Mark was adventurous and thrill-seeking as a boy. He loved the neighborhood where he grew up and all of the friends with whom he rode dirt bikes, sledded and played sports. He graduated from North Kansas City High School in 1991. Although Mark loved speed, he had an equal affinity for the slower-paced life. He was comfortable in all settings, and, as such, he made others comfortable in his presence.
Professionally, Mark worked for Sprint for more than 22 years, most recently as a network services technical support engineer. He worked in the operations center, helping to keep the network running smoothly. The hours he worked were difficult, but Mark loved the techie side of his job. He was good at observing and fixing the problems that vexed others. His career was built around making sure other people’s lives ran smoothly, all as he sat in the background, monitoring and helping those in need.
To all who knew him, Mark was a quiet and caring soul. He always put the needs of others ahead of his own. His children, Mekenna and Luke, will remember him as a loving and devoted father. They were his greatest source of pride and joy. For his family, and also for his longtime partner, Angela, Mark was a rock. He was always a constant stream of calm and cool.
Mark loved family vacations, and was happiest spending time outdoors. His fondest memories were of family fishing trips to Colorado. He was a master fly fisherman who expressed the sincerest kindness toward all living things. His family liked to think of Mark as a fish whisperer. He calmly caught the most fish, the biggest fish, the best fish. Each time the fish were released back to the lake, stream or whatever fishing hole from which they were plucked.
In addition to his two children, Mark is survived by his parents Dr. Thomas and Janet Bono; partner Angela Miles; sister Jamie Flink and her family. He is preceded in death by grandparents James and Robin Bono, and John and Madge Wells.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may send memorials to a charity of choice in Mark’s name.
