Mariano Camacho Cruz passed away peacefully on August 27, 2017. Mariano was born in the Northern Mariana Island of Guam to Jose Guerrero Cruz and Maria Benavente Camacho. He was 84 years old when he left us to be with our Lord in heaven and his wife Maria. Mariano was married to Maria Mendiola Cruz for 60 years. He served honorably in the Air Force and retired as a Master Sergeant after 23 years. He and Maria had a wonderful life together, traveling the world and raising their 7 children. After retiring, they decided to settle in Lompoc, although never having been stationed at Vandenberg AFB.

Mariano had a passion for many things including, cooking, farming/gardening, fishing, writing, getting together with family and friends, and showing his hospitality to all who would stop to visit him in Lompoc on their way somewhere. His greatest passions were his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and he spoke often of his love for his "paradise"--his island of Guam. He was a member of the Queen of Angels Church in Lompoc and loved to serve the Lord. His family and friends thoroughly enjoyed his delicious Chamorro cooking. We will miss his generous heart, charm, sense of humor, unique laughter, and his devotion to family and to the Lord.

Mariano was the last remaining of 13 children, preceded in death by his parents Jose and Maria, his beloved wife Maria M. Cruz, daughter Rosie C. Castro, and son, Joseph M. Cruz, sisters Fermina, Maria, Elena, and Conception and brothers Jesus, Francisco, Antonio, Juan, John, Manuel, Augustine, and Jose. He is survived by 5 children, Anthony, Robert, Marilyn, Raymond, and Dianne, 20 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild. He will be greatly missed by all of his friends and family. In gef guaiya hao Tata, adios, estaki manali'e hit ta'lo.

Vigil services will be held 7 p.m. Thursday, August 31, 2017 at the chapel of Starbuck-Lind Mortuary. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday at Queen of Angels Catholic Church with Rev. Lawrence Santos presiding. Burial will follow at Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation hours will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the mortuary.