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Obituary of Mark G. Burgoyne
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Loving father, brother and uncle, Mark Gordon Burgoyne passed away at home, Thursday September 20, 2012, in Wayne N.Y. Educator, adventurer, sailor and entrepreneur, Mark's journey through life took him from his east coast home town of Montoursville, PA to Alaska and finally back again, touching many lives along the way. Born January 25, 1943 in Vancouver, BC Canada, he was the eldest son of Benjamin and Lorraine Burgoyne. A 1961 graduate of Montoursville High School, Mark went on to graduate in 1966 from Graceland College, Lamoni, Iowa with a degree in Elementary Education, followed by a Masters in Special Education in 1969 from Central Missouri State. He married Christine Van Laar in 1967 while also having his first daughter, Stacey Christine, born that same year. Being the adventurer that he was, an opportunity arose that he couldn't pass up. He moved his wife and daughter to Juneau, Alaska in 1971 where he worked as the Assistant Director of Special Education for the State of Alaska. His second daughter Chelsea Sky was born in 1974 and the family of four then moved to Ketchikan, AK where he took the role of Director of the SE Regional Resource Center-Special Education Resources. He also served as the Director of Ketchikan Youth Services. His love of serving youth and students with special needs may have only been surpassed by his love of the outdoors and sailing. He partnered in George Inlet Lodge, a place for fishing and dining experiences, as well as becoming a fishing charter captain, sailing throughout the waters of Southeast Alaska. His maritime dreams faltered and life changed dramatically with the loss of his daughter, Stacey, to leukemia at the young age of 19. He returned to teaching and worked once again for the State of Alaska in the Department of Labor and Workforce Development in Juneau, AK. until retirement on October 1, 2008. He then moved back east to be closer to family, residing in Wayne, NY, living with what he lovingly called "his girls", Cocoa and Eagle Baby, his dogs. He is survived by his daughter, Chelsea Burgoyne of Richmond, CA, brother Joel Burgoyne and wife Penny of Sayre, PA, sisters: Colleen Santa Lucia and husband Mike of Norwalk, CT , Carol Olson and husband Doug of Superior, WI, and Tracey Thomas of Angoon, AK, as well as numerous nieces and nephews across the country. A true friend that genuinely cared about his family and friends and who will be greatly missed and forever loved. Service to be held 1pm, Sunday, September 30th, 105 Park Place, Sayre, PA. Friends of the family are invited to attend.
Online condolences may be made at www.fagansfuneralhome.com.
A Memorial Tree was planted for Mark
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Fagan's Inc. Funeral Home
Services for Mark Burgoyne
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