On October 7th, 2020 Mark McKern , after years of fighting addiction and mental illness, gave up the fight which ended his life unexpectedly causing a deep void in everyone’s lives that knew him. Mark was never the type to be defined by his illness or his addiction but was a fighter for what he wanted causing each and every day to be a struggle for him. He fought for so long to overcome his past , his decisions and fought for his chance to start over on the path we all know he wanted. The path that brought him joy and meaning in life and the path he just kept striving for. His life held adventure; but not the adventure you would think when you hear those words but every day in Mark’s life took determination and stamina to fight and hold on another day as most of our own loved one’s just might fight today. So much to say about Mark and the life he lived. He was a Father, a Son, a Brother and a friend. He is survived by his parents; Tim and Sheri Mckern , Brother Timothy Mckern II , Sister Kristina Cray , 3 nieces ; Samantha , Rose and Lilly , 3 nephews; Bryan, Nathan and Timmy , Cousin Shannon , Grandmother Polly Hall and his daughter Ava which was his world, his light and his compass. Mark was born on May 15th ,1981 in Washington where he spent most of his life residing in different areas throughout the state. Mark was probably most known for his cooking. His food was always made with such love. Whether it was baking from scratch with his niece for a church function, creating new and inventive dishes which he got from our parents or the elaborate lunch he just had to make; Mark always was right on cue even if we didn’t know it was what we wanted or even sometimes needed. He shared his love of cooking at multiple establishments developing a number of friendships and relationships which we can be thankful for today. Mark’s true character was full of joy and happiness. He brought joy into every family function and into every interaction he could . When Mark was around it was just laughter and jokes that was caught by all . It was a contagious joy that carried throughout time and has touched so many throughout his life. Even as he struggled we all knew that was his gift to everyone he came in contact with. Mark was a protector. Even if you didn’t need protecting or didn’t think you needed protecting Mark was there . We can find peace in knowing he is still protecting and watching over us today. There is not a day that goes by we won’t think of our beloved Mark . We love you Mark and We pray you found peace. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 No Service is planned at this time but “Hug your family daily”