Mark D Sargent

Fairlee, VT-Mark D. Sargent, 60 of Fairlee, VT passed away peacefully at his home on the evening Saturday, February 27th 2021. Mark was born on March 24, 1960 in Hanover, NH to parents Paul A. Sargent and Barbara Davis Sargent. Mark was a 1978 graduate of Oxbow High School, Bradford, VT, Vermont Technical College (Associates Degree in Civil Engineering), and University of Arizona's Civil Engineering program where he earned a BS with a concentration in geotechnical engineering.
Mark always had an incredible work ethic. At the age of twelve he delivered newspapers for the town of Fairlee and purchased a snow machine to deliver papers in the winters. Through high school and then college he worked for the family business, Sargent Company. While attending Oxbow he played soccer, basketball, track and field and baseball. Upon graduation from the University of Arizona he began his career at Trapper Brown Corporation, Plymouth, NH as a project manager. From 1990-1996 Mark was employed by Brent Rauhut Engineering, Austin Texas. He worked primarily on behalf of the National Academy of Sciences and the Federal Highway Administration conducting research under the "Long Term Pavement Performance Program" and Strategic Highway Research Program.
While in TX, he and his former wife Cynthia Escobar became successful restaurateurs of the Los Colinas Restaurant in Austin. Mark had been known to say he made the best Margaritas in town. Mark relocated his family to Vermont in 2000. He was hired as a Civil Engineer for the State of VT Agency of Transportation in the Structures Division. Later, he became a Project Manager for the Structures Division with a concentration on the restoration of Vermont Covered Bridges, working with his mentor, John Weaver. His most recent project was the restoration of the Taftsville Covered Bridge damaged by Hurricane Irene. Mark enjoyed his work and projects immensely. His career with the State of Vermont lasted 17 years, until Mark made the difficult decision to retire due to a medical condition.
Mark was previously married to Cynthia Escobar, whom he met while at the University of Arizona, their son, John Paul R. Sargent was born in 1996. In 2018, after many years together, he married his high school sweetheart Marcy Perry Hall.
Mark was well engaged in his community. Growing up he was a member of the Boy Scouts of America, Troop #36 and served as altar boy at the Fairlee Community Church. He was a master mason at the Masonic Lodge Mount Cube #10, Orford, NH. Past president of the Antique Classic Boat Club Austin, TX, past member of the Lake Champlain Antique Classic Boat Society, Inc., Vice President of the Barre Rifle and Pistol Club and Vice President of the Early Ford V8 Club of America Twin State Region #118. Mark's friends would attest that was always ready to show up and lend a helping hand.
Mark learned at an early age about car restoration. While at the University of Arizona he and his brother Scott ran a repair shop that specialized in early Ford V8's as well as BMW 2002's. He also served as a judge at the Masonic Lodge Antique Car Show's in Orford, NH. In his younger years, he could be seen around town in the 1938 Ford Business Coupe servicing swimming pools for Sargent Company. Mark had a passion for Chris Craft boats which he enjoyed restoring in his free time with his friend Jim Frechette. He enjoyed shooting, hunting and fishing and spending time at the "Bog" with his cousin Mark C. Sargent.
Mark is survived by his wife, Marcy (Perry) Sargent, his son, John Paul R. Sargent of San Antonio, TX, who was a constant source of pride, Marcy's son, Perry A. Hall of Salt Lake City UT. His parents, Paul Sargent and Joan of Fairlee, his mother Barbara D. Sargent of Gulfport, FL, brother Scott Sargent (Robyn) and daughter Megan, brother, Matthew Sargent of Fairlee, Chuck Clifford (Sherry) and family of Orford, NH, and Kate Grant (Charlie) and family of Bradford, VT. Cynthia Escobar Nash and husband Michael. Mark was predeceased by an infant son, Samuel Davis Sargent
Mark will be remembered by all for his strength, kindness, integrity and compassion. A sincere thank you to his caregivers, Shawn, Terry, and Bayada Hospice of Norwich, VT for their wonderful care and support. A celebration of Mark's life will be held for family and friends in the summer of 2021.