Mark was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia and adopted by Luther and Katie Wiggins at nine months old, and eventually settled in Schertz, TX.
Mark graduated from Samuel Clemens High School in 1979 and enlisted in the United States Navy. He trained as a Hydraulic Technician. After five years of service, he was honorably discharged.
After his military service was completed, he decided to apply his training and international experience in the commercial contracting business. He went to work for DynCorp International, a multi-faceted International Service Company supporting the Department of Defense. He spent the next 20 years working on different programs in several Middle East countries.
Two high profile programs Mark was involved in were supporting the U.S. backed security of the first elected President of Afghanistan. The mission was to provide armed protective professionals and base camp and logistic support services.
The United States Air Force War Reserve Material program. The mission of this program was to transfer military assets from U.S. bases to countries in the Middle East. The transition team mission was to build base camps in selected locations and accept and protect the assets as they arrive to the bases. This program played a critical role in support of the second Gulf War.
Mark ended his career working for the National Security Agency in San Antonio.
Mark enjoyed the outdoor life, smoking anything on the grill to include, his specialty, "Uncle Mark's SPICY Smoked Beans", always a hit. Mark was a huge football, and Dallas Cowboys fan. He loved to watch westerns, especially John Wayne westerns. He was always entertaining with his goofy sense of humor. Mark had a big heart and a tremendous love of animals, and enjoyed times spent with his family and friends.
As you can imagine, Mark's death was very unexpected and a huge loss to our family and his friends. He will be deeply missed, but we will celebrate his life as he would want us to, rather than mourn his passing. The gift of Mark's life is still here with us through our memories and stories.
Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Luther and Katie Wiggins of San Antonio, and his birth-mother, Mary Hollahan of Canada.
Mark is survived by his sisters, Kathy Gorman (Jay Gorman) of Arlington, TX, Joy Budensiek, (John Budensiek) of Florida, Charlene MacDonald and Sonya Corrado of Canada; Nieces, Kelley Daws, (Tim and Stassia) of Arlington, TX, Jalyn Gorman of Arlington, TX; Nephews, David Gorman, (Kaitlyn and Reese) of Godly, TX, Rock Gorman of Fayetteville, AR, Ryder Gorman of Arlington, TX; Stepdaughter, Andjela Bozic (Rayden) of Midlothian, TX; Brothers and Sisters in-law, Rock and Kate Gorman, David and Evelyn Gorman of Arlington, TX, Wesley Salzsieder, (Julie and Colton) of Washington State; Cousin, Cindy Helms (Forrest) of Alabama; and many extended families and friends.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Wounded Warrior Program, ASPCA or to the Charity of your choice.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.colonialuniversal.com for the WIGGINS family.
