Mark Holmes Hereford
March 26, 1948 - April 9, 2016
After a short but courageous battle with cancer, Mark peacefully passed away at home. Mark is preceded in death by his cherished wife of 26 years, Barby Hartwig Hereford; his parents Ted and Helene Hereford; and his twin sister, Marla Hereford. He graduated from Palos Verdes High School in 1966 where he honed his love for tennis and football. Mark earned a degree in Business Administration from the University of Southern California where he was a Member of the Phi Psi Fraternity. After graduation, he joined the Army Reserves where he developed his life-long craving for cold Heineken beer paired with Oreo cookies. Mark spent over 10 years living and working in Hawaii.
In 1985, Mark married his soul mate Barby Hartwig Graham and they shared "a marriage made in heaven." While actively helping to raise his two step-sons, James and Jeff Graham, Mark worked in commercial real estate in Southern California. Mark and Barby traveled extensively following their sons on numerous academic and travel adventures around the world.
Mark is survived by his two step-sons, James Graham (Dr. Heather Sexton Graham) and Jeff Graham; his two granddaughters (Rowan and Ivy Graham); his mother in law, Mariam Hartwig; his sister in law, Betsy Hartwig Saltzman (David Saltzman); his nephew and niece Andrew and Alexandra Saltzman.
Mark will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to his wife, his love of sports, and a great appreciation for living on the Peninsula. Mark and Barby shared a deep respect for the natural beauty of Montana and had hoped to eventually retire there.
Memorial Services will be held at Christ Episcopal Church in Redondo Beach on Friday, May 6, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Mark's honor to benefit Children's Hospital Los Angeles. Contributions can be made to: Peninsula Committee Children's Hospital, P.O. Box 801, P.V.E., CA 90274, ref: Mark Hereford. Please sign the guest book at www.dailybreeze.com/obits.
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Mark and i weren't really friends, but we were both on the tennis team at PV High for the last couple of years of our time there--I, too, graduated in 1966. Mark played #2, I think, and he was much better than I was. I played #6. I remember him as a terrifically athletic and handsome guy.
Don Stern
Don Stern
April 10, 2018
I knew Mark in Hawaii. We played paddle tennis together. He also provided some broker opportunities for me that never really worked out but were conceptually breath taking. Those ops are still there in Hawaii. We travelled and played a ton of gold at Mid Pacific CC. He once through a 7 iron on 17...slipped out of his hand....he said later over multiple cocktails. We were real pals.
God bless you Mark.....
Jack Myers
December 27, 2017
Mark was a great guy, and a good friend. We shared great memories with Mark and Barby. Soccer games, brunch at the PV Country Club, watching our kids grow up, the Memorial Scholarship event at the riding club that Mark set up for Barby. We just took part in a fundraising campaign, the 2016 Tour de Pier, a fundraiser for pancreatic and brain cancer. The Tour raised over one million dollars. That's one million reasons to smile that great smile of yours, Mark. We will miss you!
Larry and Iva Auffrey
May 26, 2016
Remembering Mark, a man who could light up a room with his smile, with a can-do attitude that was catching and one who always had a encouraging word for everyone else. He will be missed and our prayers are with those who are close to him.
Bob and Kathy Logan
May 6, 2016
Mark was a classmate of mine but we really didn't get to know each other until he and my husband Lou started coaching the kids. He made all those Little Leaguers feel special when he past out the stars for their caps. A great guy with a big heart.
Ilse and Lou Persichina
May 4, 2016
Mark and I were classmates at PVHS and graduated together in 66. Mark played on our CIF championship team in 65 and was an avid tennis player. I have fond memories of him wearing his letterman's jacket to our 2006 reunion. My condolences and prayers go out to his wife and family during this very difficult time. May God comfort the Hereford family always. Larry Lace PVHS '66
May 4, 2016
Mark will be well remembered by me. Mark was the kid across the street who would come over to spend time just doing what kids do ... playing, planning, just having fun. He was the kid whose dad would greet us with "What's the word? ... Thunderbird". He was the kid across the street who loved my mom's homemade tortillas in crafting his butter & jelly burrito. He was the Mark of the Mark and Marla team. Yes, I will remember. They were the early days. Rest in Peace ... My thoughts and prayer to his family and friends.
Lou Magdaleno
May 3, 2016
Rest in Peace my old friend, I will never forget growing up in Portuguese Bend and spending time with you and your family.
Sal Magdaleno
May 3, 2016
We many pleasant memories with Mark over the years. He was always so positive and willing to help other people, so they could enjoy life and have fun like he did!!
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Rick and Phyllis The Bull Pen
May 1, 2016
R.I.P...Our family's condolences for your family's loss...
Andrew Hastings
May 1, 2016
Dear James & Jeff,
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
I will always remember Mark's positive attitude and big smile especially while we coached you on the Astro's. He was so proud of his step sons and will be sorely missed.
My prayers are for his happiness at reuniting with his love, Barbie.
Michael Coleman
May 1, 2016
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