Marcos Alvarado, 92, has gone to join his beloved wife in heaven on September 16, 2012. He left peacefully surrounded by his children and grandchildren at his home in Sierra Vista, AZ.

Mark’s life began on July 4, 1920 in Douglas, Arizona. He was always proud of being born on Independence Day. Our true hero, he passed away on Mexican Independence day, a heritage he was also very proud of. Mark served in the Army in World War II with his brothers Eduardo and Antonio Alvarado. After serving our country he worked at Sarah Marley Elementary School for over 30 years in Douglas where he would let the students ring the school bell and they all knew him as “Mark.”

He was raised alongside his brothers and sisters in Douglas. He was married to his wife, Barbarita for 60 years and they shared a love that one can only dream of. Together they made their home in Douglas where they raised seven children. In 2006, Marcos and Barbara moved to Sierra Vista, AZ to be closer to healthcare. Marcos dedicated his life to supporting his family and instilled a sense of compassion, family unity and kindness in all of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The powerful life lessons and guidance that he taught his family will be forever evident, appreciated and cherished. He was an admirable father and friend to all who knew him. In the last years of his life he was taken care of in his home by his children. Every day he looked forward to a different activity that his children had planned for him whether it was a visit to the store or a short road trip. He was blessed to always have at least one of them by his side.

He is preceded in death by his wife Barbara, and his 12 siblings. He is survived by his brother Antonio, his 7 children Norma (Victor) Lopez, Marcos Ernesto Jr. (Sally) Alvarado, Hector "Flicka" Alvarado, Elvia (Oscar) Flores, Gloria (Javier) Moreno, Cecilia Alvarado, and Oscar Alvarado; his 14 grandchildren Paul, Eric, Liana, Melissa, Tanya, Myra, Gerardo, Celeste, Alex, Marcos, Javier, Kathya, Cesar, Oscar Jr.; and seven great-grandchildren.

Dad, you are our hero. We have fond memories of you as an energetic fun-loving man always ready for an adventure. From you came our dignity, our imagination, and our creativity. Help us have the ability to love as you did without qualification, without condition, without limitations. You will be greatly missed by family and friends.

The family would like to thank Hospice Casa de la Paz in Sierra Vista.

A Rosary will be held on Friday, September 21, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in Douglas, AZ. A Mass of the Resurrection will follow on Saturday, September 22, 2012 at 10:30am also at St. Luke’s Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Pallbearers who will serve are Paul Chavez, Eric Chavez, Gerardo Flores, Alex Flores, Marcos Moreno and Javier Moreno.

Brown Page Mortuary is in charge of arrangements, 364-3434.