Mark Gauvin passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 26, 2023.
Born in Chicago, Mark was raised in Long Beach, California. He was a Vietnam Veteran, serving in the Army. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from California State University, Long Beach, and later an MBA from the University of LaVerne. Mark was active in his children’s lives, coaching sports and taking them camping and traveling. A memorable adventure was in 1977 when he took his 2 kids and young sister across the country in a VW bus to attend a family wedding in Rhode Island.
Mark loved the sea and lived on a boat in California for over 15 years. He was very passionate about helping others, volunteering for a charity organization called “Ocean Challenge”. He taught children from the inner city of Los Angeles how to fish and get along with each other.
Mark also loved to visit Rhode Island where his father was from. The Po-Chedley summer party was a highlight of his year, with Mark holding court on the barbeque and telling stories around the fire pit long into the evening. Another highlight of his year was the Palm Springs Wingoff. Mark was a “founding father” of the event in 1984 and it has been going strong ever since.
Retiring from Boeing after 32 years of service, the last chapter of his life took place in Hamilton, Michigan. Starting with visits to the Dilla farm for the annual pig roast, he fell in love with the area. He reconnected with his Mother’s Chicago-based family and met many people here that became family. He loved to sit out in the garage with the door open inviting his friends to stop in for a visit.
During his battle against cancer, his community rallied around him. The family would like to give special thanks to the Dreisenga, Lubbers’ and Worldring families for all the support and countless acts of kindness they showed Mark during his time of need. Further special thanks to Bill Varney and Morris Feldman for their support and care for Mark during his illness.
In sum, Mark liked to help others and connect with those around him. He is survived by his son Richard and daughter-in-law Kimberly; granddaughter Natalie and grandson Nicholas, sister Michelle Panos and her husband William Panos. He is preceded in death by his daughter Tricia, Mother Anne, and father Richard.
A visitation will take place at St. Peter Catholic Church, 100 Peters Drive in Douglas MI at 10 am on Monday, February 13th, 2023. The memorial mass will take place at 11 am following the visitation. Father Fabio Garzon will be officiating. Arrangements are by Dykstra Funeral Homes-Mulder Chapel.
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