Marco Antonio Firebaugh (1966-2006)
Marco Antonio Firebaugh passed away this morning. My understanding is that his liver failed as he wrestled with the flu.
A smart, idealistic public servant, he was always very good to my wife and me. We will miss him.
[Update:] The AP has a statement from Speaker Fabian Nuñez and Senator Gloria Romero.
[Update 2:] The Capitol Morning Report says:
The Speaker’s Office reports that there will be a Rosary Monday, the 27th, for the late Marco Antonio Firebaugh with a mass and burial services on Tuesday, the 28th. Locations to be announced later. Contact: Vincent.Duffy@asm.ca.gov.
[Correction:] The viewing is not taking place at St. Matthias Church. Instead, the services are as follows:
Rosary & Viewing
Sunday, March 26, 2006
7:oo pm
La Placita Church
535 North Main Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Memorial Mass
Monday, March 27, 2006
9:00 am
Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels
555 West Temple Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
In lieu of flowers, the family is respectfully requesting that donations be made to the Marco Antonio Firebaugh Scholarship Fund administered by the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund. Checks can be sent to the following address:
MALDEF
Attn. Firebaugh Scholarship
634 S. Spring Street, 11th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90014
Phone: 213-629-2512
March 21st, 2006 at 10:38 am
We here at Marco Antonio Firebaugh High School are deeply saddened by the sudden and premature loss of such an inspiring namesake. The Administration, faculty and students all want to express our deepest sympathies to the Firebaugh family and friends. Please let us know what we can do for the family. We would love to honor Mr. Firebaugh somehow here at his school.
Thanks,
Mr Clay Chadbourne
Technology Coordinator
Marco Antonio Firebaugh High School
March 21st, 2006 at 2:22 pm
There is so much I want to say, but words will not do justice to what I feel. I will miss you Marco.
March 22nd, 2006 at 12:07 am
Gracias dios mio por haberme dado la oportunidad de conocer en persona a Marco Antonio Firebaugh y gracias otra vez por haberlo dejado este tiempo. Es una perdida irreparable como ser humano como lider y representante de nuestra comunidad. Nunca olvidare cuando te oia hablar lo importante que era para ti el que la juventud tuviera la oportunidad de estudiar y terminar una carrera. Sobre todo luchando para que los indocumentados estudiantes tuvieran el mismo derecho de ir a la universidad y no me olvido por tu gran apoyo y esfuerzo para que se lograran las nuevas escuelas en South Gate. Te recordaremos siempre!
March 22nd, 2006 at 10:26 am
My family and I have had the honor and privilege of knowing Marco, his mother, Doña Carmen, and his siblings for over 30 years. I can recall He was a mentor to my brother, guiding his career in public service, and above all, leading by example. We are proud to have been able to call him our friend and extend our deepest sympathy and support to his family and children.
March 22nd, 2006 at 12:26 pm
Although I may have worked for Marco for the shortest period of time, I have known him longer than any of the staffers. Marco has been a long time family friend. My mother and his have known each other for about 30 years now. I remember going to visit Marco’s family as a child to play with his younger brother Jesse and to help his mother sell clothes at the Swap Meet. Most of my memories during those years don’t involve Marco directly because he was in college at the time.
Because of our age difference I didn’t spend as much time with Marco as I would have liked. I spent most of my time with his brother Jesse and Jerry their nephew. We all looked up to Marco however. I remember one particular visit when I noticed a picture of Marco shaking hands with Mexican President, Carlos Salinas de Gortari, which his mother had proudly displayed. I thought it was really cool and it made me feel proud that I knew Marco.
Once I graduated from college Marco gave me the opportunity of a lifetime when he hired me during the last year of his term. I will always be in debt to Marco because he allowed me to get my foot in a door that may have not been open for me otherwise. In fact that is one of the things I admired most about Marco. He always struggled and fought so that others could succeed. Marco dedicated himself to improving the lives of the poor, the working class and young people. I was always impressed at how much faith he had in young people. All you have to do is look at his staff to see evidence of that. Although Marco has passed he will always be with us. His legacy goes on in each one of us and we will do everything possible to make sure that his work continues.
