My Uncle Mark was just plain Cool! I have the best memories of him - he could always make you smile, laugh and he had a gift of brightening every room he entered. I will always cherish his sense of humor, amazing music, his talent for cooking and for always being real. My Uncle Mark will be truly missed.

Coincidence landed us at his wedding (we met but hours earlier.) Then our son was born but hours after Karla. From that time on our friendship became a redundancy of good food, good music, and constant laughter. We will never forget that laugh and we will never have a glass of Chardonnay without thinking of Mark. We loved him and will miss him. Tom, Alyse and Evan Byerly

Nothing was better than if you could get my dad laughing so hard he didn't make any sound but silently made this wheezing sound that made me always crack up.... he loved to laugh.

Mark was my friend. I have hugged him as we shared great times together, and I have also disagreed with him. I felt a need to do it, but all he ever did was hug me. He was a good person, who let people be who they were. His appreciation of others came from his wonderful mother,and like her, he lived passionately, with love and affection for his family, and friends. My friend was a friend.

To say that Mark will be missed is to not say enough. He was my oldest, dearest friend. We grew up across the street from each other and summers were the best. We used to take my Radio Flyer around the neighborhood to collect bottles and return them for money that we wisely invested in Man in the Moon kites and eight miles of string. For the rest of that summer we'd lose kite after kite.

How does one sum up the life of Mark Garcia? He was a free spirit, a talented writer, musician, chef, son, brother, father and great friend. He was hilarious, charismatic and would light up a room every time we were together. We all love Mark and he will be greatly missed. My heart goes out to his family, friends and loved ones.  Robert

His love of family and friends, his music, the Beatles, the Dodgers, good movies, great food and wine, funny stories, his hilarious impressions, tamales at Christmas... Mark was so passionate about so many things. My life won't be the same without him.

While I had not seen him in a while, I always remember accompanying Karla to eat Mark's famous tacos in High School and College. He was truly a bright light and entertaining person to be around - and of course an amazing chef, which is where I think Karla got her cooking talent. Mark retained a special energy that will not be forgotten. Much love to Karla, Ann, Maya, & Family

Mark lived life to the fullest. Mark loved his family above all else. He is and will always be such a good and kind person. We all love Mark!! I am having such a hard time accepting that he is no longer with us. I feel so lucky to have such a great brother. I love him!!

Karla, I am so sorry to hear you've lost your Dad. My Dad died my senior year of high school and even now, it still hurts. Please remember to talk about him all the time... tell his stories and his jokes the way he always did. He will forever sit on your shoulder and remind you of his love if you can keep your eyes open for the signs. Blessings. -Ashley