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Mark Wood Newkirk was as tough as they come. But like all things in life, he eventually had to give way to his eternal sleep. Mark Wood Newkirk age 87, of Alden, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 16, 2022. That being said, he lived a long fulfilled life. He left a legacy, that’s for sure. Where did it start? Well, it started when he was born on May 14, 1935 to Thomas and Elona Newkirk in Detroit. Mark, the eldest, had a younger sister, Eileen, and brother, Thomas, who are both also deceased. But in his younger days of living in Detroit, Mark looked after his mother and siblings and was the man of the house. When he wasn’t taking care of his family, you would probably find Mark playing baseball in a sandlot somewhere with his buddies. Baseball of course, for those that know Mark, was his first love. He played the game religiously growing up. He was a 'ball player” and played catcher. He could switch hit with power and could throw runners out from his knees. He was good. We will leave it like that. However, when Mark graduated from Hazel Park High School in 1954, he shortly after enlisted in the Marine Corps. The Corps was one of Mark’s other loves. Once a marine, always a marine, as they say. In his time in the service, Mark became a Gold Gloves boxer and also made lifelong friends till the day he died. Once honorably discharged from the Marines, Mark moved back to Detroit to be close to his family. He eventually started his career in the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 58, or IBEW for short. That is where his real story began, as shortly after starting his career with IBEW, Mark met Beverly – his true love. As they say, opposites attract, right? Mark, who had a unique grizzled charm to him, had his opposite with Beverly, who was up-beat and charismatic. They were perfect for each other and married on October 31, 1959. Together, they bore four children, Mark (Mary) Newkirk, Ellen Newkirk, Glenn Newkirk, and Michael Newkirk and they raised three more, Dan Newkirk, Cary (Zoila) Newkirk, and Mary (Marty) Belknap. They raised their children in an old farm house off Pontiac Trail in Walled Lake. Their children would produce seven grandchildren, which includes: Steven Belknap, Joshua P. Newkirk, Christina Belknap, Johnny Newkirk, Shane Newkirk, Christian Newkirk, and Joshua R. Farley. At this house, Mark passed on his love of family, country and of course, baseball. In 1994, Mark retired at age 59 from IBEW and moved with his wife to Alden. There, he enjoyed watching baseball, anything politics and watching old John Wayne films while cleaning his selected six shooter. In the end, he liked his coffee black with a cigar while he listened to Johnny Cash. He loved chocolate cake and chocolate in general. He would do anything for anyone. He would give away his last penny to help someone in need. He was tough on the outside and soft in the middle. He was, however as genuine as they come and he will be missed. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, December 27, 2022, at Wolfe-O'Neill Funeral Home at 12:30 p.m. with a visitation beginning at 12:00 p.m. until the time of service. Inurnment will take place in the spring. Arrangements provided by Wolfe-O'Neill Funeral Home, our family serving yours.

Tributes

Mark Wood Newkirk

May 14, 1935 - December 16, 2022