Mark William Burgess

It is with deep sorrow we announce the passing of Mark William Burgess, age 60, on Monday, November 11, 2024 after a short but courageous battle with cancer.

He was born on March 28,1964 to Robert Lee Burgess and Lynn (Beck) Burgess in Queens, NY. True to his New York roots, Mark was a lifelong NY Yankees fan. He spent many cherished afternoons as a young child going to Yankees games with his dad.

Marks first passion was golf. Mark played the sport professionally. He was known to crush a golf ball long distances and once won the Southeast Division Longest Drive competition with a 321 yard drive into the wind. Mark also enjoyed working as an assistant pro at Cottonwood Valley in Dallas,TX and Coral Ridge Country Club in Ft Lauderdale, FL where he taught lessons to members and enjoyed teaching local youth the love of the game.

Mark graduated from Joseph Wheeler High School class of 1982 in Marietta, Georgia. He went on to attend Auburn University.

Mark was an avid sportsman and loved the great outdoors. In his younger years, Mark was an advanced skier and sought out the most challenging slopes. Jackson Hole, Wyoming was a favorite. Fishing became another favorite pastime and Mark most enjoyed quality time spent with friends “slaying fish” be it on an ocean, lake or stream. Some of Marks happier times were the 5 years he spent with his golden retriever canine companion affectionally known as DAKOTA “the wonder dog”.

Mark had a diverse career path that led him to various cities and interesting occupations where his charm and personality prevailed. His first job was selling ladies shoes in Nashville where Crystal Gayle, and both Naomi and Wynonna Judd were regular clients. Mark also worked in corporate staffing. He then relocated to San Antonio for several years and designed flooring for commercial spaces.

He eventually made Pompano Beach his home. Mark initially worked at Coral Ridge Country Club as a golf assistant professional. In 2014 Mark joined the Coral Cadillac family. He began at the Indian Motorcycle store in sales, he was then promoted to Business Development Manager for Coral Cadillac.

Mark was currently employed by Virgin Voyages where he excelled as a Voyage Planner. One special voyage he organized was the college graduation cruise to celebrate his niece Lauren. This memorable cruise to the Greek Islands was also enjoyed by his sister Kimberly, Lauren’s college roommate Brenna and her mother Jeanne last June.

Mark was a kind and caring person with a quick wit. He was affectionately nicknamed “MacGyver” by his friend Chris Berian due to his uncanny knowledge of how to do random things. He was devoted to his friends and family. His circle was small, but fiercely loved. He impacted the lives of many along his path. He will be greatly missed and always remembered.

Mark is survived by his father, Robert Burgess, mother Lynn Baldini (John), sister Kimberly Dick (David), sister Karen Walker (Curtis) Nephew Andrew Wall, Nieces Lauren Dick, Ashley Wall and Allison Wall. Mark is preceded in death by grandparents JC and Leona (Woody) Burgess. Lewis and Doris (Fenner) Beck. Uncle, David Burgess.

A private memorial and celebration of life will be held on Saturday, December 14 at 1 pm at Glick Family Funeral home 3600 N Federal Hwy, Boca Raton, FL. Celebration of life to be held after at the home of Chris and Patty Berian.

In lieu of flowers, Family requests a donation can be made on behalf of Mark to either the First Tee of Broward (https://firstteefloridagoldcoast.org/broward/chapter-partners/ways-to-give) Or the Catholic Hospice at Holy Cross Hospital of Ft Lauderdale. ( www.catholichealthservices.org/donate )