MARK F. FLANAGAN
OXFORD – Mark Frederick Flanagan (known as “Chop”), 57, of Oxford, died peacefully at Wilson Hospital on Friday, June 5, 2015, following a brief illness. Born in Chenango Memorial Hospital on July 15, 1957, he was the son of Dr. James Manley and Elaine Walser Flanagan. Mark attended St. Paul’s School in Norwich and Manlius Elementary School in Manlius, New York . Following his return to Norwich, he graduated from Norwich High School in 1976. He attended Morrisville State College.
Mark spent his adult life in the Norwich area and was the owner and operator of Midnite Kennels in Oxford where he raised and trained Coon Hounds, English Pointers and Beagles. In addition, Mark operated Flanagan’s Snowplowing. Mark also established the Norwich Monument Company where he continued a family tradition of designing and selling fine granite memorials. He always served his customers with thoughtfulness, respect and compassion.
Mark was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, horseback riding, four wheeling and snowmobiling with friends and family. One of his greatest joys was giving friends and family rides on his pontoon boat on Chenango Lake and taking younger people tubing and water skiing on warm summer days. For many years, Mark competed in the annual Sunfish races on Chenango Lake where he often won first place.
More importantly perhaps, Mark was avid bird dog field trial competitor from his earliest years.
Mark took great pride in raising and training his own dogs and was an accomplished handler. In 1999 and 2000, his dog, Comanche’s Tonto, won the New York State Amateur Championship. He won again in 2000 and 2001 with Midnite Mountain Annie, one of the finest bird dogs seen at that time. Mark remains recognized by field trialers throughout the Northeast as truly successful dog trainer and handler and a respected and worthy competitor.
Mark was a member of the Lost Pond Club in Oxford an organization he loved because of its long tradition of outdoor sports and the comaraderie of its members. Mark enjoyed life to the fullest. He seldom missed an opportunity to attend an auction and was always finding the perfect deals. He enjoyed spending time at the Chenango County Fair each year in his Norwich Monument Company sales display. Perhaps more important than selling markers or monuments at the fair, Mark relished the chance to see old friends and spend hours talking with them. This is truly the hallmark of Mark’s life. He loved people. Always kind and compassionate,
Mark was a friend to all. Those who knew Mark will remember his constant smile and his booming voice filled with warmth and affection. He brought joy to all those he met and he truly made the world a better place.
Mark was predeceased by his parents and grandparents. Mark is survived by his long time partner and loving companion, Marlene Pacer. In addition, Mark is survived by his daughter, Stacey J. Popovich (Kyle) of Colorado Springs, Colorado and their son, Mason, Mark’s first grandchild; by Courtney E. Flanagan of Morrisville, New York and Jason M. Flanagan of Oxford. He is also survived by his brother, James S. Flanagan of Norwich, his sister, Mary Kay Flanagan of Norwich, and younger brother, George J. Flanagan (Deborah) of Norwich and his beloved uncle and aunt, Dr. Tom and Esther Flanagan of Norwich. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews all very dear to him.
Many years ago, Winston Churchill wrote that “we make a living by what we get but we find a life by what we give.” This is how Mark Flanagan lived each day. Always generous and kind, he gave to those he loved, to those in need and to those who were fortunate to have known him. Mark treasured his friends and his family. In laughing and sharing time with them and with every moment he spent with his children, of whom he was immeasurably proud, Mark found his own life.
Visitation with Mark’s family will take place at Fahy’s Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 10 from 1 to 3 PM and from 5 to 7 PM. There will be a memorial service at St. Paul’s Church in Norwich at 11 AM on Thursday, June 11, followed by a graveside service and eulogies at St. Paul’s Cemetery.
Mark’s children invite his family and friends to that graveside service and to a celebration of Mark’s life at the Lost Pond Club on Turner Street in Oxford beginning at 4 PM on June 11.
For those wishing to remember Mark, his children request that donations be made to the Chenango Memorial Hospital Foundation, to The Place children’s center in Norwich or to any charity of one’s choice.