Daniel was born in Bucaramanga, Colombia, on September 30, 2004, to Doralba Olarte and Bernardo Marquez. In 2007, he immigrated with his family to the United States, settling in San Mateo, California, where Daniel attended preschool at Turnbull Elementary. His family later moved to Foster City, where he began elementary school at Brewer Island. It was there that he made his first friends and stood out for his playful mischief, but even more so for his thoughtful, mature mind. As a child, he thought like an adult. As an adult, he remained a child at heart—and that is how he truly embraced and enjoyed his life on this earth.
In 2010, Daniel became a big brother for the first time with the birth of his sister Gabriela. Together, they shared deeply happy years surrounded by water, nature, and the warmth of a loving family.
His endless curiosity made him a passionate reader and an avid visitor of science museums. Driven by an irrepressible energy, he explored all kinds of sports and activities: soccer, karate, jiu-jitsu, piano, violin, and basketball.
It was during his time at Bowditch Middle School, after not making the school basketball team, that he decided to try volleyball. It quickly became his ultimate passion and an essential part of who he was. At age 13, he was accepted into the Bay to Bay Volleyball Club, where his love for the game deepened and competition grew more intense, shaping his character and leadership both on and off the court.
In 2016, his sister Luciana was born, bringing another wave of joy to Daniel’s life. A year later, the family relocated to Antelope, in the Sacramento area. There, he earned a spot on his new school’s team at Antelope Crossing Middle School, as well as with NCVC—the club with which he played his first USA Volleyball national tournament in 2018 and his last in 2023.
At Antelope High School, he continued to lead his team with standout performances, inspiring his teammates to pour their hearts into the sport.
The year 2022 was filled with significant milestones: Daniel graduated from high school and was selected to play in the Optimist All-Stars Game, which brings together the region’s finest athletes. That same summer, he competed with his club at the USA Volleyball Boys Junior National Championship in Las Vegas, taking home first place in their division.
He was also called up to play in the Junior National Tournament in Colombia. Always proud of his heritage and holding a deep love for his homeland, Daniel eagerly embraced the challenge, made the final roster, and had the privilege of playing at a national level in the place where he was born.
It was an experience he cherished deeply and loved to share whenever volleyball was spoken of.
Fragrances were another one of his true passions. He studied them deeply, and just like in everything else he did, his enthusiasm left a lasting impression on others. Many looked up to him, listening closely to his advice and recommendations. His fragrance collection was undoubtedly another one of his prized treasures.
Danny’s hunger for knowledge led him to dive into philosophy, engaging in countless debates on his favorite subject: the existence of God. From a very young age, his faith anchored his life—like the time he personally asked to be baptized. Over time, he felt a calling to help others recognize a Creator, and through these thoughtful conversations, he touched many lives, guiding young people who didn’t know God to find Him—something they have expressed to him with immense gratitude. Without a doubt, Daniel touched so many lives.
Naturally, the very first hearts he touched belonged to his family, who were his greatest treasure. Even as a young boy, he shared words of wisdom to comfort us in moments of pain. We shared so many beautiful memories centered around his sport—traveling together as a family and experiencing every victory and defeat side by side. He offered the gentle guidance of a wonderful soul when it came to caring for his sisters, and held a love for his family so profound that it gave him the strength to endure the unimaginable, just to keep faith and hope alive in his loved ones when his illness grew harsher, more painful, and his physical strength began to fade.
We feel immeasurably grateful to God for the privilege of having had him in this world as our son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, friend, coach, and guide. We carry the quiet certainty that he will continue to touch lives, because his journey goes on alongside our Heavenly Father—just as Ecclesiastes 12:7 reminds us: “Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.”
You are loved forever. Wait for us in eternity!