Mark A. Wentworth, one of NMARN's strongest supporters, passed away Wednesday, April 28, 2010 while enjoying one of his favorite pastimes (golf) in one of his favorite places, Florida. Mark was a kind and gentle figure who was well-liked by all. His sudden passing has been a shock to all of us.

From his website, wentworthbuilders.com:

Mark spent his childhood in Ohio with his brothers Jeff and twin Steve. He graduated from Hillsdale College, served in the Army during the Vietnam War, and moved to Harbor Springs, Michigan in February, 1972 where he worked as a carpenter. Mark established "Mark Wentworth Builder" in 1982 and proudly ran a successful construction company until his retirement in 2003 when he sold "Wentworth Builders" to his step-son, Scott Kennard, who continues the success of Wentworth Builders.

Mark shifted into "retirement" in his new hometown of Topinabee, Michigan and remained just as busy in retirement -- building storage units, building a vacation home in Canada, golfing, boating, and vacationing in Canada and Florida with his wife LuAnn and his beloved Dog, Amber.

Mark was well known for many things: his twinkling blue eyes, his charm, loyalty to his friends and family, his generous nature, and that pesky temper of his --the stories of Mark's complicated relationship with equipment are classics.

There is no shortage of "Mark Wentworth" stories -- everyone has at least one, frequently told at Mark's expense and much to his and everyone's amusement. In lieu of a funeral service, there will be a party to celebrate Mark's life at the Breaker's in Topinabee. Please share your favorite "Mark Wentworth" stories at the celebration.

Surviving Mark are his wife, LuAnn Bandemer Wentworth; his brothers, Jeff Wentworth and Steve Wentworth; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Louie and Lois Bandemer; sisters-in-law Sue Boyer, Judith Ann (Michael) Boyer, Laurie Walker, and Leigh (Jerry) Cassidy; sister-in-law Mollie Wentworth; niece Jennifer, and nephews Jonathon and David; step-children Chad Corey, Clay (Amy) Corey, Cheyne (Tara) Corey; Scott (Jamie) Kennard, Jonas (Laura) Kennard; grandchildren Mitchell, MaRynn, CamBrie, Marshall V, MaCayla, Audrey, Sadie, Lucas, and Noah Corey; and his dog companion Amber. Also surviving Mark are his many friends. If you would like to make a donation in Mark's memory, please do so to the Northern Michigan Animal Rescue Network, Topinabee Library, or M.A.P.S.