Cris Ibarra

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Cris Marcelo Ibarra. He was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to him because he was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around him had whatever they needed. Cris was a talkative person who loved to laugh and joke, but knew how to be tactful at all times.

Cris was born on January 2, 1948 in Sampaloc, Manila in the Philippines to Felipe and Rosario Ibarra. Cris was raised with an older brother, Rody, and a younger sister, Mila. Cris and his siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another. As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of his experiences, Cris was always enthusiastic about new adventures. As a young boy, Cris had a number of interests and was an active child. It was at this early age that Cris developed his lifelong love for art and drawing, and later he would go on to graduate from FEATI University in Manila with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.

Cris was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call his sentimental and a romantic at heart. His kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around his. Cris cared for what others thought and carried that into his marriage. On July 23, 1975 Cris married Julieta Gonzales at Manila City Hall of Manila, Philippines. They renewed their wedding vows on their 25th anniversary in Las Vegas and got married again in a Catholic Church in San Francisco. Family was incredibly important to him, and he always carried the love he had for them in his heart, no matter where he went. Cris was blessed with three children, Christopher, Christian, and Cara Jane, and five grandchildren, Mary Cadence, Taylor Jewel, Shane Hansel, Noelani, and Kekona. Cris was conscious of the feelings others had, and was always ready to make people laugh.

Inspired by his love for art and graphic design, Cris was also known to have a love for movies, comics, and superheroes. He would display toys and collectibles of anything from Superman to Darth Vader around and was always ready to talk about whatever movie currently sparked his interest. Cris was also a fan of boxing and could be found watching matches on television. He loved to travel and spend time with his family on vacations. Notably, he loved Disneyland and a Cosmos Tour he took to Europe.

Since it was easy for Cris to meet and get to know new people, he quickly made friends. Though his retirement in 2014 involved relocating to Las Vegas, Nevada, he stayed in touch with his old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. In retirement, he continued to inspire himself with computer designing and artwork. Cris passed away on November 24, 2019 at home in Las Vegas after living with ALS. He is survived by his wife, Julieta; children, Cara, Christopher, and Christian; and grandchildren, Mary Cadence, Taylor Jewel, Shane Hansel, Noelani, and Kekona. Services were held at Palm Southwest Mortuary.

Cris was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever he said something, he meant it. Cris was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. He was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. He was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember him for most is the fact that he was so kind and full of laughter. Everyone whose life he touched will miss Cris Marcelo Ibarra.