Mark Alan Heaton's Obituary
Mark Alan Heaton, 59 of Norton Shores, MI passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, November 4, 2020. He was born November 25, 1960 in Kalamazoo, MI. Mark was a graduate of Mona Shores High School, and went on to receive his Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Michigan State University. After college, he was hired by Baker College where he worked for the last 37 years. He was a loyal and dedicated employee who impacted thousands of lives through his motivational speeches encouraging students to pursue a career of their dreams. He was often addressed as “Mr. Baker” because of his passion for the mission of Baker College, and the opportunities the college could bring to their lives. He was so proud of his volunteer work with the Muskegon Jaycee’s, and of helping to raise funds for a boat ramp installation on Muskegon Lake. He joined the Genesee Valley Rotary Club shortly after moving to Flint Township in 1992, and was a two time recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow. He was most recently recognized as an Everyday Hero by the Genesee County Educational Foundation for his support of the Genesee Career institute and his impact on the lives of students and their families in Genesee County. Anyone who knew Mark knew that he loved “his” Spartans! He was an avid athlete himself, and regularly played basketball, racquetball, and recently upped his game, riding his bike because of the pandemic. He had set a goal of 1000 miles this year. He was at 990.46 miles, so shortly after his sudden death, his boys took turns riding his bike, and using his tracking app, followed his typical route to complete that goal. In 1989 Mark married Chevon Gregwer at Saint Michael the Archangel Parish in Muskegon. He is survived by his wife Chevon, sons Robert(Alexa), Colin and Connor, parents Robert and MaryJean Heaton, sisters Shelly(Mike) Eddington, Julie(Mike) Hunter, sister-in-law Colleen(Alfred) Janos, nieces and nephews Andrea, Gavin, Kevin, Molly, Bailey and Jackson. (Also, his puppy Miss Izzy Izzo) There were many men who considered Mark to be their best friend, but of special note is Richard Cornell Jr. who was Mark’s high school classmate, college roommate, and the best man in his wedding. A private funeral mass was held November 7, 2020 at St. Michael’s Parish. Plans are being made for a post-pandemic celebration of life and scholarship fundraiser. Memorial contributions in Mark’s honor can be made to the Ruth Ann Matthews Viking Scholarship Fund, 3132 Lakeshore Dr., Muskegon, MI 49441. Arrangements by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444.
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