Mark McBride, 48, Husband, Father and Son

Mark Carlton McBride, 48, passed away Aug. 26. He was born on Dec. 8, 1964.

He was a simple man who preferred a simple life; a life filled with family, and the people and places he cherished.  

He was born on the shores of Lake Erie where he chose to live his life. Mark was a dedicated servant, a man of incredible character, and a constant, unassuming source of strength to all he met. Mark was the stage crew in the “play” of life, an ever faithful servant happiest when others found joy- a role he will gladly take into eternity.

Mark married Beth McBride on July 22, 2000, dedicating his life to her and his beloved daughters; Robin and Molli Dieterich to whom he was quickly christened “Markie.”

He was the son of Carl and Jan McBride and brother to Jim and Lori McBride and Kelly and Anthony Alonge.

Mark’s family grew to include John and Linda Barnard and the families of Jodi and Frank Berg, David and Joanna Barnard, Megan Barnard, and Marcine Barnard. He was Uncle Mark and “Tickle Monster” to Sophie, Emily, Sydney, Andrew, Emma, Nora, and Vorn and “The man with the leash” to his beloved dog, ZeeBee.

Mark was a dedicated employee of Vitamix Corporation in Olmsted Falls where his legacy will remain for many seasons to come as his plants continue to bloom and his walking trail continues to meander about the grounds.

In his passing, Mark will continue to serve having dedicated the past two years of his life to a courageous and valiantly fought battle against stage IV colon cancer.  

His journey included being patient #1 in not one, but two clinical trials. In life, he bravely ventured where no man had gone before helping to pave the way to a world where the term “cancer” is a word so foreign it is only found in the dusty pages of old scientific journals.  

Thank you to each and every one of Mark’s faithful Prayer Warriors, across the globe and here at home, that followed his journey. If one person can benefit from his courage and determination, his faith and perseverance, his love of people and love of God; Mark will continue to find joy.  

So hold the door for a stranger, mow someone else’s lawn or drag their trash cans away from the curb…do it without recognition, and the spirit of this man will continue to live for Mark was a good, good man.

Friends may call at the Columbia Ballroom, 24883 Royalton Rd. Columbia Station from 3 p.m. - 7 p.m., on Tuesday, Sept. 3 with a funeral service to follow at 7 p.m.  

Mark will be laid to rest at Chestnut Grove Cemetery in Olmsted Falls the following day.

In honor of Mark, dress is very casual; jeans and ball caps encouraged.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mark McBride Memorial Fund at any 5/3 Bank.

Information provided by Busch Funeral Home.