My deepest condolences go out to Carmen, Tlalli, Nicolas, Jesse, Pachis, Emmy and Cecilia. I love you all. And to Marco I would like to say Gracias and I’ll see you again brother.
March 22nd, 2006 at 10:56 pm
Hola A todos!!…..My Sympathy to the Firebaugh Family….I meet him once when I went to help him collect petitions to get him in the senate ballot…Nice man I meet the first day I went to help…..I remember him telling me “You will achieve your goals and dreams, echale ganas!”…I may not have talked to him a lot, but i got to know him by his friends and learned about the things he did for the Latino community…Un Heroe de la communidad Latina!!!!…
Ya esta en otra vida mejor……Descansa en Paz Marco Antonio Firebaugh..tu legacia va a seguir aqui en este mundo…MI RESPETO!
March 23rd, 2006 at 9:48 am
Marco Antonio’s actions brought honor and respect to his household and (moral) legitimacy to California’s legislature. Many students have had an opportunity because of his dedication and social consciousness. May Providence safeguard him and his loved ones. 540 gracias y que la comunidad eduque 540 mil personas como el para dirigir nuestro destino!!!
March 23rd, 2006 at 10:18 am
I was deeply saddened by his death. Marco introduced me to David Lizarraga. He pushed me as an artist and I then became a TELACU scholar. He and I kept in touch all the time while I was in New York. I was the designer of the trophy for the California Legislative Latino Caucus. I was present when they awarded it to him. He was happy of the fact I designed it.
I will miss you MARCO and like we use to say to each other. “Aye Te Wacho” ( with a big smile on our faces )
I will see you when I get there.
FERMINTATION
March 23rd, 2006 at 12:01 pm
Marco Antonio Firebaugh was a visionary and inspirational leader. We at AltaMed Health Services Corporation and community clinics in California lost a champion and an advocate for underserved communities. His legacy will live on!
March 23rd, 2006 at 4:26 pm
Condolences to the Firebaugh family and extended family.
Marco will be sorely missed and his presence on the floor of the Assembly. I had opportunity to work with him on several legislative issues as a CSU student advocate. He was very open, kind and generous with this time and motivation to make sure everyone had their right to an education. This is a very sad day indeed.
Shalom, my friend. Go well.
March 23rd, 2006 at 9:06 pm
When I think of Marco Antonio Firebaugh,the first word that comes to mind is THANK YOU. WHen I decided to start college and all the doors where closed, the AB540 law gave me hope. I am deeply saddened by the loss of Marco Antonio Firebaugh. He embodied the hope many AB540 students have for their future. He was the key that opened the door to higher education for many of us. He will be missed.
I am sure his legacy will continue creating change and hope for many people.
March 24th, 2006 at 12:44 am
Marco Antonio Firebaugh, was not just my big brother, he was the head of our family, my mentor, El Jefe at our consulting firm, and my Best Friend.
He was always there for me when I needed him most.
You will always have a special place in my heart.
I miss you already carnal.
March 24th, 2006 at 11:37 am
It is with great sadness that the CABE Board, members and staff say good-bye to the Honorable Marco Antonio Firebaugh, an outstanding individual and leader who worked alongside CABE in advocating for equitable instructional programs for English Learners. During his tenure in the Assembly and as majority leader of the California Assembly he worked tirelessly to bring about change and to address the instructional needs of our English Learners. In his role as leader he worked with other legislators to promote a legislative agenda for ensuring equitable opportunities and programs. We knew that we could always count on him to listen and act and to do what is right and just–even though it was unpopular. His first priority was the children in our schools, especially Latino, who given the opportunity to learn would be future leaders in the state–just like he was. We extend our condolences to his family and we will miss him very much.
