Mark was born in Anaheim, California, on March 8th, 1958, to Violet and Captain Richard “Dick” Ripley. He spent his early childhood in Huntington Beach. He graduated from Fallbrook High School in 1976. Mark served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Michigan, where he fell in love with Mackinac Island Fudge. A gift he would give friends and family for Christmas every year. Mark attended BYU and Embry-Riddle University, where he graduated with his Master’s Degree in Aeronautical Science.
Mark married the love of his life, Cindy, on April 24th, 1982. Over the next 44 years, he never missed a chance to remind her just how terrible the wedding polka band—courtesy of his in-laws—had been. Their marriage was built on laughter, along with a mutual understanding that Mark would, without fail, buy a new car every six months.
Mark spent his professional career as an airport manager, leading operations at several airports that moved him and his family across the country. He began his career at the Tri-Cities Airport in upstate New York, then went on to manage the Gallup Municipal Airport in New Mexico. Later, at Glendale Airport, he worked closely with the FAA and the NFL to help bring Cardinal Stadium to fruition. Eventually, he returned to California, where he ran the Riverside Airport and played a key role in organizing one of the state’s largest annual air shows.
When he retired, Mark and Cindy moved to St. George, Utah. There, Mark turned his passion for cars—and online shopping—into JRW, an award-winning hot rod restoration shop. Cindy appreciated that his new business kept him happily occupied from the hours of nine to five.
Mark began a holiday tradition when his boys were young—becoming Santa Claus each year. Over time, he perfected the role, even growing out his beard to make it more authentic. What started as a family tradition grew into something much bigger, as Mark became the resident Santa for church, schools, shelters, and the grandchildren of friends. But his favorite role was always being Santa for his own grandkids—even if they were a little scared of “Papa Santa.”
Everyone knew that Mark was a devoted sports fan, represented in his wardrobe, vehicles, and sons’ names. He loved the California teams he’d grown up with—the LA Rams, Lakers, Dodgers, and USC Football. One of Mark’s favorite things in life was going to games with his kids.
Mark is survived by his wife, Cindy; their three children, Eric (and his wife, Ellexis), Kevin (and his wife, Yesy), and Chrissy (and her husband, Austin); his three beloved grandchildren, Kyler, Ryker, and Rexley; and his brother, Rick.
A service will be held to honor Mark’s life on Tuesday, May 12th at 10 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 18550 E Riggs Road, Queen Creek, AZ 85142
In place of flowers, we kindly ask that you consider making a donation to the American Cancer Society in his honor.