Mark William Harnden

It's with heavy hearts that we share the news - Mark W. Harnden left us on February 18, 2026, at the age of 84. Born in Port Huron on May 14, 1941, Mark carried the grit of his hometown wherever he went.

He served with pride in the United States Air Force. That experience shaped him and helped develop his discipline, sense of responsibility, and independence - all of it started there.

To us, he wasn't just a father. He was the steady figure in the garage, the late-night sound of tools, the smell of oil and gasoline drifting through the house. If something broke, you just knew he'd fix it. Mark could build, repair, or figure out just about anything. He loved motors and anything mechanical, and honestly, his garage was more than a workspace. It was his sanctuary.

Mark never shied away from hard work or new challenges. Over the years, he ran his own business, served as township supervisor, taught college classes, and worked in sales. Mark's proudest moment was beginning at Goodyear as a mechanic and moving all the way up to service manager. He later found freedom as a cross-country truck driver where the open road just fit him - the engine noise, the miles rolling by, the independence. It was who he was.

And no matter where you found him - on the road, in the garage, or sitting at the kitchen table - there was always a cold Coke nearby.

What mattered most to Mark was his family. He loved in his own steady, reliable way. He leaves behind his sister, Kay; his kids: Boni Johnston and her husband Lee; Mark and his husband Michael; and Justin and his wife Laura. He was a proud grandpa to Lindsey, Kayte, Lauren, Julia, and Emily. Along with his grandkids he also found great pleasure in being a great papa to Harper, Elliott, and Mason. Watching their antics always put a smile on his face. His nieces and nephews were close to his heart, too. Being "Dad," "Grandpa," or "Uncle Mark" was something he carried with quiet pride.

He's reunited now with his parents, William and Doris Harnden.

We'll remember Mark for his strong hands, his mechanical mind, his stubborn independence, and the way he just kept showing up. He was always the one fixing what was broken, pushing through the hard stuff, and setting an example without ever saying a word.

There will be a Celebration of Life in June, and details will be shared at a later date.

Mark's engines are quiet now, but the legacy he left for us surely runs strong for us to follow.