Mario,
 I remember the first time we came to California, Fabian must’ve been 4 years old; we were excited and nervous to meet  our new family. Everything went well but you right away, with your amazing smile, embraced us with love and kindness. You made us feel right at home, thank you. You became Fabians favorite uncle and you never treated him different. You made a big impact in his childhood, therefore, in mine as well and for that I will be eternally grateful. You were a loving uncle and we will never forget you. I’m also so thankful that Valerie got to meet you and spend time with you. We will always love you and miss your loving self. 
Rest In Peace Uncle Mario and may the winds of heaven softly whisper to you about our love and gratitude. 
Love you always,
Your nephew Jimmy, Vivian, Fabian, and Valerie 

Mario,

I mailed you a letter / card as soon as I heard you were home on hospice.  I hope it made it to you in time, but if not, I'm sure you can read it now!  I will forever remember your kindness when I worked at Encinitas hospital.  You always greeted me with a smile and a hug.  It just wasn't the same the days you were off work.  Your kind, easy-going vibe was a breath of fresh air every single day and served as a reminder to not sweat the small stuff.

As I said in my letter, the world needs more Marios!  Until we meet again, my friend, keep spreading the love and the joy wherever you are.

Donna

I keep hearing from all his friends and family how Mario was this amazing man, caring, intelligent, funny, all around great guy.
I truly learned so much from this intelligent man. He taught me to not sweat the small stuff, to do what I think is right, and to never say i can't and soo much more.
But most of all, Mario showed me how to become a man. To be responsible, to own my mistakes and be proud of what I've accomplished.
What can I say but, Thank you Dad!
You left too soon, I love you! 
Your son Mario Jr.


Fuiste y seras la mejor amistad que pude conocer desde que estaba chico, te conocí y me regalaste un gran obsequio un jeep Sahara, lo recuerdo somos Pelirojos, Jajajaja recordar que reíamos juntos cuando me desias que me paresia a ti cuando eras chico, y teníamos los mismos gustos por los autos y pick-ups, me veías como de tu familia y yo de mi parte igual, eres y serás un gran ejemplo a seguir, tanto para tus amigos y familiares y por su puesto para mi, dios te cuide por siempre, "I will have you in mind always my best friend" 

God looked around his garden and found an empty space. Then he looked down upon this earth and saw your tired face. He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest. God's garden must be beautiful. He only takes the best. ❤ #weloveyouBubu #alwaysandforever 

Siempre estará en mi corazón..
le recordaremos con esa grandiosa sonrisa que contagia,  y los bellos momentos inolvidables qué pasó junto a mi familia.. 
siempre será alguien muy especial.

Le doy gracias a Dios por haberme permitido estar estos últimos meses cuidando de usted y compartir grandes momentos .
Un fuerte abrazo como siempre lo decía usted.
Dios lo bendiga 
Con Dios no hay coincidencias
Nuestros caminos están a la vista del señor: El examina todas nuestras sendas 

I wish to let the entire family know my heart is with each one of you.  Dave & I only met you once, but Mario made us feel like we had known all of each other forever.  Mario opened his home, heart & family to us in such away I've rarely experienced in this lifetime.  His spirit was so loving, gentle & kind.   I feel Dave was there to greet Mario as he transitioned from this life to the next & they are now having a joyous reunion, along with many other loved ones that have gone before us.   I am eternally grateful to have met so many of you in the family.  With great gratitude to Mario I hope to maybe visit again sometime.  Thank you Mario for such beautiful memories.  You are a beautiful soul.  I wish you peace & joy in your new existence.  

Tio Mario, (Camaron):
Yo le llamé tio por muchos años,
 de hecho desde mi infancia, porque a pesar de no ser mi tío de sangre siempre lo ví y lo quiero como tal y ahora que esta en un mejor lugar, extrañare todos esos bonitos momentos que pasamos
Le doy gracias a Dios por su vida y por estar ahí para nosotras siempre. 
Te quiero tío....monito de Sololoi, como te decía mi Nanita.
Besos hasta el cielo! 

My last memory ....
For some reason, while visiting a week or so before my uncle passed, when I looked outside the patio doors to the backyard, I thought of this.
I was in the backyard of your(Mario Sr) house, I was maybe 16-18 years old at the time,  hanging out with my cousin Mario Jr and possibly a mutual friend of ours, Ruben, who lived around the corner.
Anyhow,  we were boxing,  practicing really with an old pair gloves.  I was bullying my cousin, thinking I could over power him.  But my uncle saw us and wanted to give us some boxing tips.  I think my cousin said a smart aleck remark, but he didn't want to box his dad, said he was too tough.  So I said I'll box with him, thinking I could take my uncle, because I was younger, faster, whatever other cliche some young teenager thinks.  My uncle kept stiff jabbing me and finally brought me to my knees with a solid blow to the stomach, taking all the wind out of me.  I never even hit him once.  I thought, "damn, he must have been a professional boxer before".  My uncle never showed bravado in besting a teenager, he just said, don't always go for the knockout, a good stomach punch will bring anyone down.   He was awesome, he showed us how to better defend ourselves.

My earliest memory ....
I was maybe 11-12 years old, visiting my dad during the summer.   You were working in Lake San Marcos at the time, building homes.  My dad and I went to visit and help.  I don't recall the exact role of the job, but you were like the only person working on that home.  I mean, doing all the general construction.  I helped haul lumber around, but you had explained to me how important it was to do well in school and how trigonometry applies to the real world, especially in construction.  My dad had mentioned to me on numerous occasions, listen to uncle Mario, he knows what he's talking about.  Everyone was always in awe.  

What my mom, dad or anyone related used to say when they don't know,
"did you ask Mario yet?"






OBITUARY

Mario Antonio Duran

May 15, 1952 – July 17, 2018

Eternal Hills Mortuary & Crematory at Eternal Hills Memorial Park

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