When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Mark Mitchell Radler who was indeed a born manager. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Mark was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Mark knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.
Mark was born on August 29, 1954 in South Korea. He was born to his mother, Junk-ok Um. Mark was raised in South Korea and California. Even as a youngster, Mark learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.
As a young boy, Mark was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, he liked to organize and direct. Mark was raised with one sibling. He had an older brother, Danny. Mark had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Mark, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.
Mark's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Mark enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Mark took part in soccer. In his spare time he liked to shoot and hunt, ride bikes, and fish.
In school, Mark was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. He sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of his classes. He would eagerly complete his homework, and often put in extra study time when he felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Mark was always good at following directions and meeting his schedules, whether they were set by his teachers or were self-imposed. Mark’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time.” He graduated from Camden High School in San Jose, California in 1972. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was art and drafting. One of Mark's accomplishment in high school was breaking the track record at Camden High.
Mark’s practical work ethic carried over into his college years. His logical mind permitted him to work hard without succumbing to the usual distractions of college life. He would tackle an assignment and work through it before moving onto the next project. Mark’s orderly nature gave way to establishing personal study habits and procedures that not only helped him stay on track but often put him ahead of schedule. When Mark saw the need or benefit, he would willingly take on the extra assignment or even attend extra classes in order to learn more and become a better student. He earned his 4 year degree in Engineering. His favorite courses were Art and Drafting.
Mark was sociable and approachable. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. He enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Mark was a member of a group, his interaction worked to keep the others grounded. He wasn’t afraid to confront his friends and, when necessary, he challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Mark came to expect his high standards of performance. Later in life, he became friends with David, Gail, Shiela, Herman, Kim, and Steve.
An objective and conscientious individual, Mark reveled in the security of his family. On September 30, 1978 Mark exchanged wedding vows with Wanda Fernandez (ex-wife) in Reno, Nevada. One of Mark’s most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends.
Mark was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Mark would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. Mark was blessed with two children, one son, Mitchell, and one daughter, Michelle.
Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Mark was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Mark was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Mark upheld his standards. His primary occupation was as a PC Board Designer/Engineer. He was employed in his late teens to early twenties as a gas station attendant. Since then, he has been employed as an Electrical Engineer/PC Board Designer. Mark was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”
Mark approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were camping, sailing, hiking, and working on car engines. Mark was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.
Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Mark to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. In high school, Mark played soccer and track. Recreational sports included boating, sailing, and target practice at the shooting range. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were boxing, kickboxing, racing (anything competitive), and soccer.
Being generous with his time and energy, Mark liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. He was a vocal leader who enjoyed being a part of things. His desire to uphold traditions and his ability to take charge of any type of project made him a tremendous asset. In high school, Mark was a member of the soccer team and track team. In college, Mark joined the Math/Trigonometry Club.
When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Mark used his scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that he made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Mark had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, camping, and boating (sailing).
Mark was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. Two of Mark’s favorites was Lotus, a cat, and Rico, a dog. He was best friends with Lotus for 13 years, and Rico for 6 years. His family was rounded out by his dogs, cats, and fish.
Mark passed away on October 12, 2013 at home in San Jose, California with his loving family by his side. Mark fought a brave battle against an aggressive cancer. He is survived by his son and daughter, Mitchell and Michelle; and his brother Danny Radler. Services were held at Oak Hill Funeral Home in the Chapel of Roses in San Jose, California.
All who knew him would agree that Mark was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Mark Mitchell Radler did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.
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