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On a warm sunny July day Mark peacefully passed away at his home at the age of 62. Mark was born in Dillon, MT, on December 28, 1959, to Gene and Noreen Vuckovich. He shared his childhood with siblings Dan, Kim, Jackie, Mary and John. Being a middle child, Mark was adored by both his older and younger siblings. He was the adventurous fun loving one, always the first to test the waters and push the limits.
Mark received his education and sense of “Copperhead Pride” in Anaconda. He excelled at baseball and football, was football team captain, received AA All State Football honors, was class president his senior year and loved to fish and hunt. Upon graduating high school, Mark was offered a football scholarship to MSU Billings (formally named Eastern Montana College) where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Education.
Clear back in Mrs. Morris’s kindergarten class, Mark began establishing long lasting relationships. He cultivated family and friend relationships through grade school, high school, college years and his professional career. No matter the circumstances, Mark strived to be true and attentive to everyone’s needs.
Mark taught at Plenty Coups High School in Pryor, MT. He helped coach the Warriors in their 1987 boys Class C basketball state title. Mark was welcomed and well received in the Native American culture of the community.
Possessing the gift of gab, Mark was witty, with a joyful spirit and a unique storytelling ability. These traits opened the doors for Mark as a natural born sales representative. He started selling cars for Ryan Oldsmobile in Billings, MT. He later followed his desire to move back home to Anaconda where he could enjoy the mountains, rivers, and streams, literally, right out his backdoor. For 29 years he would serve the needs of the food industry in Anaconda, Butte, Deer Lodge and Phillipsburg as a Sales Representative for US Foods/Food Services of America. Mark received several Salesmen of the Year awards during his employment with the company. If you ever had an opportunity to dine with Mark, the first thing he would do upon taking a seat at the table was check the company name on the sugar packets. Gosh forbid if the “S” word (Sysco) was printed on the packet; it was promptly tossed over his shoulder. Mark was a thoughtful sales rep who strived to serve his customers to the best of his ability.
Mark served as an Anaconda School Board member and on the Old Work’s Golf Course Board. He was a member of the Montana Official Association (MOA), Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Anaconda Country Club.
Mark was an exceptionally loyal friend with a large presence, always sharing a warm hello and bright smile. He was kind and had an extremely generous soul with a huge heart. Mark was always willing to donate to community causes and while coaching youth sports in Anaconda he would purchase gym shoes for his team members when needed. We ask that you remember the best sides of Mark and celebrate his life with us.
Mark was preceded in death by his parents Gene and Noreen, his paternal and maternal grandparents, his uncle Ray Sherrill, aunt Vi Vuckovich, nephew Jeremy Funston and close friend Angie Evans.
Mark is survived by his siblings and their families: Dan, Verna, McCall, Finnegan, and Emery; Chris, Jessica, Graham, Callait and Theo; Kim, Katie, Mark, Remy Lynne, and Tyler Ann; Jackie, Ken, Colin, Lacey, Connor, Kerianne and Kennah Beth; Mary, Andrea, Josh and Ellie; John and Vera. His extended family: Colleen, Mandy, Arron and Noah Maxwell. Fur babies Zoey and Breezy. Mark is also survived by his uncle Jack Vuckovich, aunt Nada Sherrill, uncle and aunt Jim and Carol Opie, numerous cousins, and life-long cherished friends and their families.
A celebration of Mark’s life will be held Friday, August 5, 2022, beginning at 1p.m. at the Anaconda American Legion Post #21, 220 Cedar Street, Anaconda, MT 59711.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to Pintler Pets Humane Society, 80 Silver Street, Anaconda, MT 59711; Lynnore’s Place, 118 E. 7th St., Ste. 1A, Anaconda, MT 59711; various Anaconda High School Athletic Scholarship Funds and any local youth activities program. Or send a card with your favorite memory of Mark to the Vuckovich Family.