Mark Andrew Sullins

MARK ANDREW SULLINS

Mark Andrew Sullins, 69 years old, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 9, 2022 at Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, CA.

He was born November 18th, 1952 in Los Angeles, CA, the second born son after his brother, Michael. The family then settled in Buena Park, CA. During his youth, most of his Summers were spent visiting relatives in Mississippi where his father, Dalton, was born. Uncles, Aunts, and cousins adored him and his older brother, teaching them the ways of Southern Hospitality and the farm life their father had grown up in. They also had relatives visit from across the pond as his mother, Hilda, was originally from Aylesbury, England, and was part of the 'War Brides' who travelled here aboard the Queen Mary in 1946. She travelled with her 10-month-old son Michael and settled in Mississippi until they moved to Southern California.

Mark graduated from Buena Park High School in 1970. He was known to be athletic and competitive, excelling in Baseball, Basketball, Volleyball, and Tennis. He was Chess Club President his senior year. He continued his education at Cal State Fullerton and graduated in 1974 with a Bachelor's degree in Communications, wanting to pursue a career in talk radio. In 1981, he landed a job in the US Postal Service as a Mail Carrier, working in Santa Ana, CA and Fountain Valley, CA. He put his communication skills to work as he bonded with his customers and coworkers. He had two children with this first wife, Rebecca Breitbarth, Kelly Marie born in 1983 with Cri Du Chat Syndrome and Ashley Renee Sullins born in 1987. Despite the hardships of having a disabled child, he was a devoted father and had unconditional love for his children.

In 2004, Mark married his second wife, Jan Franklin in Santa Ana, CA. His family expanded with Jan's daughter, Kelly, her husband Steve, and Jan's grandson, Max. Before he retired in 2018, his wanderlust led them to travel and cruise to many different countries. He grew fond of tropical destinations like Hawaii where he was able to snorkel, relax and take in the scenery of the ocean. He had a passion for wine, travelling to Napa twice a year and joining the Orange County Wine Society in 2001, to increase his wine knowledge. This led him to even more friendships. Mark and Jan moved to Palm Desert, CA in 2018, residing in Ironwood Country Club.

As Mark lived every day to its fullest, he took on new interests and hobbies. His love for sports never faded, remaining faithful to his Laker's. He continued his love for chess, music, reading, history, tutoring, and collectables like Toby Mugs and Baseball Cards. His Christian upbringing set the foundation for his life, and his faith in God brought him through the toughest times. Mark attended weekly Bible study classes and read his bible often. He was always looking out for others.

Mark was such a warm, fun, positive person. He was always smiling and striking up conversations with any one he came into contact with. He treated everyone equally with respect, kindness, and was genuine. He had some of the best (and occasional "Dad") jokes and "Mark-isms" and never ran out of stories to tell. His memory was so sharp that he could recall things from his childhood as if it just happened the previous day. His contagious laugh and smile will be missed by everyone who loved and knew him.

Mark is survived by his wife, Jan Sullins of Palm Desert; his daughters, Ashley of Costa Mesa, CA and Kelly of Buena Park, CA; Step-daughter Kelly (Carpenter) Ajamian and Son-in-Law Steve Ajamian of Sparks, NV; Grandson Maxwell Blum of Long Beach, CA; Loving Brother, Michael Sullins and Sister-in-law, Barbara Sullins of Orange, CA; Nephew Michael Sullins and wife Julie Sullins of Dana Point, CA; their three children, Chelsea, Savannah, and Isabella; Nephew Timothy Sullins and his daughter Heather of Buena Park and several loving cousins.

Mark was preceded in death by his father, Dalton O'Neal Sullins and Mother, Hilda Edith (Adams) Sullins.

Memorial Service will be at Forest Lawn in Cathedral City, CA on Wednesday, March 9th, 2022 at 1:00PM with a Luncheon to follow at the Classic Club in Palm Desert, CA.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to the American Cancer Society