Mark Petix Dies at 57; Grossmont High Grad Was Award-Winning Journalist

Mark Petix—a 1973 graduate of Grossmont High School who became an award-winning reporter for papers including the La Mesa Scout—died of cancer Aug. 4 at his Riverside home, according to news reports and his U-T San Diego obituary.

He was 57.

Nels Jensen, editor of the Riverside Press-Enterprise and his employer of 15 years, said the longtime La Mesan “was a gifted writer, and he loved to write about food. He could put the aroma of a kitchen or the flavor of a dish onto a page. He was a friend of so many, not only from the newsroom but everywhere in the building.”

George Rodrigue, former managing editor of the Press-Enterprise, was quoted as saying: “He had a knack for making people care about everyday news (probably because his own wisdom and humanity came through so clearly in his writing).”

After graduation from San Diego State in 1978, Petix worked at the weekly La Mesa Scout, San Dieguito Citizen, Oceanside Blade-Tribune and Escondido Times-Advocate before moving to Riverside, said his obituary. He later wrote for the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin and the San Bernardino Sun.

Besides his wife of 17 years, Tena, Mark is survived by his sister, Susie Petix Wilson; his mother, Wilma Petix; and an uncle, several aunts and nephews.

A memorial Mass was said 3 p.m. Friday at Our Lady of Grace Church in El Cajon.