Mark Louie
Dear Tio,
It feels so surreal not being able to call you and hear your voice. Even though I can still hear it in my head, it’s hard to accept that you’re no longer here. You had such a BIG heart, and your honesty and heartfelt opinions always meant a lot to me. The suddenness of your passing has been incredibly challenging for all of us.
I will miss you deeply, especially every time I visit Titi Emily and don’t see you in the house.
As I reflect, I can say I was truly blessed to have some cherished memories with you. One of the most touching memories I have of you is when you sang to Abuela during Abuela and Abuelo’s wedding anniversary celebration. Your love for her was so genuine and open, and I admired that deeply. I’ll never forget the time we spent in Tampa when I was younger and when you surprised me with the newest Madden video game in 2008 as I was leaving Tampa. I had mentioned how excited I was about its release, and you went out and got it for me and gave it to me before I left to the airport. You just wanted to get something for me, and I will never forget how happy you were to surprise me with that.
Another cherished memory is when you surprised me by coming to my undergraduate graduation in 2011. I remember calling you as you landed in Newark, and how surprised and how much it meant that you were there. I’m so grateful that you could be a part of our wedding during Covid in 2020 only months after we lost Abuela—it meant the world to us. You helping me put on my wedding suit and being with me before my vows are special memories I’ll always be grateful for. Even though we weren’t around each other often, you always showed up for the important moments in my life. Thank you.
Tio you were an exceptional man. Your work ethic and integrity were unmatched, and anyone who knew you would agree with that. You were a man of your word, and that meant everything. The way you loved and honored Titi Emily was truly special, and I will always see you as a role model in my own marriage. Your integrity and loyalty are qualities I aspire to. You always had a way of keeping things simple. Happy wife meant happy life, and the little things made you happy. I must say you were the biggest supporter of Ebay I’ve ever met. You kept them in business. It was always fun to hear about your new passions and hobbies over the years, whether it be boats, sunken boats, model planes, Harley Davidson bikes, artillery, or all of the World Wars - I was here for it. Your model Titanic boat is EPIC.
I’m grateful Stephanie, and I got to see you this past December. It was hard, but you were always a fighter, and your strength was inspiring. Tio, I wish we had more time together. I regret not calling you more often, and I’ll forever miss that opportunity. But I appreciate that every time we did speak, you made it feel like we had just talked the week before. I'll always treasure the voice message you left me; listening to it brings me comfort. There are so many memories of you that I’ll hold onto forever.
This is a difficult time for all of us—your family, friends, and loved ones. It doesn’t feel fair, and it doesn’t make sense. But knowing you’re with Abuela now brings me some comfort. We all miss her dearly, too. Through prayer and staying connected as a family, we’ll try to stay strong.
Thank you, Tio, for being the person you were and for touching so many lives in such a positive way. You will be deeply missed. Love, Mark
