Mark Stephen Fleming's Obituary
Mark Stephen Fleming was one-of-a kind. He was a big personality who loved connecting with people wherever he roamed. From the busboy in his favorite diner to his cancer specialist, he shared belly laughs with them all. Loaded with mischief and goofy one-liners he could make anyone laugh.
Mark was born and raised in Southern California along with two older sisters, Janet and Tassy, whom he adored. Growing up with older sisters to guide him, Mark was well-schooled in “the ways of the world”, understanding the importance of a well-stocked makeup bag and a quality mascara. When we met later in life, I marveled at his ability to talk and giggle late into the night, just like a slumber party! Mark attended grade school where his Mother Nancy was a teacher, which at times was problematic since he was quite the active, daring, curious, and mischievous young boy. This was demonstrated the time he lost consciousness in the dentist’s office at age eight while playing with all the levers on the laughing gas panel. Or the time, as an altar boy, when he and another boy snuck into the sacristy of the church to sample some wine. Then there was the time when he was ten and tried to explain to the policeman that he was not with the boys throwing crabapples into the road with crabapple juice all over his face. He was the resident class clown and was often sent to sit in his mother’s classroom to re-think his goofy shenanigans. Such a lively boy was young Mark Fleming.
Mark never let grass grow under his feet, he was always busy with many interests. He loved motocross racing and was sponsored by Yamaha for many years in his late teens and twenties. He also loved surfing and had fond memories of riding the waves from San Clemente to Mexico. He loved his longboard and held onto it for decades. Mark also loved sports, carrying his infant son Bryce to the Mariner’s game for a nap in the screaming stands. He loved the Miami Dolphins and once told me he knew we were meant to be together when he learned I was born in Miami. He was so proud of his son Brent’s soccer skills and Bryce’s baseball prowess. His coaching medallion from when the boys were little remains on his keys to this day. He was obsessed with the Padres and could spend hours over the phone with his brother-in-law, Gerald, discussing baseball plays and players… and to brother in law John, the Padres vs Dodgers debate is over. Mark proudly entered heaven last week in his button down Padres shirt.
Though Mark loved motorcycles, surfing, football, and baseball, nothing brought him more joy than his family, whether it was BBQing on his smoker or singing karaoke, he provided nourishment and laughter for all. He was known far and wide for the singing rendition of “Stairway to Heaven” with his granddaughter Emily. In the summertime you could find him sitting on the patio, face raised to the sunshine, singing along with Creedence Clearwater Revival. Mark loved his children, Brent, Bryce and his wife Karly, and Jeff, Shawnee and Ryan. Mark and I were also blessed with nine grandchildren: Emily and her husband Silas, Rylee, Bella, Kenna, Bennett, Reese, Tori, and Teagan. He was fondly called “Papa Bear”, and will keep his feet warm in heaven in his Papa Bear socks.
Beyond being the class clown, the carefree daredevil, and the big personality in the room, Mark was the love of my life. We could never imagine how we lived without each other for so many years before we met. When our first granddaughter Emmy and then Bella, were born on the same day ten years apart, Mark once again reminded me that we were destined to be together. Always wishing we’d met earlier, we were soulmates for seventeen years and we will remain so. We shared so many fun adventures and goofy slumber parties, and a lot of car karaoke and private kitchen dances. We treasured our time together with our faithful Labrador, Rozzy, who passed away only weeks before Mark. Now Mark and Rozzy are running through soft meadows in heaven where there are no leash laws. More importantly, both are breathing freely… Mark with no cancer and Rozzy with a healthy heart. Mark, I know you’re cracking jokes with your dad right now, you were both warriors and fought cancer very hard, surrounded by your loving family. I’ll tell Tassy’s John that everyone has perfect hair in heaven.
Rest in peace, My Sweet Mark. On the day you left us, when I promised to join you, you responded with “Take your time”. I love you, Mark Fleming.
What’s your fondest memory of Mark?
What’s a lesson you learned from Mark?
Share a story where Mark's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Mark you’ll never forget.
How did Mark make you smile?