DSLC NEWS PHOTO: Manhattan Beach police officer Mark Vasquez gets checked out by his wife, Lee Vasquez, after a haircut in 2007Mark Vasquez, a Manhattan Beach police officer whose public battle with cancer prompted community fundraisers and an event where dozens of people shaved their heads in support, has died. He was 36.
Vasquez died Sunday evening at his Torrance home with his family at his side, Manhattan Beach Police Chief Rod Uyeda said Monday.
“I have never known a man more courageous and full of passion for the betterment of all those around him,” Uyeda said. “It has truly been an honor to have known Mark and called him a friend.”
Vasquez, who served on the Manhattan Beach force for six years, leaves behind a wife, Lee, and two daughters - Madison, 9, and Ashley, 8.
“He was the glue that kept the family together with that great smile of his,” said his father, Manuel Vasquez. “I am going to miss him a lot.”
Vasquez battled multiple myeloma, a blood cancer that attacks the bone marrow, since his diagnosis in January 2007. He underwent chemotherapy and two stem cell transplants.
“We thought we had it beat after this second transplant,” his father said. “We were so close.”
Vasquez underwent surgery about two weeks ago for pneumonia, but struggled to regain his strength, his father said.
Over the years, residents held bowling events and other fundraisers to assist Vasquez with medical expenses. His colleagues and other city employees shaved their heads at a December 2007 community event to show their support when he began cancer treatment.
As he watched colleagues lose their locks, Vasquez said the support gave him hope.
“I'm a real positive guy,” he said. “These people got me believing I'm Superman now.”
Police officers adopted the term “Superman” for Vasquez because he periodically was well enough to return to work.
Uyeda said Vasquez maintained his “positive can-do” attitude throughout his time with the department and during his battle with cancer.
The chief described the department's mood as “truly somber.”
“He was a great listener and friend to everyone,” Uyeda said. “It's almost as if everyone has lost a true member of their family.”
Shortly after his diagnosis, Vasquez filed a claim against the city that alleged the cancer was job-related.
Manhattan Beach officials disagreed with the claim, questioning the legitimacy of Vasquez's assertion that he got cancer on duty.
In March, Judge Scott Seiden ruled that the officer's cancer was caused by conditions he routinely encountered at work. The city is considering an appeal.
Uyeda and City Manager Dave Carmany ordered the department's flag be flown at half-staff in Vasquez's memory.
Officers on Sunday night provided an escort for Vasquez as he was taken from his home to Green Hills Mortuary. The officers said prayers in the parking lot.
“Though Mark was only here for a short time, he touched everyone he met in such a positive way,” Uyeda said. “He was a Will Rogers kind of guy. I don't think he met a person he didn't like, and even if he did, never said so, and would never make anyone feel less than appreciated and cared for.”
Vasquez is the second Manhattan Beach officer to die of cancer in recent months. His friend, Officer Jeff Goodrich, died in October.