago. I first met Mark in the 3rd grade and every memory of him is filled with love and respect. Knowing Mark from such an early age I can say there was never a person I admired more. From his childhood
to his adulthood he had character, integrity and deeply cared for others. He stood for those who less fortunate and defended those in need. My memories will forever be filled with sadness knowing he has passed but I find hope knowing he left the world a much better place by his presence and contributions. God be with you and may your family find comfort knowing you were a man many loved and were proud to call their friend.
Liz Travis
November 8, 2021
I just learned of Mark's passing. I was just thinking about him recently and hoping to see him in town. Such a light ... Santa Fe is a bit less rich without him.
Mark Parra and family
August 3, 2021
I am so very saddened to learn of Mark's passing. He was a great guy, smart and an excellent athlete while growing up with him at Santa Fe High School. I too admire Santa Fe so I understand his love for the city, but without Mark the world is less one great guy - my prayers ad sincere condolences to the family as well as to his close friends - Mark Parra
Josette Lucero
June 1, 2021
Dear Mark I will miss you brother. We worked so close during our tenure at the RTD. You were my right hand man. I can’t believe that you are gone. Thank you for being my friend and always helping me when needed. RIP
Lisa Estrada
May 31, 2021
My love, my partner, my best friend. You took my heart with you when you left. Con cariño
Mark Basham, Ned Jannotta, Bruce Rogers and John Mosler (left to right) at our 25th Princeton Reunion
Ned Jannotta
April 20, 2021
Mark and I became close friends when we met on Princeton's campus in the fall of 1978. We roomed together our senior year and shared many adventures together both on and off campus. He was a kind and loving person, who will be sorely missed by his many friends. He loved his family above all, and my heart goes out to you as you find your way forward without him.
Big hugs, Ned
Holly Hart
April 16, 2021
What a tragic loss for the Basham family, the legal community and the City of Santa Fe. Mark was dedicated to all of them. He had a ready smile and he was always willing to help. He will be missed.
Melessia Helberg
April 12, 2021
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Lee & Bill Rougemont
April 11, 2021
Please accept our most heartfelt condolences to the Basham family. Mark was so kind and generous and we will miss him...
Virginia D. Hendley
April 9, 2021
I am so saddened by Mark's passing. My condolences to his family.
His parents were great friends to me and my husband.
Mark inherited all their endearing traits.
M.L.
April 9, 2021
Never not a time when upon first seeing him in any situation did his entire face not light up with kindness and wonderful sparkling eyes.
I looked so forward to experiencing and actually expecting that moment.
One of my first friends upon relocating in Santa Fe.
Always in my heart.
Annette Stephens
April 9, 2021
Mark was such a fun and intelligent friend. His humor made me laugh even when discussing serious topics. He was open minded, I’ll miss him.
Al Padilla
April 9, 2021
Marco was a great friend and advocate for the Boys Girls Clubs of Santa Fe, he served on the Board of Directors and was Board President. Mark was the genius catalyst who created the first time ever that appropriation of millions of dollars from the State Legislature can benefit non profits. This community was so much better for his great contributions. We already and will continue to miss him. One of my local heroes since grade school.
Chris Encinias
April 9, 2021
We love you my dear cousin Mark. Thank you for all of the memories, thank you for being someone I always look up to, and thank you for the greatest gift of all: your wonderful children, my little cousins. We miss you but know you’re with us always.
Cristobal, Lina & Ida Encinias
Kimberly Zeilik
April 8, 2021
Sending our condolences to Jordan, Mack, Austin and the rest of the Basham family. It is hard to lose a parent and will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Kimberly and Zachary Zeilik
Charlotte Roybal
April 8, 2021
In loving memory of a wonderful person. A really fine person whom Santa Fe loved..
Corrine Pacheco
April 8, 2021
My deepest condolences to the Basham family, I am so sorry about your loss. Asking GOD to surround you all with his perfect peace & comfort during this difficult time.
Corrine
Curtis L
April 8, 2021
Mark sure was a dear Friend and Professional College of mine, He will sure be missed. Always compassionate, kind, & helpful. God Bless your family as they endure the days and weeks ahead. Cherish the memories.
Susan Basham-Richmond
April 8, 2021
Another beautiful shining light in our family snuffed out way to soon. We will forever remember your infectious personality and passion. We love you Mark and will miss you. To our New Mexico family, Espy, Jordan, Mack, Austin and all, you will continually be in our thoughts and prayers. Sending lots of love your way. Susan
Peter Dwyer
April 8, 2021
A passionate and loyal friend I will never forget all his small acts of kindness and I will always remember him as a man who cared for and stood up for his friends.
A Friend
April 8, 2021
Mark
You will be missed. Godspeed Brother.
Donna
So sorry for your loss.
"GL"
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