Courtney Brent Mercado

Courtney Brent Mercado, 55, born on April 5, 1965, in Los Angeles, CA, United States, passed away October 5, 2020. He resided in Westlake Village, CA at the time of his passing.


Courtney entered this world as a charismatic, curious and active boy. He spent his elementary aged years in Harbor City where he played baseball, basketball, and football; enjoyed martial arts; and learned to play the accordion. He had many fond memories of living in The Woods neighborhood with family nearby and with lifelong friends who became his extended family.


Due to a family move, Courtney then spent his teen years in Woodland Hills. In junior high, he expanded his interests to drawing, bowling, playing the trumpet, and participating in Junior Achievement. In high school, he was introduced to photography and was on the wrestling team. Courtney spent most of his days with friends at the gym, beach or parties. Following graduation, he traveled with friends to Hawaii and cruised a few times to Catalina Island and Baja Mexico.


Courtney studied landscape architecture at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. He explored the beauty of the Central Coast playing golf and riding his mountain bike. College is where Courtney gained brothers and sisters after joining the fraternity, AEPi. He loved every minute spent with this group and their many parties, trips and other activities.


After spending a few years in the Bay Area, Courtney returned to Southern California. He had built a new successful career in technology and was the proud father of two daughters. At the age of 37, Courtney's medical condition was impaired as a result of the effects triggered by a septic infection. Courtney worked hard to recover and to live a different life, inspired by his two young daughters. He cherished his time with them whether it was going to amusement parks, helping with homework or teaching them how to drive.


Despite his compromised lifestyle, Courtney always had a positive outlook and lived his life as best as he could. Courtney earned a second Bachelor's degree from DeVry in Game & Simulation Programming with magna cum laude distinction. He sought new friendships and business opportunities. He looked forward to dinners, parties and outings with local friends, and he made several plans to reunite with other friends after COVID. He was insistent on keeping fit and took pride in sharing his results on social media.


Courtney will forever be remembered for his warm personality, big smile and ability to make you laugh. He will also be remembered for his great strength and determination. May his memory serve as an inspiration for us all to stay true to who you are and to accept and appreciate the gift of life in whatever form and duration it may be given.


Courtney is survived by daughters, Brooke Mercado and Alana Mercado, mother, Perla Mercado, and sister, Liza Mastrella and her family (Victor, Tiana and Nico Mastrella). Courtney was preceded in death by his father, Rod Mercado.


Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, October 26th at Forest Lawn in Hollywood Hills with Lynn Westover officiating.


A celebration of life reception will be postponed due to the restrictions of the pandemic.


Memorial donations in memory of Courtney may be made to the UCLA Kidney Transplant Program at https://giving.ucla.edu/Standard/NetDonate.aspx?SiteNum=579