Mark Andrew Lakovich flew west on May 24, 2024, trading his pilot wings for golden wings.

He was born in 1956 in Lakewood, OH to the late Sherlan Lakovich and Doris Tomblin. Above all, Mark’s life was defined by sharing Joy in all that he did.

Mark entered the Unites States Air Force in 1975 where he was an aviation mechanic. He then went to work at American Trans Air as a sheet metal mechanic where he later became a flight engineer and finally a pilot for 24 years. After ATA, he was a flight instructor and pilot until he retired in 2021.

He was highly active throughout his entire life. He was passionate about spending much of his life water skiing, snow skiing, riding his motorcycle, boating, camping, and traveling across the world with family and friends.

Mark had an enormous heart and wonderful sense of humor. He was generous, loyal, and brave. He was clever and full to the brim with knowledge gained through all his life experiences – he could fix or build anything.

He will be remembered for all the heart he shared with his friends and family. He truly loved each of them and if you knew him, you knew it.

Mark is survived by his loving wife, Becky; Son Zach, sisters Lori (Ken) Tomblin of Tallahassee, FL, Linda Martin of Lakewood, OH, Mike (Tina) Tomblin of Fairfield Township, OH, Wanda Escobar of Powhatan, VA as well as beloved nieces and nephews, and dear friends.

His canine companions were dear to him. Leo, Lex, and Luke have stayed behind with Becky and Zach, but Red, Rowdy and Levi are on a long walk with him now.

In typical Mark fashion, there are no services planned, certainly no pomp and circumstance. A celebration of life will occur on Saturday, June 1st from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. at the National Whitewater Center Dog Park, 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte, North Carolina 28214. Casual attire requested.

 As Mark prioritized finding joy in life and sharing it with others, Becky and Zach asks that you do something that brings you real joy and share it with those around you in lieu of flowers.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.