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Mark Boles Obituary
BOLES
Mark L. Boles was born in San Francisco on September 30, 1979, the third child of Logan and Suzanne Boles. He spent his youth in the family home in Tiburon, CA, with his brother, Jason and sister, Melissa. After graduating from Redwood High School, Mark attended San Diego State University where he graduated with a degree in Geography. He was active in his fraternity and met the love of his life and future wife, Amanda Marsh.
Mark's military service began with his reserve enlistment in the California Air National Guard at Fresno, CA. He later transferred to the Nevada Air National Guard at Reno, and was commissioned as an officer before attending USAF Pilot training at Laughlin AFB, TX. After training in the C-130 at Little Rock AFB, he returned to his home unit in Reno. Mark served three active duty deployments in the combat zone and in early January returned safely from Iraq.
During his career in the National Guard, Mark had many accomplishments. He flew over 800 hours, 445 in the C-130 Hercules. He flew 184 hours in 27 combat missions in Iraq and earned a Basic Air Medal for his accomplishments. His achieve- ments included Airman of the Year, Small Arms Expert, and Air Force Meritorious Service Medal to name a few.
On January 16, while skiing with his military buddies, 1/Lt Mark Boles died in an unfortunate ac- cident.
Mark is survived by his beloved wife; parents; siblings and nephews, Jack and Maxwell. He also leaves numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Funeral services will be held Sunday, at the Air National Guard Base on the Reno Airport. A celebration of Mark's life will be held in the near future on the Tiburon Peninsula in Marin County, CA.
Memories and Condolences
for Mark Boles
35 Entries
Joshua Rogers
January 30, 2008
Boles family,
I first met Mark when I had first joined the unit and didn't know anyone. We got along instantly and through our many adventures to the drop zone in Herlong became good friends. It was a privilage to have known him and an honor to have flown with him in Iraq. I find solace in knowing that by cherishing his memory and remembering who he was and what he stood for, that he will never, truly be gone from us. My deepest condolences out to your family for the loss of someone who really "was a big deal".
Adam Hirsch
January 29, 2008
Dear Boles Family,
Mark and I went to high school together and we were not even that close but the little time I did know him I learned what a solid individual he was. This feeling has only been solidified after learning all he had achieved and how many lives he had affected in such a short lifetime. Please cherish all he has done for you and for others and what good the Boles family can continue to give their community. My love and thoughts go out to you all in your time of hurt.
Adeeb Hattar
January 29, 2008
Mr. & Mrs. Boles,
I can’t even begin to say how sorry I am to hear about Mark. He was always one of the real, no nonsense guys, which I think is why we were such good friends. I’m glad to see he went on to do the things he talked about as a kid and I’m sure he was a very satisfied man. It’s always a tragedy to see parents outlive such a great young person. I know you are proud to have a son that has done more in his short 28 years than most do in a lifetime. Just remember how much happiness Mark has brought to your family and friends and maybe it will dull the pain a little.
Delsa Ham
January 27, 2008
Dear Suzy,
Words are weak symbols of our emotions at a time like this. Please know that you, Mark, your family and dear friends are in our thoughts and prayers.
Delsa and Rob
Noel Resurreccion
January 26, 2008
Mark, you will be truely missed. I am glad that I had the opportunity to know you and sad that it was such along time ago that we last spoke. Thank you for your service to our country and your brothers in arms.
Rest in Peace my friend.
Bea Torrales
January 26, 2008
Melissa & Family,
My sincere condolensces to you and your family.Our prayers are with you and your family during this very sad and difficult time.
Bea Torrales
Carol Wedge
January 26, 2008
We love you and will miss you so much Mark, We are so proud of all your accomplishments.
Our hearts are broken.
-Aunt Carol
Lee Monpas
January 25, 2008
Logan and family,
Carol and I are so sorry to read about the loss of your son. I am sure Mark had the same legendary genes as his father! You always brought out the best in everyone, with your positive talent, and helpful attiude; and I am sure Mark was gifted with that too.
You can carry that with you for the rest of your life; your son was dedicated and helped make this a better world. Like his father, he had the "Right Stuff!"
