Mark Raymond McCoy

Mark Raymond McCoy, 56, passed away Oct. 12.

Mark was born Nov. 7, 1956 in Medford, Ore. to parents Doris Gaines and Raymond McCoy. He grew up in the Rogue River Valley with his younger sisters, Debbie, Maryanne, Shirley and Angela.

Mark volunteered for the U.S. Army as a teenager, and upon his return from overseas started his first small business before beginning a very successful technology career in the Seattle area. His first supervisor, Gail Whitney, thought he was a bit too sure of himself. He thought she was beautiful. Recently, they celebrated their 27th wedding anniversary.

Together they raised two sons, Mark and Jared, in Washington, Texas, and then Whitefish, where they lived for 15 years.

Among other business ventures, while in Montana Mark became an outfitter in the Bob Marshall Wilderness and owned a fishing and hunting lodge. In 2011, their sons grown and off to college, they relocated to the Olympic Peninsula, purchasing Lennard K’s Boat House in Allyn, Wash.

Though a relatively recent arrival, the community quickly embraced Mark with his friendly, outgoing, larger-than-life personality and legendary booming laugh. The connections he made in the area and the outpouring of support from the community in recent months meant a great deal to him and are truly appreciated by his family.

A devoted husband, an amazing father, and a true friend — the number of people whose lives were positively impacted by Mark, and who loved him dearly, is a true measure of just how special a person he was. And how deeply he will be missed.

A private family services will be held at sea. A celebration of his life is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 23, 3 – 5 p.m. at The Boat House in Allyn, Wash.

In lieu of flowers, his family asks that donations be made to Hospice of Kona, 75-5925 Walua Road, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740.

They accepted Mark and Gail into their hearts and provided unsurpassed care, giving Mark the opportunity during his final weeks to live each and every day to its fullest.