Mark Van Buskirk Goodyear Obituary (1919 - 2010)

former resident of Horseheads passed away early Friday Oct. 29th 2010 while in the company of his family. Mark was born 91 years ago in Horseheads in upstate NY and attended Cornell University. After graduation he enlisted in the US Army in April 1941. During his 5 year military service he saw action in the European theater distinguishing himself on several occasions and earning the Silver star for bravery along with a purple Heart. The latter part of his Military service was spent stateside in New Mexico working with the Manhattan Project. After the service he returned to New York and his career as a chemist working in the burgeoning plastics industry. In 1965 Mark moved his family to Southern Calif. And started his own research and plastics business. He continued working well into his 80's but finally retired in 2007 and moved to San Luis Obispo to be near his children. Outside of his career, Mark enjoyed golf, tennis ,skiing and a good game of bridge with their large circle of friends. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 63 years, Elizabeth, in 2006. He is survived by daughter, Martha Goodyear Sohacki of San Luis Obispo. His son, M. Gregory Goodyear of Riverside, CA passed away in 2011. He was seldom idle and a more fulfilling life cannot be imagined.