May God bless him, and his beautiful family too.
LEE
Clarke Masters
January 25, 2008
Dear Logan and Boles Family,
I have been deeply saddened to learn of your loved son Mark's passing. I wish I could have known your Mark, for he obviously was a unique and fine young man. I have fond memories of flying with you Logan. During those happy hours that we shared, little did we know then that we would both have to endure the experience of losing our precious young sons. My Mark was only 19 when we lost him. So when I say that I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers, you can know that from personal experience, my wife and I both know a lot about what you are feeling and needing now. Words seem so inadequate at such a difficult time as this. Logan, may God comfort and strengthen you, your family and loved ones now and in the days to come.
Your friend, Retired AAL Pilot, Clarke Masters
Kat M
January 24, 2008
Mark,
We're all going to miss your smile and kind heart. And I will now miss getting to tell each other tall tales and war stories of our C-130 tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. You have gone off to new horizons which provide the best and the bluest of skies...and I'll see you someday on the other side where the stories can commence. We love you... your cousin...
Steve Hoffman
January 24, 2008
Mark was a true friend, a loyal brother and a great man. He will be deeply missed by us all.
PJ Gaske
January 23, 2008
We are truly blessed to have had Mark in our lives. I cannot express enough sorrow to his family.
“Whatever else history may say about me when I'm gone, I hope it will record that I appealed to your best hopes, not your worst fears; to your confidence rather than your doubts. My dream is that you will travel the road ahead with liberty’s lamp guiding your steps and opportunity’s arm steadying your way.” Ronald Reagan
Mark definately appealed to our best hopes and inspired us by his love for life
Casey O'Neill
January 23, 2008
Boles Family,
My family grieves with you and sends our warmest prayers. I enjoyed my childhood friendship with Mark very much. I have not seen Mark in more than 10 years and am in awe of the amazing person his friends are speaking of here. I truly wish I had known Mark as an adult. My heart and prayers are with Mark, his family and his friends.
Love,
Jannie Dillon-Owen
January 23, 2008
Dear Amanda,
For as long as I can remember you have been by Mark's side...My heart breaks for you and the rest of his family. May you feel some solice in knowing that Mark is in "a better place" and will forever look down upon you and guide you.
Much love and AOT,
~Jannie
Scott Wilson
January 23, 2008
Mark,
I never got the chance to tell you, how great of an impact you've made on my life. Too this day I've never meet another person that is as nice and Kind hearted as you are. I respect the heck out of you, for Serving our Country, and for being the man that you are. My heart and prayers go out to you, Amanda, and your Family. I'm gonna miss you Brother.
Allison (Stollmeyer) & Jeff Gorelick
January 23, 2008
Dear Boles Family,
We were so saddened to hear the news. You have all been in our thoughts and prayers.
Much Love,
Allison, Jeff and the Stollmeyer Family
Dustin Lewis
January 23, 2008
Mark,
I never had the chance to express to you the impact that you had on my life. Whether or not you knew it, you helped me grow into a much better person that I used to be. Not only did you call me out when I wasn't being the best of friends, you showed me through your actions what a true friend was. For that, I cannot thank you enough. You will not be forgotten and I only hope that I can pass on some of the same wisdom that you imparted on me.
Forever your friend,
Dustin Lewis
zack
January 22, 2008
Melissa & Family,
I never met Mark. Yet when I hear his name I know him to be kind and funny, to be loyal and strong. I know him to be smart and loving and one to be proudly called "brother". I know Mark only through you. When you speak of him and think of him he lives in you. When you are funny and loyal and when you are strong and smart and loving he also lives in you. While his physical years were few it seems they were joyous. Now, he will remain forever young, always part of you.
Ryan Cate
January 22, 2008
Mr. Mark Boles,
As my pledge brother and friend, it was an honor to know you. From the first time we hung out it was clear that you were going to go places in your life. I was not surprised to read of the accolades that you received and that you so honorably served our country. You will always have a place in my prayers and my heart. May your family find solace in the amazing contributions you blessed us with.
