Richard Alan Mark

Our beloved husband, father and grandfather unexpectedly passed away Jan. 10, 2011 at the age of 78 with his family by his side. He will be greatly missed by family, close friends and the many lives he has touched.

Richard was born in Santa Barbara, California and graduated from Santa Barbara High School in 1951. He continued his education graduating from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo in 1955 with a degree in mathematics. To help pay for college, he worked during his youth as a Santa Barbara City Lifeguard where he met his wife Muriel. After graduation, he began his career at the Pacific Missile Test Center for 40 years as a civilian engineer. He was honored to receive the Navy Meritorious Civilian Award for his leadership and technical engineering expertise in the development and testing of electro-optical/infrared warning and countermeasure systems.

Richard shared his love of sports and outdoors with his family. He was an active, athletic man who enjoyed Boy Scouts, surfing in younger years, all sports, especially swimming and water polo. He took pleasure in camping and backpacking, having last climbed Mt. Whitney at the age of 59. He was involved as an assistant scout master for his son. After his retirement he and Muriel enjoyed travel to Europe, Australia and especially loved their yearly trips to Hawaii and Lake Tahoe.

He was an active member of the Ventura Retired Professional & Business Men’s Club, Ventura YMCA, Ventura Parkinson Support Group, Association of Old Crows and The National Association of Retired Federal Employees. He loved the Lord and was a longtime member of Community Presbyterian Church, Ventura.

He was preceded in death by his son, Loren A. Mark , and brother, Jack Mark. He is survived by his loving wife Muriel of 52 years. Daughters Eileen Condron (husband Mark), Gail Meinhold (husband Frank), Loreen Washburn (husband Ned). He was proud to be part of his grandchildren’s activities. His grandchildren are: Brian (wife Elizabeth), Kevin & Megan Condron, Christopher & Conrad Meinhold, Bridgette, Jacqueline, Gracie

& Loren Washburn. Our family would like to extend our love and appreciation to his wonderful caregiver Lalicia Barber, who helped him greatly while battling Parkinson’s.

Donations in Richard’s memory may be made out to Community Presbyterian Church Deacon’s Fund or to Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson research at www.michaeljfox.org or call 1-800-708-7644.

A graveside service will be held 10:30 a.m., Sat., January 22, 2011, Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, 5400 Valentine Rd., Ventura , followed by a celebration of life at Community Presbyterian Church, 1555 Poli St., Ventura, 2:00pm.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home and Crematory, 3150 Loma Vista Rd., Ventura. Condolences may be left at www.TedMayrFuneralHome.com.