Obituary for Mark Alva

Mark Alva, known affectionately as Beaver, was a beacon of compassion and loyalty, coupled with an infectious sense of humor that brightened the lives of those around him. Born on July 10, 1965, in Morenci, Arizona, he had a humble spirit that was as expansive as the Arizona sky.

Mark was a devoted son, brother, uncle, father, and partner. He held a steadfast love for his family, always prioritizing their well-being and happiness. It was Mark’s guiding light, a reflection of the quote by Barbara Bush, “To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being there.”

Mark Alva

As a heavy equipment operator in the mining industry, Mark was known for his diligence and dedication. He possessed an unwavering loyalty to his work, reflective of his reliable nature. Outside of his profession, Mark was an avid outdoorsman, with a deep love for fishing and hunting. He was also a fervent sports fan, always cheering on the Dallas Cowboys, the Atlanta Braves, and the Thatcher Eagles. His life was marked by an unyielding commitment to the things he loved, a testament to his steadfast spirit.

Mark is survived by his sister Lori Alva, brother-in-law Ritchie Bejarano, nephews Ritchie Bejarano and Markus (Malena) Bejarano, son Nicholas Martinez, partner Sandra Martinez, step-son Rudy Martinez, and step-daughter Alexis Martinez. He was preceded in death by his parents, Max and Angelina Alva.

Mark’s life will be celebrated on Saturday, July 15, 2023, with a viewing at 3 p.m. MST, followed by a service at 4 p.m. MST, and an interment at 5 p.m. MST. All events will take place at the McDougal Caldwell Funeral Chapel, located at 112 East Main Street, Safford, Arizona, 85546.

We invite you to leave your memories of Mark and upload photos to his memorial page. Each remembrance serves as a tribute to his life, a reflection of the love he gave and the joy he brought to those around him. As Robert Brault once said, “Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.” In our hearts, Mark’s memory will forever be one of those big things.

 Online condolences may be extended at www.caldwellfuneralchapel.com