Mark Cederquist
Passed: February 25, 2020
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Mark Cederquist
Passed: February 25, 2020
Obituary
“Love easy, groove heavy…tomorrow is not promised”
The world, in general, and the music world, specifically, suffered a sudden and unexpected great loss on Tuesday, 25 February 2020. Mark “Swingman” Cederquist passed away, peacefully, in his sleep of natural causes. He was 48 years young.
As an audio engineer, The Swingman was unrivaled in his restoration and remastering talents. His passion was always Big Band and Jazz artists and groups. His knowledge in those areas was amazing. Just by listening to the music of those genres, he could rattle off the artist(s), the group and members present when a recording was made, including where it was first recorded, the date, and many times the time of day.
He made great contributions to music fans by remastering, recording, and uploading more than 1000 YouTube videos for all to enjoy.
In addition, he was a passionate Phoenix Suns fan…and his knowledge of that organization and team was amazing. He could rattle off stats and stories better than most. His emotions regarding the Suns spanned the spectrum from complete elation to disgust…a sign of a true fan.
But…as extraordinary as those talents were, his greatest talent was the caring, compassion, and helpfulness he freely gave to his many friends and followers. Those who truly know him realize what an impact he had on them.
He is and will be truly missed, but his soul will always be with us and his memories will endure forever. We love you, Bud…rest easy and peacefully.
He is survived by his mother, Phyllis Duran, his father, Brent Cederquist; his step-mother, Kathleen Cederquist; his sister, Lisa Heidke; his step-sister, Monica Furst; two nephews, Connor and Shane Heidke; and his niece Nikoya Madsen. A memorial service will be held at a future date to be determined. Condolences for the family may be left below.
8 responses to Mark Cederquist
Cynthia Thompson says:
March 3, 2020
Please accept my condolences. May the love of family and the support from friends help you through the journey ahead. It is an honor to serve your family.
Charmaine Chase says:
March 4, 2020
Although I never met Mark in person, I so enjoyed his wonderful posts. His knowledge of this music and dedication was unsurpassed. He was always so nice when we would chat…I know he had a huge heart. I pray he met every musician he admired…surely, they will thank him. Keep making the music Mark.
Chris Scott says:
March 4, 2020
As the devoted “swing man” Mark’s passion for music was boundless. Many of my weekend evenings we’re filled driving around in his Ford Torino listening to 2LiveCrew with the occasional Count Basie thrown in. What an eclectic combination… Mark’s love for music was infectious.
In 1985 Mark’s family took me to see Back to the Future. What an amazing time and experience. Even though I was only 11 years old I remember it like it was yesterday. After the movie we came back to Mark’s house and listened to every Huey Lewis song we could find. It was AWESOME. Mark’s love for music was infectious.
The day he discovered Buddy Rich was extraordinary. Mark called me so excited to show me this amazing talent. He demanded that I immediately head to his house to listen. We must have listened to the same song 20 times, then transitioned to pretending to drum on pots and pans, what a day! This began Mark’s love for the drums. Mark’s love for music was infectious.
During my high school years Mark really started focusing on big band and swing music. We spent countless hours listening to records and I so distinctly recall how excited he would get when he discovered a new tune or band. Mark’s love for music was infectious.
As sometimes happens Mark and I lost touch over the past 20 years and have only spoken a few times. I think about him often and have checked in with him time to time, but not nearly enough. As recently as last year we attempted to catch-up, but unfortunately it didn’t work out.
Mark’s legacy is his love for music. His passion affected me and helped me become the person that I am. I too love music, and I believe this is in large part due to Mark’s excitement, passion, and love for all things music. I’ve raised my children with this passion and love for music. Both continue the tradition today and I know will continue to pass that torch. Mark’s love for music IS infectious.
I’ll miss you my friend, but I will always remember the amazing times, polishing the chrome on the ‘ol Tornio so we could cruise Central while listening to the craziest music ever.
You’ve made a difference in my life and my family’s life and I’ll always remember you.
Godspeed my friend.
Sharma Sparks says:
March 4, 2020
Mark and I spent hours on the phone during highschool, he would play big band music for me. Our times together are some of my favorite memories. Heaven is a better place with him there!! Love and miss you bunches
Don D. Davis says:
March 5, 2020
32 years ago Mark walked into my experimental AM Carrier Current radio station in Buckeye, Arizona and wanted to learn how to be an on air personality. Mark had a knack for mixing music and especially loved the music from the ‘Roaring Twenties’ to Big Band, Blues to Jazz, and Thumping Bass Rap and Techno Beats.
After Radio West Valley, Mark continued to plie his trade as an audio engineer and has personally digitized thousands of 78 rpm recordings that might have been lost forever. A couple of years ago he took on a project for Rollofone Records and helped remaster from the original steel masters a 10 record 10 inch limited edition set of 78 rpm records of Glenn Miller’s original hits that sounded as good as they did when they were recorded 70 years ago.
The music world owes a lot to Mark Cederquist in his diligent preservation of timeless musical classics.
I’m in shock right now. I ask that you hold Mark’s parents, Brent Cederquist and Phyllis Duran, in your thoughts as they have to bury their only son.
What is remembered lives.
Mark Cederquist
September 27,1971 – February 25, 2020