Mark MacDonald

Mark Thomas MacDonald, 54, was a loving son of Sharon MacDonald, of Plainwell, MI, and Doug MacDonald, of Deltona, FL, and brother to Todd MacDonald of New York, NY, and Matt MacDonald, of Munster, IN, and uncle to four nieces and nephews. Born in Michigan, raised in central Florida, Mark spent most of his adulthood in south Florida, an area that he loved. Mark was a spirited and athletic child who developed into a popular and handsome teenager, avid surfer, and talented high school tennis player. Despite developing chronic mental health issues as a young man, he persevered through periods of hardship and hospitalization, and emerged with a renewed spirit. He earned his GED, lived independently when possible, and, at times, in group homes, and followed his own path in life, making friends and acquaintances easily, wherever he went. As a young adult, Mark learned carpentry, acquiring the building skills that would enable him to work on residential and commercial projects in Florida and, for a short time, in New York. He lent his construction skills readily and completed a variety of home improvement projects for family and friends. Mark loved sports, food, dogs, music, art, and, most of all, salt-water fishing. Mark faced numerous challenges throughout his adult life, including a late bout with cancer. Nonetheless, he displayed a unique, strong, and independent personality, and during periods of wellness, he showed his kind and thoughtful side, and enjoyed chatting on the phone with family members who were dispersed across the miles. We will miss his big laugh and infectious smile, which filled the room, and gave joy to those around him.