On a sunny day in December, with his wife, Paula, sisters Karen and Nancy, and best mates at his side, Mark, a world traveler, began the next great journey too early due to Parkinson’s. Growingup in Orangevale, California, Mark graduated with a master’s in electrical engineering from Stanford University and entered disk drive development in Silicon Valley. Mark and Paula found each other and started their partnership, later marrying on Lake Tahoe. As a couple, both in high impact careers, they worked toward their mutual early retirements to explore the world together. And they did. Mark approached the complexities of life with humor, gentleness, and an analytical mind. With his unique intellect and curiosity, Mark explored and experienced a wide range of interests. Retiring early to join his wife in Europe, Mark studied at the Cordon Bleu.

On Whidbey Island for almost 18 years, Mark was a Master Gardener working in the Greenbank Farm Cottage Garden, watercolorist, photographer, farmerJohn’s friend, great baker, and enjoyed wines. Mark found joy in and on the water; from swimming, playing water polo, dragon boat racing to sailing.

Whether traveling or with a paintbrush, hoe, camera, carving knife or corkscrew in his hand, Mark used them all with dexterity and grace.

Mark has left us-his family and friends-with a lifetime of good memories. It has been the greatest joy and privilege to have had him in our lives.