Mark D. Whitman

MOULTONBOROUGH---Mark D. Whitman, senior, 79, passed away on Monday, April 22, 2024, at home with his wife Nancy, sons Mark and Andy, daughters-in-law Carol and Debra, and granddaughter Angela by his side. He fought cancer and other illnesses for five years.

Born in Plymouth, MA, on May 24, 1944, to parents Paul and Louise (Molner) Whitman, he grew up mostly in New Hampshire, and lived for 58 years in Moultonborough.

Throughout most his life, Mark was always active and hard at work. He planted epic gardens and his own orchard, and in early years did small-scale livestock farming as well. His Moultonborough home is full of the improvements that he made, including a garage, porch, and furniture--all of which he built himself.

Some of Mark's greatest joy came from the outdoors and wildlife; he was always deeply attuned to nature. He excelled at hunting and fishing. After his success with deer hunting became almost routine, he found additional inspiration in bow-hunting and use of a muzzle-loader, and more challenging quarry, including elk and wild turkeys. He had a boat for many years, fishing both the local lakes and the ocean.

His professional career in plumbing/HVAC began with an apprenticeship in 1960, and progressed through journeyman and foreman to master plumber. He then moved into management roles including project manager, job estimator, and retired as a senior design mechanical engineer.

Mark's professional affiliations included membership in Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 131. His civic attachments embraced service with the Moultonborough Academy Building Committee, Center Harbor Volunteer Fire Department, and Search & Rescue Team, and as a Hunter Safety Instructor. He was a member of the Pemigewasset Fish & Game Club, the Chocorua Masons Lodge, and an NRA Life Member.

After his retirement RFS Engineering in 2014, Mark and Nancy went adventuring around the country in their camper trailer with their little dog Popeye, who was the last in a long line of beloved animals in Mark's life. Even after health challenges limited his outdoor pursuits, he remained attentive to nature, whether birds at the feeder, or a bear in the yard.

After his marriage to Nancy Shute in 1961, the couple moved to Moultonborough in 1966. Mark and Nancy raised three children together: Mark junior, Andy, and Deborah.

Mark's survivors include his wife of 62 years, his children and their spouses Debra (Mark), Carol (Andy), and David (Deborah); his brother Star and sister Sonya; grandchildren Justin, Timothy, Isaiah, Abigail, Jared, and Angela; 11 (nearly 12) great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and -nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, his brother Paul E. Whitman, his sister Susan Bailey, and his grandson Jacob.

A celebration of life is scheduled for Saturday, May 18, at Playground Drive in Moultonborough from 1:00-4:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are requested for a fund originally created in honor of his beloved grandson, Jacob: (Please make a check payable to “Living Hope Lakeport” with “Jacob’s Blessing – DR” in the memo. Address: 50 Washington St., Laconia, NH 03246)

Arrangements are under the care of Mayhew Funeral Homes and Crematorium. To sign the online book of memories, go to mayhewfuneralhomes.com.