March 26th, 2006 at 11:20 pm
I met Marco Firebaugh just briefly a few years back at a TELACU event. Initially, I was intrigued by his last name; after meeting him, I came away with a different impression. There was a natural warmth and charisma about him which I will never forget. I sit here late on a Sunday night in disbelief and full of sadness, having just seen the Spanish newscast. Indeed, our community has lost a true warrior for the rights of those least represented. My deepest condolences to the Firebaugh family…
March 27th, 2006 at 4:12 pm
I met Marco Antonio only once-at a CATESOL Conference in Ontario. I was intrigued by him because I’m originally from Firebaugh, CA, and I know a little about the Scot Andrew Firebaugh, who had come to California sometime in the XVIII or early XIX Century. I wanted to know where he was from and also to shake his hand, knowing that he led the fight to get in-state tuition for children of undocumented. Though I only met him that one time, I was surprised at how much his death impacted me. He’s really one of our very own heroes and will continue to live on through the kids who achieve their higher education because Marco Antonio walked the earth so very briefly.
March 27th, 2006 at 7:49 pm
I had the honor to know Marco Firebaugh through a very close family member of his, his charm & charisma I will never forget. My deepest condolences to his two children and to the BROTHERS and sisters of the Firebaugh family. I am so sorry for your loss. I know that words cannot release the pain you all must feel, but know that he will be forever remembered by everyone who had the chance to have Marco be a part of their lives. I hope that the wonderful memories that you have, keep him alive forever in your hearts and souls.
God Bless…
May 5th, 2006 at 3:35 pm
Aunque no conocà personalmente a Marco Antonio Firebaugh siento una tristeza inmensa y lagrimas escurren por mis mejillas de saber que hemos perdido a un lÃder y defensor de los marginados. Gracias al honorable Firebaugh por su trabajo, ya que por AB540 yo pude atender la universidad y desde entonces las puertas de la oportunidad siguen abriéndose. Me hubiera gustado darle las gracias y dejarle saber que él siempre me inspirará. Mando mi mas sentido pésame a la familia Firebaugh, mis rezos están con ustedes.
June 27th, 2006 at 12:53 pm
I was saddened to learn of Marcos passing.
I wish I had the chance to meet such a fine person.
May 23rd, 2007 at 12:32 pm
I am a 10 grade student at this school so sorry that he had left. we will still have him in our hearts
May 25th, 2007 at 11:38 am
I met Marco in 1978 at Durfee Jr. High in El Monte. He was a very cool person and i even gave him a nickname, “Fireball”, like the gladiator in the movie, “The Running Man”, which came out a few years later. I’m sure that all of the Durfee “Warriors” are proud to have known him both for who he was then and what he had gone on to accomplish in life. To you our brother…..always.
June 18th, 2007 at 11:42 pm
As Mr. Chadbourne has stated, we are immensely saddened to have lost such and inspiring and motivating figure that made it possible for us Marco Antonio Firebaugh Falcons to stand where we are today. Our beautiful school campus, our valuable education, and most importantly, the effort and time Mr. Firebaugh dedicated to us, are all everlasting treasures nothing can ever take from us. Our sincere thanks to our Angel, Marco Antonio Firebaugh. Sir, thank you for allowing us to stand tall and proud of what you’ve offered us. Not once when you went to our school, or not once did you hesitate to help us. You were always there with arms open, doing all the unconditional because you never lost hope in us. For that and so much more, sir, we love you.
Just this past Friday we held an inauguration ceremony for a statue and garden dedicated to Mr. Firebaugh, in which his mother and relatives were present. It was so beautiful, and his charismatic spirit lingered through the environment. Right before the statue was unveiled, Mr. Firebaugh’s Mother stepped up to the podium, and with a tear-filled face said, “De este dÃa en adelante no llorare mas por mi hijo, por que se que ustedes lo aman y lo recuerdan. Gracias.” ‘From this day forth, I will no longer cry for my son, because I know you love him and remember him. Thank You.” Yes, ma’am. We will forever hold your son in our hearts. All my respects to you, for raising such a beautiful person. As for you Mr. Firebaugh, as you did while you were on Earth, always guide us and push us to do our best as you always did. May you Rest in Peace.
