Mark was an amazing creation of God. Born to Austin Mayo and Joyce Radelich, he was the second born between two sisters Phyllis and Rhonda. Mark was very sensitive, generous, creative, funny with a heart of gold and blessed with many artistic talents, particularly his music. He certainly danced to his own song. 

Mark took off at 17 to work at Yellowstone National Park for six months. He and a friend also traveled around Europe visiting many countries with a backpack and a dream. He moved to the Bay Area where he lived, worked, played and made very special friends. He moved back to Eureka after a devastating motorcycle accident in 1990. This is when he settled down, received his AA from CR, married and began his family. He played hard, worked hard and loved equally as hard. He was Mr. Mom.

Mark’s first priority was to love God and his girls, Clairese and Sophia. He was involved in every aspect of their lives, from birth ‘til his death. It didn’t matter what, when, or how, he was there and the most affectionate, loving and devoted dad, “pops.” He did his best to record, journal, archive and celebrate his life with them and family. His gift with an eye for photography of his girls, family, nature was truly amazing gift that he shared with all of Humboldt County.

His music was an extension of himself. He created the Black Irish Band writing original compositions and lyrics. Most were taken from life experiences and expressed them well with an amazing voice. He and the band members were loved and followed, as they were popular in many different venues and events around the county. Mark excelled as engineer/producer in the recording studio for Little People’s Studio and for Bob Figueiredo. There was not much that Mark did not do, or at least attempt to do. Certainly a man of many talents, interests being the fearless free spirit he was.

Mark was a kid bigger than life, full of energy, spunk and never ending curiosity for how things worked. He was always on an ‘exploration’ adventure as a kid and shared that adventure with his daughters. His humor, pranks and chiding were always a cause for surprise, laughter and sometimes shock. His involvement with Clairese’s ballet for over 14 years, supporting backstage with sound/lighting as well, kept him busy. His love of animals was shared with his daughter, Sophia, with a menagerie of anything that breathed and was brought home. He loved the family camping at Trinity Lake over a 50 year span. With his girls, fishing, hunting scorpions, anything artistic, and sitting by the campfire always with his guitar. His ability to never meet a stranger, made everyone feel at ease as if they’d known him forever. Mark was and is loved. Definitely will be leaving a huge hole in this family.

Mark is survived by his daughters, Clairese, Sophie, step-son Kyle Porter. Also his mother Joyce Radelich, sisters Phyllis Campbell (Bruce) and Rhonda Anderson (Gare Ehrardt). His step brother Ward Radelich (Berta) of Brentwood, step sister Leslie Radelich Williams of Magalia, was ‘fun Uncle” to Jesse, Kyle,  Ashley, Brittany & Paige. He also leaves his fur pal Nova and many great nieces/nephews, cousins and countless friends, too many to name. He was preceded in death by his father, Austin Mayo, his step-father/friend Ed Radelich, grandparents Wylie & Naoma Young, Joe & Inez Mayo and other family members, friends, and band members . This is all just too soon. Seasons come and seasons go…memories are forever. We will meet again, my son.

Celebrations of Mark’s life will be held at a later date. 

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[The following is a tribute from Mark’s sister]

My dearest Mark,

My brother, my inspiration, and many times, my protector. Selfless, funny, honest, humble and kind. I don’t understand why you had to go and I may never, but I do know you are only missing in the flesh. Your spirit resonates as strong as ever and as vibrant as your life on earth was. Your voice still echoes to those of us who listen.

I don’t think you ever really knew the impact on the many lives you came across.  Some whom only knew you through your music and photos you captured in ageless time. You truly moved people abroad with these gifts and your heart was pure.  You had an eye for raw beauty where many could only see darkness. Even in your brokenness and strife, you smiled. Oh that smile!! you were a rare kind.

You were gifted beyond imaginable. You were loved beyond words. You left your mark here and your legacy will continue through the lives of your daughters. You were Mom’s heart and soul; her little boy.  A part of you carries on in Phyllis and me. We were-we are-and we always will be.

I am at a loss. A loss I will never understand nor certain I will ever fully grasp.  I miss your late night messages, your videos and GIFs. I wish I would have told yo more often how talented you were and how proud I am.

Holidays will never be the same without you. Your grand entrance and exits, your humor, your lack of punctuality, your vibrant personality and charisma. Our “fishy faces”. I will miss it all. We will miss it all.

I look to the clouds and I see you.  When the wind blows I feel you. The sun on my face reminds me of your gentle warmth. Death cannot take away your memory nor can it steal you away. You are now carelessly free as a feather in the wind.

Wait for me on the other side. Sing your songs and play your guitar.  Save a place for me on your stage. Until we meet again, my sweet sweet brother.

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[From Mark’s daughters]

Clairese, eldest daughter

I love you…ya crazy old man! Even thought your hands were scarred, your heart remained as pure

as gold. The unrelenting joy, unconditional love and creativity has blessed my life unexplainably and all who knew you. Spirit songs lived through you, leaving an eternal echo, telling wisdom beyond our passing time, and, inspiriting all who are willing to listen. As for your daughters, family and family of friends, we appreciate having you burn bright in our lives for as long as you did. As a sensitive fighter of passion, I know you will live on through endless soul cycles helping pave the path for the struggling artist. This life of “great and terrible beauty” could be described as a blessing and a curse…

I know it hasn’t been easy living with two Leos, me and Sophia. I will always remember you as the man

you were, the most beautiful, joyous father who gave me the world. Sincerely BooBear

# # #

To my ADA:Mark Mayo,

I have a hard time expressing the pain I feel in my heart for the loss of my dad. He has always been my hero and would even break the line of right & wrong for my sister and me. It’s hard to say or explain the perfect parent. I will always be your fiery daughter. Thanks for always telling me how wonderful, creative and smart I was. Thank you for encouraging me to write and hone my talents. I will always love you and be your daughter.

Love Sophia

As the small tone
of one’s own,
it is never best left unsaid.
Because even if I will never know
when I’ll be dead.
So in my action I let my reaction
become my passion, to love,
to hold and always be untold.
From a daughter to a father

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Mark’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.