Marcos Aranda

"I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith." 2Timothy 4:7-

Marcos Joel Aranda, 31, did just that on Friday, March 22, 2013.-He went to his eternal reward in heaven surrounded by his family and many close friends who were at his side.

Marcos graduated from Cigarroa High School in 2000.-He was an accomplished football player who was named All South Texas MVP (offense) in 1999 as well as reaching the Season Regional semi-finals with the Mighty Toro Football team.-He was a true athlete who received multiple recognitions in various City of Laredo Parks and Recreation's programs.-Many of the lifelong sports passions he had were dedicated to football, basketball, boxing, baseball, flag football.-Always being the kindhearted and educated person he was, he gave back to his community by coaching future young athletes.

Amongst other passions he had, Marcos loved to dance, play guitar, piano and drums and off course, sing.-He was dedicated to helping people in need in order to overcome their weaknesses encouraging everyone to never give up and to always give their all in whatever they wanted to accomplish by saying his trademark:-"Let's do this".

He was employed by the City of Laredo Fire Department having entered the academy in 2002.-He was both a Firefighter and Paramedic, who received the Firefighter Rookie of the Year in his beginning of his career of service.-In the course of his career Marcos was involved in or received the following accolades:-Firefighter Olympics Softball Team Gold medalist, Guns and Hoses Football/Basketball Team, Boxing Pound for Pound (undefeated record 2-0), and established the Marcos Aranda Football Camp.

In 2006 after undergoing several renovations and additions to his Alma Mater, Cigarroa High School, the Laredo Independent School District named the Cigarroa High School Field House and Field after him; an honor to which he felt very humbled to accept.

There are no words to express the many kind hearted people who found our dear Marcos inspiring and were with him during his battle.-A big THANK YOU is sent to each and every one of you during this time for being there not only for him but for us his family.-To his Firefighter family we are deeply appreciative of the support received.

He is survived by his parents, Jose Ricardo & Dora M. Aranda; girlfriend Cindy Vasquez;; brothers/sisters, Angelica (Fernando) Alvarado, Jose (Yaneth) Monez, Perla (Cesar) Garza; maternal grandmother Olivia Meza; aunts and uncles: Mauro Meza, Maria Mauricio, Alma Gonzalez, Raul Meza, Familia Gallegos, Reyes Maria Elena Aranda and family and his girlfriends parents Israel & Alma Vasquez

Arrangements are under the direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels, 1410 Jacaman Rd., Laredo, TX 78041, 956-722-8850.