July 17th, 2007 at 6:59 pm
Hello im Laura Rodriguez.I am about to be a Sophmore at Firebaugh High School.I never met the man but just by everything i have heard about him and the reasearch ive done, i now could say that he was an excellent person. Attending Marco Antonio Firebaugh High School has been such and honor and plessure. Unlike some of my peers, i am happy to have stayed at wonderful Firebaugh High School.I feel proud that i am a student there because that schools has made me honor Marco Antonio and not only that, it has showed me the correct paths to take.Reccently, there is a debate going on which involves our school. The city officials along with other activist want to build a NFL Stadium here i Lynwood. Doing such thing would destroy many, many houses and not only that, if they decide to build this so called stadium they will destroy FireBaugh High School. The reason i brought up this topic is because i live in the area affected and because i dont want them to do such thing to our school. Sure it will bring alot of money for the city but whats in it for us.Maybe just the “honor” to have a wll known city but thats not enough. Whats going to happened with Firebaugh High? All this money and effort that was put for building Firebaugh is just going to go to the trash. Whats going to happen to us? Our Future? Our I.B Program? All the great things this school has to offer? I’m preety sure that if Marco Antonio was allive, he would help us in any way that he could. One thing i have learned in Firebaugh High and from Marco Antonio is never to give up and fight for what you believe is right! So that is why i will like to ask everyone reading this to try to help us out in someway or another. We will not let them destroy our lovely school!
Once again, may Marco Antonio Firebaugh Rest in Peace and i know he will help us overcome this crisis.
September 13th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
i only met Mr. Firebaugh for a couple hours at the opening of Firebaugh highschool as a student singer but when i met him i was very intrested in all he had to say about life and politics. R.I.P.
September 20th, 2008 at 9:10 pm
I used to think that Marco Antonio Firebaugh was just some stupid school that my parents were forcing me to go, but after the research that i have done, i now realize it’s not ust some stupid school with the IB name. I realize now that in the FHS school is the spirit of MArco Antonio Firebaugh. I am now motivated to my best, in honor of MArco Antnio Firebaugh, RIP.
September 23rd, 2008 at 2:36 pm
Omg how saddd! :/
September 23rd, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Omg how saddd! :/ r.i.p fooo
September 24th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
Now that I look at what he, Marco Antonio Firebaugh, has done for us, I can only smile. I am proud of what he did. Not everyone can do that. I wish I had a chance to meet him in person. That would have been a great honor. Now, I strive not only for myself and my parents, but also, in memory for Marco Antonio Firebaugh. R.I.P.
August 13th, 2009 at 12:00 am
I am just now reading of Marco’s passing and I am so very saddened. I did not know Marco very well, but the interaction I had with him was always a positive experience. What a great loss. My heart goes out to his entire family. Rest in peace Marco.
October 1st, 2009 at 10:51 am
Thank you to Marco Antonio Firebaugh, a man I never met buy yet greatly impacted my life. It is because of him that I was able to get a Bachelors and Masters degree under AB540. I waited 3yrs after high school for that piece of legislature to pass, and when it did, I went at full speed. When I graduated, at both ceremonies, as I was waiting for my name to be called, I silently thanked no one more than Marco Antonio Firebaugh and God. God because in His way, He sends people to guide and speak for those who at times cannot because they are vulnerable and young, as I was when I finished high school and felt that there was no way to continue my education.
When celebreties pass away, so much attention is given to them, but what did they TRULY do for their communities? In what ways did they truly help change and affect people’s lives for the better? The value and importance of one’s life is measured by how much one is able to leave an imprint on others so that once one passes, his/her legacy continues through them. Marco Antonio Firebaugh, thank you very much. You left an imprint on not only me but thousands of young students who because of you can say “I want to be a doctor”, “I want to be a teacher”, “I want to be a lawyer” and can say this knowing that they can pursue these dreams with an equal chance as other students. Again, thank you and may you rest in peace.