Mark E. Kirchner

Mark Kirchner Obituary

Mark E. KIRCHNER On December 21, 2010, Mark E. Kirchner died peacefully at his home on Mercer Island. He was 84. He is survived by his wife Mary Lu, sons Scott and Brad Kirchner and daughter, Terri Patoto, her husband, Tony and four grand-children Caitlin, Michael, Madison and Finlay Patoto. He was born in Hampton, VA. He attended high school in Great Neck, NY where, he was an Eagle Scout, played clarinet, and ran in track. Mark earned his Bachelors and Masters in Aeronautical Engineering at MIT in 1949. He loved to fly. He had a licenseto fly airplanes, gliders and helicopters. Mark gave glider flight training to Air Scouts around 1953. He brought his fiancé, Mary Lu, on dates, stunt-flying in his open cockpit airplane. They celebrated 53 years of marriage this past April. Mark worked at Boeing for close to 40 years, starting as an engineer, and moving into management. He retired in 1988. In 1980, he formed The Flight Research Institute. This allowed Boeing engineers to use Boeing computers to do innovative off-hours work, like man-powered flight research. In 1981, with nine other Boeing employees, Mark built a stunt, biplane which still flies today. Mark was assigned as Boeing's Director of Engineering Technology for the Commercial Airplane Group in 1983. Mark represented Boeing, McDonnell Douglas and Lockheed when he testified before Congress on the methods of improving wind shear safety. During retirement, he enjoyed everything from sailing trips, to building a high performance Lancair plane in his basement and especially to guiding his grandkids in shop projects. Mark's community involvement ranged from being elected to Mercer Island's first city council in 1960 to being elected Chairman of the Board of the Museum of Flight in 1997. Mark's love of life and doing things well is evident in his accomplishments, but more importantly in the legacy of a family that was all together during his last months to support him and each other. Mark was surrounded by his family until his last moments when he passed away peacefully into the loving arms of his Heavenly Father. A memorial will be held at Mercer Island Presbyterian Church, 3605 84th Ave, Mercer Island, on Friday, January 21st, at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Evergreen Hospice, 12822 124th Lane NE, Kirkland, WA 98034. Sign Mark's on-line Guest Book at www.Legacy.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Seattle Times on Jan. 1, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Mark Kirchner

8 Entries

santos contreras

January 21, 2011

To Mark's family: I was brand new to the airplane world after 25 years on the defense side of Boeing. Mark had the office next to me when we both worked for Ben Cosgrove. I asked Mark a question on airplane safety. He took me into his office and explained the tradeoffs involved in safety vs performance vs economics.I was just a personnel guy but Mark took time to explain a complex subject in a way anyone could understand. He was a very smart guy who was also a really nice guy. I wanted his family to see the side of Mark I saw 25 years ago. Sorry about your loss, Santos Contreras

Ron Bengelink

January 20, 2011

Dear Mary Lu,
Mark was probably the best boss I ever had. He not only did a great job of running the Aerodynamics organization, but he was always available to me for career advice and counsel. He promoted me into Boeing management, he supported me when I ran the Flight Research Institute in the late '80's, and I always felt that his advice was both sincere and fatherly. My sincere sympathy to you and the children.

January 13, 2011

Dear Mary Lu: I was so saddened to learn of Mark's passing. He was a great friend of Al. Al and I remembered when you and Mark were at the Hawaiian Village when we were on our honeymoon, and we came up to your room for a visit! Those were happy times. I shall keep you in my prayers.

Ginnie Lee

Nancy & Charlie Hogan

January 12, 2011

Dear Mary Lu,
We are so saddened to learn of Mark's passing. It was an honor to work with him on the board of the Museum of Flight. Not only was he an outstanding chairman, but he always had his wonderful smile. He will be so missed.

James Von Der Linn

January 2, 2011

I worked for Mark in the late 50's, early 60's and have fond memories. He was a great boss. I will be out of town at the time of the memorial so will not be able to attend. Our deepest sympathy.

January 2, 2011

To Mary Lu and your wonderful family,

Both Irena and I are saddened on hearing of the passing of Marc. We both extend our deepest condolences and love to you and your family.

Althought we have only met Marc of a few occasions, we both felt that he was a good man and his personal sense of high values.

Both Irena and I are very pleased and gratified that Marc has spent the last few months of his life with our mutual grandchildren, we are sure that it has made his last moments both satisfying and memorable.

We in England have a saying that is very profetic, "Keep a stiff upper lip" and I'm sure that with the support of your family, your life will become as close to normal again as it can possibly be.

Again our feelings are with you in this time of need, as we will both keep you and Marc in our prayers.

With much love and our kindest thoughts
Lou and Irena Patoto
Woking, Surrey, England

Madeleine McGinty

January 1, 2011

Mary Lu, Pat and I were saddened today to learn of the loss of
your beloved Mark. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. With deepest sympathy and much love,
Pat and Madeleine

Robert von Tobel

January 1, 2011

In loving memory of a wonderful person. In 1958 I reported to Mark in the Boeing Seattle Division Aerodynamics Staff and he recommended me for promotion to Supervisor of the Stability and Control--Preliminary Design Group. I will always remember him for encouraging me to "smile more", which I did and which I think changed my life greatly for the better. Thank you Mark.

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