Mark LeVern Sibon, 66, passed away Dec. 23, 2009 in an Anaheim, Calif. hospital of a heart attack. He was born at the Polly Harpole Maternity Home in Coupeville Nov. 9, 1943 to Verna Alice (Coates) Sibon and Marcus “Max” Sibon. He was the third of five children.

He grew up on Southern California in the little town of Lomita, where he attended Lomita Elementary School, Fleming Junior High and Narbonne High School (also Coupeville High School in 1958). After graduation in 1961, Mark signed up for a tour with the U.S. Army. He was in the 101st Airborne Division, where he became a paratrooper stationed at Fort Benning, Ga. After four years, he was honorably discharged. He moved to Anaheim, Calif., where he met his future wife through mutual friends. Anna-Marie Curren and Mark were married and they had two children, Dea-Marie and Mark Daniel. Years later they divorced and Anna-Marie and the two children moved to Coupeville.

He leaves behind his daughter Dea-Marie (Sibon) Bowen (Kit) and two granddaughters, MeKare and Aria Bowen of Coupeville; his son, Cmdr. Mark D. Sibon, U.S. Navy, Hawaii; his ex-wife and friend Anna-Marie Sibon of Oak Harbor; sisters Elizabeth Claire (Sibon) Wilson of Coupeville and sons Jeffrey (Karen) and Mitchell (Josie) of Arizona; Maxene Ethel (Sibon) Varga (John) of Coupeville, and children Lisa Edwin of Arizona and Scott Varga (Charith) of Gig Harbor; Julie Ann (Sibon) Lamoureux, and son Lance of Coupeville, son Bill Steik (Kim) of Ninilchik, Alaska; his brother Gregory N. Sibon (Danne) of Coupeville and daughter Niki Poplin (Gary) of Granite Falls; two aunts living in Coupeville, Maryon V. Smith and Evelyn V. Sibon. In addition are five cousins, Jim Sibon (Pat), of Bremerton, Richard Sibon of Palm Springs, Calif., Jean (Sibon) Malone of Seabeck, Wash., Diana (Sibon) Walti (Rick) of Oak Harbor and LeRoy Atkins (Mary) of Mesa, Ariz.; his faithful companion of many years, Connie Snapp at their home in Anaheim, Calif.; and numerous grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

Preceding him in death are his father Max Sibon, mother, Verna (Coates) Sibon-Chancey, grandparents Edwin and Ethel (Singer) Smith of Coupeville. A loving long-term relationship with Fran Riley of Anaheim, Calif.; as well as numerous aunts and uncles in California and Washington.

Mark was an employee of Harris Oldsmobile-GMC automotive dealership in Whittier, Calif. for 42 years, earning many awards, retiring as parts manager. He was president of his homeowners’ association for the past 10 years.

Mark’s family was very important to him, spending most of his vacations visiting them on Whidbey island. He was a very generous human being, ready to give up his life for those he loved. He is missed by all those who loved him, especially his family. We thank the Lord for the numerous people from all aspects of his life (back to his high school days) that have expressed their love for Mark. We know he has found his resting place until we can join him with the Lord.

A private family service was held Jan. 10 for Mark, as the fifth generation laid to rest at Sunnyside Cemetery in Coupeville. Graveside services were officiated by Pastor David Engle of Living Hope Church in Coupeville, an extended family member. Taps was played by Rick Castellano.

Donations may be made to the American Heart Association or American Cancer Society in his name.