Mark was an amazing man and I truely believe could accomplish just about anything and wasn't scared of working hard. I love how creative he was. Oh the adventure we had, helping with Speedy and the fish tank, going out to eat at Molly Good Heads, Chicago style pizza after work, camping in the Keys, getting stuck in the middle of Tampa Bay on a sail boat and lots of fun just hanging out. But I always think of Mark (and Jan) when I see Palm trees around a swimming pool, it was hard work and a lot of laughing.  Dave and I will miss you greatly, sorry we didn't stay in touch. My life is much richer for having you in my life.

Mark and Jan came into my life about 20 years ago as they were in the process together digging their back yard pool.  Mark was a unique person and his mind was always in creative mode. He was a great Dad to his son Luke. He supported Luke's adventures and was insistant that he learned to use his own skill to take things apart and rebuild them (such as his dirt bike) . He was the kind of Husband and Father that bragged about his son and wife when they were not around. He was proud and loved them both.  I shared many happy memories both on the water and at the Tiki Bar. Mark was a great friend and I will truly miss him.

One of most honest men I ever met. He was my brother in law for a time and was a great uncle to my girls, can truely say they loved him as I'm sure most people who really knew him.

Mark, Jan and Luke go back in my memories since 1988, we lived down the block, driving by the shell of the concrete house(more like a mansion) seeing them working on it. Seemed like the building went fast, because next thing I knew they were living in it, our friendship grew as we each had children and we really had no closer friends than Jan and Mark, who my husband nicknamed Mr Extreme.  Mark was the most talented man we had the fortune of meeting, whatever he did, it was big and was the best. 
One memory sticks out, we had camped in our yard one week and the following week we camped in Marks yard, Luke had this electronic musical instrument, I want to say a Sax, anyway us adults were sick of hearing it, so Mark pitches it into the fire, much later like 3 or 4 in the morning we were awoken by this this going off and playing again!  We had so many good times, and some sad, Mark and Jan bringing their RV to my home when my husband was in hospice care so extended family had a place to sleep.  I could not of been more blessed to have these folks as friends, Mark you are missed, but the memories remain in our hearts and minds.  Praying for your family and friends 💔💔💔😘

      I have known  Mark since  around 1988. The list of accomplishments for this man is just too long for this space; just some of the many  I remember...... the fabulous concrete home and garage he and Jan built in Safety Harbor,drag race car, his monster red pick up truck, his first offshore record holding  boat, his patented haul designs, the  fiberglass enclosures for a Cat Scan machine that was built for the company I worked for at the time, some water feature ride rafts for Disney, designing a specialty sports car with "gull-wing" doors. 
      What can I say, it just goes on.  As you can tell, I've been impressed for a long time. 
      My wife and I will miss him ! Heaven will now have a Special Man!

Thank you for taking care of all the boys who raced moto cross. I will miss sharing a beer with you and Jan and arguing about one thing or another at the Tiki hut. You were a big presence in our world. We will miss you. Love Terry

OBITUARY

Mark Richard Spates

January 29, 1958 – August 20, 2019

Groover Funeral Home at Mansion Memorial Park

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