Mark Henry Lavoie passed away on November 20th at the age of 62. He is survived by his eldest sister Theresa Getz and her children Julie Getz, Heather Ward, and Amielynn Harper. Julie Getz’s children Jordan and Taylor Marks.  Heather Ward’s children Ryan and Kate. His youngest sister Mary LaVoie-Lanoue and her daughter Veronica. His brothers George, Thomas, and Chris LaVoie. Services are going to be held at 1:00PM on Thursday December 14th at the Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery on Cave Creek Rd in Phoenix, Arizona.

He was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1955 and lived there until he joined the military in 1974. He was an Army Ranger in both the active military and reserves during which he served most of his time in Italy. He was discharged in 1980 as a corporal. He was a paratrooper, sharpshooter, and expert with a .45 caliber pistol. He earned the good conduct medal and the national defense service medal.

He moved to Arizona in the early 1980’s where he started work as a painter. He worked for Scottsdale Decorating Center for 20 years. After that he was briefly a member of Painters Local Union 86 before he went into business for himself as a painting contractor for several years.

Towards the end of his life, he wanted to go back to school and start a new career. He attended classes at Mesa Community College and Phoenix College for an associate’s degree in accounting. Unfortunately, this coincided with his fight with bladder cancer until it went into remission. The ordeal was aggravated by his struggle with alcoholism that culminated in his death from liver disease.

He was a lovable curmudgeon with a heart of gold. He was an avid fan of science fiction who often read books within a matter of days. He loved sports cars and gambling. He loved to drive his classic Volkswagen Karmann Ghia that he used to drive cross-country travelling United States. He was a supporter of his local VFW hall where he actively participated in the social life there. He had a sharp wit and was always quick with a joke and smile if the occasion called for one. His family and friends will remember him as a generous and sympathetic person with a big heart.

Memorial Service: 1:00PM, December 14th                  

                                     Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery

                                     23029 N Cave Creek Rd

                                     Phoenix, AZ 85024     

 Service Information