"I was just made aware of Mark's passing today. We had not talked in a while. But, he will be missed and forever appreciated by those of us who were ran over by the family court. He was a big help to me at least a couple of crucial times. He knew the right people and cared enough to help get things done when he could. I'm sure he helped more people than we know. He had a sense of community with all us beaten dads and was always there to help where he could. RIP Big Dog!"
In loving memory of
Mark Raymond Mahnkey
September 4, 1948 - April 12, 2018
Mark Mahnkey of Lynnwood, WA passed away on April 12, 2018 at the age of 69. He was born in Tacoma, WA on September 4, 1948 and was a resident of Washington State his entire life. Mark graduated from Curtis Sr. High School in University Place, attended Washington State University in Pullman, and completed a distance-learning program through Loyola University of Chicago.
Mark was a small business owner for much of the 1980's, with grocery stores in and around the Tacoma area. He was elected to the University Place School Board in the 1990's and served on the Washington State School Directors Association (WSSDA) concurrently. In his later years, Mark was appointed to the Evergreen State Fair Board of Directors and was a frequent visitor to the state capitol, testifying before the state legislature on matters of open government and parental rights. Throughout the decades, he could always be found at the local Denny's, reading the newspaper and drinking coffee in the early morning hours.
Mark is survived by his children, John-Mark (Denise) Mahnkey, Nicholas (Nicole) Mahnkey, and Benjamin (Emily) Mahnkey; grandchildren, Hayden, Maxwell, Harper, and Maverick; sister Susan (Kenneth) Dahlberg; as well as innumerable friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Eugenia Mahnkey, and his cat, El Gato.
At his request, no services will be held.
Memorial donations can be made to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance or Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA.
Tributes
"I just recently heard of Mark?s passing. It caught me by surprise and I am truly sorry to hear of your family?s loss. I did not know Mark for very long but I always new when he was in the room. I liked that about him. Best wishes to his family. Dean Lotz "
"john cope, April 30, 2018
my condolences to family.
My dearf friend. , will be dearly
missed and always remembered. Mark and I spent 4 or 5 summers with two classmates backpacking across the Olympic mountain range. On different routes. We spent all winter planning each summer hike.
Mark kept us on task and organized for each trip. My friend will dearly be missed. Relatives or friends please call wold love to here from you
john Cope (907) 306-0473"
"I have been working with Mark on the Mukilteo Ferry Advisory Committee for the past 18 mos where he made meetings humorous. His straight forward, lets get to the fact style was really appreciated. He will be dearly missed. I agree wholeheartedly that Mark worked diligently to make this/his community a better place. Condolences to his family!"
"Mark served the Snohomish County community as a member of the Evergreen State Fair Board for over 8 years. On behalf of the Evergreen State Fair family I would like to express our condolences to the family for your loss. Hal Gausman, Evergreen State Fair Manager"
"Sorry for your loss. I will miss working with Mark at the Fair. He was a pleasure to be around and always helpful. Elaine Johannsen"
"Mark was a very smart energetic man with many interests. He loved to get out into the countryside and we explored many wild roads. The last pictures I have are from a road trip last fall over Colockum Pass which I posted. Mark had a large circle of friends who will miss him greatly for years. We are all fortunate that he remained active until the last few months. Condolences to all family and friends."