Mark David HARRINGTON

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Mark David Harrington, who died while pursuing one of his passions last Saturday the 28th. Mark suffered a heart attack while mountain-biking the trails of Annadel Park. Mark was born in in Mendota, IL, but spent most of his adolescence in California. He later attended San Jose State University, and following his graduation, traveled around the world. It was while he was in South America that he met the love of his life, Elizabeth (Ely). As Mark would relate the tale, he saw her across the marketplace in Trujillo, Peru; their eyes locked, and that was that. He courted her, with the approval of her family, and they were married in 1986. They settled in Sonoma County, first in Sebastopol and later in Santa Rosa. Mark was a true Renaissance man. His curiosity about the world was rewarded with delight in learning new things. He was passionate about music of all types; he loved to sing with his daughters and was a gifted guitarist. He was equally passionate about dancing (traditional folk dances, contra and swing) and cycling. Yet his largest passion of all was his family; they were his everything. Mark possessed a strong moral compass and nourished this trait in his children through example. His son Danyel accompanied him to New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina to assist in rebuilding and humanitarian efforts. Mark was generous with his time and talents, demonstrating acts of kindness large and small, to his family and strangers alike. Mark was an employee of CalOSHA for 23 years, finishing his career as a Safety Engineer. Mark was very serious about his work - the goal of which was ensuring that every working person is safe from injury or illness. Although his work could take its toll on Mark emotionally, in cases involving serious injury or death, his attitude was one of service. He took time from his day to play music during his lunch break, exploring the intricacies of his new tenor ukulele. Mark is survived by his loving wife Ely, son Danyel, daughters Vaneza and Adriana, mother JoAnn, brothers Kevin and Ned, sisters Halle and Lani, as well as numerous nieces and nephews in California and Peru. He was predeceased by his father Ross and infant daughter Gabriela. A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 4th at 11:00 a..m. at Pleasant Hills Memorial Park in Sebastopol, CA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Red Cross of Santa Rosa, where Mark was an enthusiastic volunteer.