Ryan Cate
Christian Yerxa
January 22, 2008
To the Boles family and all my dear friends at the Nevada Air Guard, I would like to express my great sadness in our loss. In my short time in Nevada, Mark made an incredible impression on me as a determined and focused airman and a dependable fun-loving friend. I count myself lucky enough to have laughed and shared many great experiences together with Mark and his many friends. I caught myself laughing out loud in the car the other day thinking of times gone by with him. What an unbelievable personality we've known. My thoughts and prayers are with you all and with you Mark. He will be missed.
Alison Moorehead
January 22, 2008
Dear Amanda and the Boles family,
My family and I send warmest hugs to you all. There was not a kinder soul around than Mark. Even as young as our Kindergarten days, I remember him standing out with that heart of gold.... I know our classmates would agree. And as we grew older Mark would be one of those people who I'd truly enjoy running into and catching up with. He always left me with a smile. His strength, humor and kindness will always live on through those who've known him.
Mark...somewhere over Iraq
Dale Mills
January 22, 2008
Mark, You will be missed by so many people. You have touched the lives of many.....Perhaps they are not
stars in the sky,
but rather openings
where our loved ones
shine down
to let us know they
are happy.
Ginny Brownell
January 22, 2008
Dear Amanda and the Boles Family,
I had the honor of meeting Mark in Tennessee when he and my son received their officer commissions. My deepest sympathies for your loss and my prayers are with you all.
Russ & Leah Earle
January 21, 2008
Amanda and the Boles Family,
There are no words to express the sorrow that we all feel in your loss. Mark was such a fine man who will always be remembered for his accomplishments and exceptional personality. As a member of the Guard family, we will always be there for you no matter what you need.
Larry Lighty
January 21, 2008
We are so sorry for the loss of such a young man, our prayers and thoughts go out to you. We never met Mark but he looks a lot like his dad.
Jackie Gallo
January 21, 2008
Dear Melissa and Boles Family,
All your friends in New York are saddened by the loss of Mark. You are in my prayers and I wish to support you in any way I can.
Love,
Jackie Gallo
Tim Broadway
January 21, 2008
Mark,
I only knew you for a few years but you were always such a generous and 'real' person who truly cared about others. You will be greatly missed at the Nevada Air Guard and in the lives of those who knew you. Tim
Sarah C
January 20, 2008
To the wife and family of this young man. Our prayers are with you. Although at this time it may seem far beyond belief that your loved one has departed for their eternal life, remember that they will forever be in your heart. Their wings will be that of warmth on your coldest nights and the sun on your darkest day. I am so sorry for you loss.
Elaine Howard
January 20, 2008
Mark was one of the funniest people to ever live in Tiburon. When we were six years old, he was cracking us all up with first grade humor. When we were in seventh grade, he stole the show as the dentist's patient in Little Shop of Horrors - the whole house couldn't stop laughing when he was on stage. He was always kind, one of those people who you see years after attending school together and he always made you feel welcome. We were neighbors for our entire childhood and I still think of him when I walk past his house. Mark will always be with us.
Chuck and Debbie Smith
January 20, 2008
Please accept our deepest sympathies. Mark was a good friend to our son, Bruce, both at San Diego State and afterwards. We met him several times in San Diego, and he was a wonderful young man.
Rachel Greenhood
January 20, 2008
Mark,
Your kind spirit will live on forever in those who had the honor of knowing you. I am grateful to have been one of those honored people.
John Brownell
January 20, 2008
Mark my friend you will be truley missed.
Greg & Allyson Evans
January 20, 2008
I am so saddened with the loss of a really great neighbor who my wife and I wanted to become better friends with. Mark was such an easy going likable guy. I am grateful for the time that I was able to get to know him. I am really going to miss him. Amanda you are in our thoughts and we will always be here for you and hope to become better friends with you.
Mark Manning
January 20, 2008
Logan, so very sorry to hear of your son's tragic accident while skiing. I remember you telling me while in DC-10 training in 1984 that your son's name was Mark, as is my name...you smiled and said "we should get along just fine". You may not remember that but I do. Again, I am very sorry for your loss...God bless you and the family during this very difficult time.
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