MARK RICHARD WAICKMAN

The Life of Mark R. Waickman

Mark Richard Waickman entered this world on September 12, 1961. He was the first baby boy of two proud parents Richard and Margaret (Schmidt) Waickman. "He was an angel" Marge said when asked about how he was as a baby. Mark had 4 brothers, Jeff, Paul, Jim, and Rick. They grew up in the Holy Family church and attended the Holy Family School. Summers were spent at the Maplewood Pool next door to their home as members of the swim team and lifeguards. Marge says, "Growing up there in Stow next to the pool was perfect, we didn't have much but we had the best times and we had each other." Those 5 boys grew up as best friends and to this day have an extraordinary bond. To his brothers Mark stood as an example of what a brother, friend, father, and man should be.

Mark met the love of his life while working as a lifeguard at the pool. Pammy (Pamela Stone) was scooping ice-cream cones in the snack shop when she and Mark met. He thought she was perfect; she thought he was a big dumb jock. After weeks of convincing, Pammy agreed to a date. Mark knew she would be his bride someday, and he was right. They were married June 6,1981 and had two children, Erika and Matthew, and 40 years of adventures together. They are true soulmates who grew closer and more in love as time passed. Their love is special and rare.

Mark graduated from Stow High School in 1979. As a young father and husband he worked two jobs, one at FotoMat, the other turning wrenches at Halley Johnson's Automotive so that Pammy could stay home with their children. He transitioned to Martin Brower working in the freezers and soon moved his way up to management. Later he became an owner operator for Walker Trucking then operations manager for Berger Allied. His final employment took him and Pammy to Knoxville, Tennessee where he was distribution manager for Riley Foods. He was a natural leader and wonderful manager known for his fairness and high expectations. His employees said things like "You didn't work for Mark, you worked with Mark" and "Mark never gave up on a man, he always expected the best in me even when I didn't see it myself. I am who I am today because of that man."

Mark was a big man, known for his size and strength. He played football for Stow High. He competed in anvil throwing competitions at Hale Farm & Village in the late 80's, beating a Cleveland Browns linemen to take first place. His tattoos were beautiful and intricate and in a black leather Harley jacket with his aviator sunglasses on he was intimidating to say the least. However, those who truly knew him knew what a huge teddy bear he was. Mark loved with his whole heart and he loved unconditionally and completely. He was an amazing friend to many and a brother and a father to so many more than just his 4 God given brothers and 2 children. He was hands down the best hugger. He could wrap anyone in a hold that was all encompassing. In his embrace you felt all his love and emotion. He Loved Big!!

Family was everything to Mark. He lived for the ones he loved. He and Pammy loved having people over, and the front door was always open to anyone. Whether it was for a bonfire, holiday celebration, pig roast, or one of the legendary clam bakes, Mark loved to cook for his family and friends giving them a place to kick back, relax, and call home. Mark's biggest success in this life was his children, he would drop anything to be there for them. He spent countless hours watching Erika and Pete compete in sporting events throughout high-school and college. He sacrificed sleep and put himself behind schedule often driving his semi-truck to the events to make it on time. Mark inspired and cheered for every student athlete, yelling for them from the bleachers and talking to them after the event. They embraced his encouragement and praise.

Mark and Pammy always loved riding motorcycles. After years of sacrificing, always putting others first Mark splurged on himself in 1996 when he bought a Harley-Davidson Road King. This opened Mark and Pammy to new adventures and cherished time together. Riding was their shared passion and something just for them. Mark and Pam's love deepened with each ride. Miles of winding road gave them opportunities for their "hundred-mile hugs." Mark felt there were never bad days riding, no matter what the weather, riding was always better than not.

In November 2016 Mark was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. He continued to work, ride, and enjoy life despite chemo treatments and horrible side effects. He worked for two more years after his diagnosis without most people knowing what he was going through. His priority was to make memories; rides in the Smokies, trips to the Outer Banks, Savannah, and to visit family in Ohio. Never once did he complain about his illness, he refused to be a burden to those around him and when asked how he was doing he always replied, "I'm doing ok." He lived by his long-time motto, "when life gives you curves lean in and throttle out." In December of 2018 Mark and Pammy decided it was time to move home to Ohio to be close to family. Mark soaked up time with his children and grandchildren and received the best care from his sweetheart Pammy. On the morning of May 19, 2021 at 8:08am Mark took his final ride to heaven's gate surrounded by his wife and children.

He leaves behind his loving wife Pam, daughter Erika (Brian) Tayerle, son Pete (Jessica) Waickman, his sweet grandchildren Reed and Dillon Waickman and Jack and Molly Tayerle, his mother Margaret Waickman, and his brothers Jeff (Sharon), Paul (Tracy), Jim (Karen), Rick (Brooke), and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Erika and Brian's home Saturday May 29th from noon - 3pm. A memorial service will be held at 2pm with Mark's brother Paul officiating.
Hotels in Streetsboro are recommended for out-of-town guests.