Mark Ronald Alford Jr., 42, of Traverse City was taken too soon from us following a sudden heart attack on June 1, 2020. He was born in Traverse City, October 29, 1977.

Mark is missed by those who knew and loved him for his generous spirit. Mark loved life and it showed. As a child scurrying around Cherry Festival activities selling pop and water to tourists, he was always on the move, hustling for the next big thing. He was quick-witted and intelligent. His dry sense of humor was not lost on anyone he met, and he gave as good as he got, just ask his family. Mark cared deeply for others. One of his proudest moments was when he received his five-gallon blood donation certificate. His generosity in life was surely only outdone by the gifts he provided upon his death as an organ donor. While Mark is no longer with us, it is our hope these gifts bring life to others as that is what he would have wanted.

For Mark, the highlights over the years were when family was together. Mark always wanted to be there, whether it was a holiday or a dinner or the annual family reunion (we can all take solace knowing that nobody will have to face him in spoons again--so the rest of us will have a better chance). Mark is a member of Mensa International, and he always liked to remind his younger brother of this, much to his chagrin. While often he might have preferred to sit down in front of an absurdly difficult puzzle or dive into one of his favorite authors Stephen King, he would always try and make time for family, especially his kids whom he loved more than anything.

He has officially been welcomed into heaven by his late grandparents whom he loved dearly. They are now able to get in that game of cards he would often yearn for in days past to help ease his sadness over their passing.
Mark leaves behind his parents Mark Sr. and Kathleen (Forciea) Alford; his children Brittany Kass, Mark Alford III and Matthew Alford; brother Matthew (Jennifer) Alford, as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Mark was predeceased by his beloved grandparents John & Agatha Forciea and Ronald & Alberta Alford.

A service honoring and celebrating Mark's life will be held Tuesday, June 9, 11AM at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth Street, Traverse City, MI 49684. Following the service Mark will be laid to rest in Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens, Traverse City. Mark and his family are being cared for by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. View Mark's tribute page and share condolences by visiting www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com . The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his name and honor to Pete's Place Youth Shelter.