Mark Horne

Mark R. Horne, of Grand Isle, passed away peacefully at home on the morning of Friday, February 27, surrounded by his wife and children.

Mark was born in Burlington on December 2, 1949. He grew up on Foster Street, graduated from Rice High School in 1968, then attended Miami Dade College before joining the National Guard.

Mark met Gail Bushey of Burlington in 1965, and they were married at St. Joseph’s in Burlington in 1970. Together they bought Keeler’s Bay Variety Store in South Hero in 1974. For the past 51 years, they worked side by side there and became an integral part of the Island community.

Mark is survived by his loving wife, Gail; his mother-in-law, Elaine Bushey; his four children, Vanessa Horne McManus (Ric Breitwieser), Jeannette (Matt) Lloyd, Wendy (Jen) Lyon-Horne, and Justin (Becky) Horne; and his 12 grandchildren, Dominic, Cameron, and Anthony McManus; Peter, Helen, and James Lloyd; Maybel, Amelia, Juliet, and Vivian Lyon-Horne; and Nathan and Catherine Horne.

He is also survived by his brothers- and sisters-in-law, Carlene (Joe) Mackey, Johnny (Lisa), Robin, Kenny, Danny, and Ronnie Bushey; his siblings, John and Sharon; and countless nieces, nephews, employees, and friends.

Mark was predeceased by his parents, Russell and Muriel Horne; his father-in-law, Bob Bushey; his aunt and uncle, Dot and Steve Preckler;  his sister-in-law, RoseAnn Bushey and brother-in-law David Heindel.

Mark’s favorite thing was his family. He proudly told stories of his many adventures with Gail, his children, and his grandchildren, including skiing at Smugglers’ Notch, sailing in the Caribbean, hunting, hiking, snowshoeing, and traveling.

His other favorite thing was running the store. His devoted employees, customers, and friends describe him as wonderful, hardworking, generous, and kind-hearted. He was loved and well-respected by so many in the community and could most often be found in the store, talking about his family’s adventures with a big smile on his face and a cup of coffee in his hand.

Memorial Service will be Tuesday, March 3rd at 11am at the South Hero Congregational Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CIDER online by clicking here or at:

12 Carter Lane, South Hero, VT 05486,

Or,

Grand Isle Rescue at: 4 Faywood Road, Grand Isle, VT 05458.