Goodbye, Sponge
The old school crew, circa 1990. Sponge is on the right.
I’ve been thinking a lot about what to say about my friend Sponge. He passed away early in the morning of March 3, 2006, from complications stemming from his diabetes. He was almost 37 years old. But instead of dwelling on the painful last weeks of his life, I’d like to share the fond memories I’ll always have of my old friend.
We called him “Sponge” because he gulped down soda like a sponge absorbs water. (Sponge Bob was not in existence when our Sponge got his nickname; hence, he is the original Sponge.) Back when we were kids, it was not uncommon to see Sponge walking around with a 2-liter bottle of soda and a large bag of chips clipped between his fingers. One of his pockets usually housed a Snickers bar.
Whenever he greeted you, Sponge always offered you the first swig of his soda, the first bite of that Snickers bar or the first handful of chips. This generosity extended to anything in his possession, even if that meant giving you his last dollar if you really needed it more than him.
Back in our party days, we used to tell the girls that we were cousins. While they were trying to figure out how a Puerto Rican Trinidadian was related to a couple of kimchiheads (my brother and I), we were usually able to score a phone number or two. We never thought our fabricated family tree was much of a stretch–after all, he was very much like a brother.
In the years subsequent to those party days of our early 20s, we didn’t hang out as often as we used to. Sometimes we didn’t see each other around for months, or even years. Nonetheless, we had the kind of friendship that would never get awkward, nor grow cold. And although it might be a while before I’ll see Sponge around again, I do know that when I do we’ll pick up exactly where we left off, just like we’ve always done before.
Until then, farewell my old friend, my cousin, my brother. You will always be remembered. You will always be missed.
Marc Tyrone “Sponge” Gonzalez
April 14, 1969 - March 3, 2006
redMoon
03/10/2006
Sponge isn’t gone forever. He will always be with you in your cherished memory.
Shane
03/15/2006
a nice tribute - Sponge is surely smiling at you from another dimension.
joey
03/19/2006
Ahnyoung Kimchihead:
Sorry to hear about your friend’s death. I hope all will be better for you.
Michello
11/26/2006
Great Tribute! Sponge is definitely smiling and dancing to some Heavy D & the Boys, and Guy, or just any beat that’s got him moving. Rest in Peace Sponge. I love you and you will never be forgotten.
Ma
12/26/2006
Great Tribute To Marc (Sponge)! I was just informed of your website. I would like to thank you for your tribute to my son. He was indeed a Remarkable Person and is truly missed and loved by so many people. I am blessed to be his mother. I know he is singing and dancing without pain and limitations; looking down on us with that captivating smile.
Anthony (Gonzo)
12/26/2006
Hay Mike:
Thanks 4 shearing the wonderful times you had with Sponge, as you know he’s always with us looking over us. Sponge was always dreaming of winning the Mega million or the lottery, so that he could leave us a legacy of wealth and good living; however, what he left was far greater. He left us with a great extended family. Friendships don’t really describe our material wealth, but rather our willingness to go out of our way for each other and knowing we can rely on each other in time of need.
It’s true that we don’t stay in touch with each other as much as we should, but we cherish the times that we do have when we are together. Marc (Sponge) thought us that: He thought that and a lot more, also, how to face death with honor and dignity, spirit and courage and humor. He was comfort to all of us even when he was himself in the most discomfort. He had that ability. Even in pain he would patiently listen to anyone who came to him with his or her problems, never once complaining of the pain he was in. I love my brother and miss him.
Mike D
11/16/2007
It’s very rare to have friends like that. I only have a few of them left but sometimes your lucky to find new ones.
Hats off.
Daniel (Bear) Westley
11/25/2007
MAN OL’ MAN!!!
This has hit me HARD!!
I, Daniel “The BEAR” Westley, has come back into the presence of all of those who has already honored this special individual.
For Marc, this is for you!!
Therefore-at this point, I ask all that who has known our respected homey-Marc Gonzales (or as he was affectionately known as “THE SPONGE”), to please forgive me. For it was upon my recent return, that it was brought to my attention-through our Brotha’ Cory, that Marc has “gone home”. It was no secret to Cory to see that it had plagued me, and I was literally hurt in knowing that a void of humor will be forever lost. Then I discovered-with the help of my cousin, Michelle Gordon, that the one and only, legendary Kimchihead has an active blog!
But in writing this message, I really hope that my effort is balanced through my response as I intend on honoring and keeping our boy Sponge in my memories and in discussion with my cousin as well as through other people who knew this unique individual. I can’t help but to confess that this wonderful lil’ guy made us all laugh and that will forever be embedded within everyone’s memory.
So-you keep it real, lil’ Buddy as I know you will; for you will always be remembered.
In sincerity and respect, one of your Homeys,
Daniel (The BEAR) Westley,
Certificated Educator, Seattle Public Schools
saboonjin
12/23/2007
An angel in disguise. A very sweet one… Let’s just say, his duty on earth was done and it was time for him to go. He touched all our hearts and let us know the meaning of true friendship and what it is to be selfless.
=)
MixOne
10/22/2008
RIP Sponge…I can’t believe it took me this long to find out about Marc passing. I have one of my favorite memories of him the last time I hung with him…we went to the movies, had a bite, made jokes about his new leg!
In the meanwhile, I got to catch up a little with Moms and Ant & the fam.
We’ll see each other again soon enough, my brother. I love you for all you brought to our lives.
~B