December 17, 1947 February 2, 2022
Mark Andrew Means passed away peacefully on February 2, 2022 in San Diego, California after a lengthy illness with Multiple System Atrophy, a form of Parkinson’s disease. He fought a valiant eleven year battle with a debilitating and progressive neurodegenerative condition. He courageously tested his limits every day mentally and physically and showed the world how to confront his symptoms with bravery, humility and grace. Mark was supported by an amazing team of dedicated and compassionate doctors, nurses, caregivers, healthcare professionals, his loving family and his devoted wife. He was 74 years old.
Mark was born in Whittier, California on December 17, 1947 to his loving parents, Melvin and Carol Means and was of Norwegian and Scottish heritage. Mark was the eldest child in his family. He spent a cherished and idyllic childhood with his brothers Lynn and Rob in Utah, Colorado and California during his father’s career with Chevron Corporation. Mark was a loyal son, Dad, grandpa, brother, husband, uncle and was an avid outdoorsman! His hobbies included fly fishing, golfing, skiing, hiking, camping, and boating, swimming, waterskiing, archery, hunting and dirt motorcycle riding. He was a talented carpenter and loved woodworking. Mark would humbly create wooden masterpieces with great ease! He often used woodworking tools that were passed down to him from his grandfather. Mark also enjoyed the sport of Judo in which he attained a brown belt. He was a talented musician and Mark loved to play the guitar at family gatherings. He had a green thumb and enjoyed the pastime of gardening. He raised vegetables, had beautiful flower gardens, magnificent citrus (orange and lemon) trees, and rose bushes. Working in his yard brought him much pleasure and he had an exceptional gift for outdoor gardens and landscaping. He was gifted at fixing up his homes and mechanical work on cars. He graduated from California State University Long Beach with a degree in Business Administration.
Mark raised his wonderful and devoted sons Evan William Means and Eric Russell Means in Ventura County Camarillo, California. Mark was a Boy Scout leader, a baseball coach, and an active church and community member. Mark retired in 2010 from Chevron Corporation and was a dedicated company employee with an impressive and distinguished career. His 35 years with a most admired and respected energy company were filled with accomplishments, opportunities and cherished acquaintances.
Mark’s greatest love along with his family and career, was to spend summer vacations at Shasta Cascade’s Lake Almanor, California where he enjoyed golfing, waterskiing, and hanging out at Almanor West Park. Fly fishing early in the morning for rainbow trout on the tranquil lake surrounded by forest trees, was his passion and paradise! Mark instilled in his sons what hard work is, how to enjoy life, and the love of family. To his children, he was their world and they were his. In difficult situations and in good times, he was always there to help! Mark really enjoyed being around people and valued friendships. He was selfless, understanding and thoughtful! He was always there for his sons including teaching them how to tie their first shoe lace, getting up on a bicycle and not falling off, riding dirt motorcycles in Mojave, playing golf, fishing, water skiing, national park vacations, going to the beach, stocks and financial lessons, support with homes and college, fixing bikes, motorcycles, helping to solve calculus problems, playing sports together, fixing cars and lessons on how to drive. He was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren’s achievements and had a very generous heart. Mark loved unconditionally, limitlessly and was always thoughtful. Mark was a loving and proud grandfather to his two grandchildren Sydney and Isaac. He enjoyed watching them play sports and other school activities. Watching videos of his grandson Isaac playing basketball or his granddaughter Sydney playing volleyball always brought a great smile to his face!! He was a blessing and so much more to everyones life. He was a hero!
Mark is survived by his mother, Carol Means of Fresno, California, his brother Lynn (Sally) Means of Huntington, New York, his brother Robert (Carol) Means of Fresno, California, his son Evan (Deanna) Means of Camarillo, California, his son Eric (Ashwini Prasad) Means of Reno, Nevada, his granddaughter Sydney Tonece Means of Camarillo California, his grandson Isaac Andrew Means of Camarillo, California, his wife Diana Elizabeth Means of San Diego, California, and his wonderful nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
A Celebration of Life Service for Mark will be held in May in Camarillo, California. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice for neurological research in honor of Mark.
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Published by Bakersfield Californian on Mar. 1, 2022.
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