Mark Stephen West

Mark Stephen West was born August 30, 1946, in Glendale, Ca to Lloyd McKee West and Bette Mae Hanson. He passed away unexpectedly on June 14th, 2011 at his home in Sandpoint, Id. Mark graduated from Franklin High School in 1964 and shortly thereafter obtained his private pilot's license. Mark went on to become a flight instructor at San Fernando Airport and helped many people earn their wings. Mark was drafted into the United States Marine Corps. He served 13 months as a recon scout in the Republic of Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in 1971. After being discharged from the Marine Corps, Mark married the love of his life of 35 years, Tina Marie Hargitay who was his first passenger when he obtained his private pilot license. He was accepted by the Federal Aviation Administration as an air traffic controller where he served for 25 years. Mark was initially stationed at L.A. Center and later served in Guam at Anderson Air Force Base for 15 years. Mark retired from the FAA at Spokane International Airport in 1998. Mark and his family moved to Sandpoint, Id in 1996. As a Retiree, Mark enjoyed transforming his home into his ideal garden retreat. He worked at Realty Plus as a real estate agent. He was also a tax preparer at HR block and was regarded as the best taxman in the area. Mark's interests were varied which included Disneyland (He visited more than most kids and also wanted to work on the rides), trains, building wooden model ships, gardening, music, avid clearance shopping, movies, history and dreaming up new inventions. Mark loved spending time with his family and children. He had an incredible sense of humor and loved to play practical jokes. He could start a conversation with anyone and told them his life stories. He will be missed dearly by all who he came across. He is survived by his wife Tina, children Jeffrey & Natalie West, Sean Drury and Shannon Eich; grandchildren Dakota & Tatum; sister, Cynthia Yager; and nephews Marshall & Andrew Yager. Mark is now resting peacefully with his son, Christopher Elliot West A funeral service will be held at Pinecrest Cemetery in Sandpoint on Wednesday June 22, 2011 at 3:30 p.m.