Mark Allen West, Jr.

Born in Dallas, Texas, March 4, 1992, Mark Allen West passed away March 24, in Sarasota, Fla. Mark graduated from Park City High School in Park City, Utah, and from Auburn University in Alabama with a BS in engineering and business, before joining Marine Concepts in Sarasota, Fla., as project manager to oversee the production of yacht hulls and flight simulators for the Armed Forces. A member of Phi Kappa Tau fraternity, Mark served as Pledge Trainer and Social Chairman. Mark is survived by his fiancée, Lauren Grace Leigh; father Mark West in Bradenton, Fla; his mother Kimberly and stepfather Charles Sachs from Greenwich, Conn.; and grandparents Ann and Mark Shelton III from Hot Springs, Ark.; as well as other relatives in Texas and Colorado. Mark joins his younger brother, best friend, and forever fan Daniel, who predeceased Mark by 19 months. Like Daniel, Mark carried with him the Serenity Prayer, and after Daniel's death, had Daniel's name inscribed above his heart. Mark became engaged eight days before his death to his high school sweetheart Lauren Leigh of Park City, Utah, and Lakewood Ranch, Fla. Always planning and creating some new endeavor, Mark packed his 26 years with as much activity and achievement as humanly possible. His effervescent spirit infected all who knew him with love and fun. A courageous, able athlete, Mark pursued many passions — hunting, fishing, training his dog Sammy, and cooking — but especially loved his family and many friends most of all. Mark's light shone brightly illuminating many happy stories that will be recounted forever until we meet up again someday. A celebration of his life will be at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Lakewood Ranch, Fla., at 2 p.m., on Wednesday, March 28, 2018. To send condolences please visit www.toalebrothers.com.