Mark Jacob Balken

MARK JACOB BALKEN We are saddened to share the news our husband, father, big superman, Mark Balken passed away on September 21, 2022. Mark Jacob Balken was born March 31, 1965 in Paradise, CA to Ramona and Mo Balken. He grew up in Paradise graduating from Paradise High School in 1983. He was a building contractor and was known for his generosity and the support he provided to his community starting at the age of 18. To know Mark meant to be showered in big hugs and big adventures. Mark was at his best when he was helping others. Like everything he did, Mark helped in a big way. He organized big projects like "Coats for Kids". Year after year, he provided coats to children and adults alike. He worked with physically challenged kids coaching and supporting them so they too could play little league baseball. When his hometown of Paradise was destroyed by the Camp Fire Mark organized and worked with others clearing lots, doing clean-up and helping others rebuild. He used his construction experience and ingenuity to help others. He developed a new fork-lift attachment that helped him deliver 100 hundred sheds to Paradise fire survivors so they could store materials. Helping was not a special event for Mark. He found a way to help someone every day. Mark was the guy who stopped to help a weary traveler. He saw helping others as part of life's adventure. He went out of his way to find the right tool, the person, and the space to support others. He was a master of sourcing materials to solve a problem. Mark was married to his wife Lynda for nearly 20 years. She was the love his life, his soul mate. Mark adored his kids and was a hands-on dad who loved to tease his kids and make them laugh. He loved to spend a weekend loading up motorcycles, quads, or the razor and teaching his kids to drive every kind of motorized machine. He was an excellent role model for his children showing them how to work hard, build relationships and how to talk to anyone. Mark did not judge people on their backgrounds or life-choices, he often said "life turns on a dime." He saw the best in people and recognized their ability to change their lives. Mark made a conscious choice every day to make someone smile, whether it was a bank teller, barista, waitress or a total stranger. He loved to spread his magnetic positive energy. Mark had a huge heart and lived life to the fullest. He was his true-self when riding a motorcycle going 100 miles an hour. His family describes Mark as a tornado on a rollercoaster with a smile that would melt your heart. Mark is survived by his wife Lynda, his children Carissa, Jordyn, Jake and Julia, as well as his mom Ramona and his siblings. A service was held on October 14th at Glen Oaks Cemetery CA for family and friends.