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BORN
1948
DIED
2022
Marcus Bibbens Obituary
1948-2022
Marcus Richard Bibbens was born on April 7, 1948 in Red Bluff, California to parents Katherine and Elbert Bibbens. He left this earth on his seventy-fourth birthday, April 7, 2022, (a special birthdate he shared with his beloved mother) while at Arbol Facility in Santa Rosa, California after a valiant battle with cancer.
Mark grew up in a very loving home with his parents and his three siblings Larry, Mary Kay and Roy, and was close to his extended family which included grandparents, numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Mark's family moved frequently during his childhood and he attended several lower grade schools before graduating from Gilroy High School in 1966. He then spent two years at Gavilan College before entering Chico State University in 1968. While at Chico State, he was a member of Delta Psi Delta fraternity. He went on to join the Army National Guard in 1970 before graduating from Chico State in 1972 with a major in Political Science and then earning a teaching credential in 1973.
While at Chico State he met his future wife, Kathleen Ann Filosi. They dated several years before tying the knot on October 28, 1972 in Fort Bragg, California, Kathy's hometown, where they then settled for forty-nine beautiful years.
In 1973 Mark obtained a sixth grade teaching assignment at Dana Gray Elementary and immediately knew he was destined to be an educator. He returned to Chico State for several summers where he earned his Administrative Credential. Upon completing his credential he was offered the Vice Principal position at FBMS and went on to become the Principal there for seven years.
During his tenure at the middle school, "Mr. B" was supported by a dedicated and talented staff and many lasting friendships were made, but teaching elementary school students was Mark's calling and the lure of leadership at Dana Gray was too much to resist. He returned to his beloved Dana Gray as principal in 1991 and he remained there with an incredible and collaborative staff for sixteen wonderful years until his retirement in 2007.
Mark was also a very active community member. He was a member of Rotary Club and served as Fort Bragg Rotary President, Little League coach and a Big Brother. He was instrumental in the Damine/Dana Gray Sister School relationship which presented Kabuki to the community and was an avid fan of all Fort Bragg sports, arts, and academics.
Golf was one of Mark's most enjoyable activities. He spent many hours on the links with his brothers, son, nephews, and cousins. The post-game review of the scorecard was always a boisterous, friendly debate and a source of entertainment. Serious questions such as: Who owes whom money? Who deserves strokes the next round? Who is most assuredly sandbagging? would arouse multiple differences of opinions. And most assuredly, this banter would end in laughter and be repeated after each and every future round of golf.
Mark's first adventure abroad took him to visit his son who was on exchange in Italy. This launched another love in his life: travel. He enjoyed long road trips as much as long airplane flights which took him to Australia, Argentina and places in between. He loved making new friends and experiencing their cultures, history, and contributions to the world.
But the core of Mark's soul was his love of family and friends. On July 13, 1977, Anne Carene Bibbens was born and two years later, on July 17, 1979, Timothy John Bibbens came into the world. They filled family life with laughter, adventures, challenges, pride, joy…and mostly, love.
Some years later, Mark gained a new title, that of 'Papa Mark.' In 2005 Anne married Greg Loarie and in 2008 his first grandchild, Natalia Bibbens Loarie, was born. Maceo Bibbens Loarie was the next to be welcomed into the family in 2011. Sebastian Bibbens, son of Tim and Rebecca (nèe Southam), followed soon thereafter in 2012 and his brother, Oscar Phillip Bibbens, joined the expanding family in 2014. Absolutely nothing filled Mark's heart as much as being surrounded by his grandchildren, family and friends. He loved his people purely and deeply.
Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Elbert and Katherine Bibbens, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, William and Dina Filosi and numerous aunts and uncles.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Kathy Bibbens, his children Anne (Greg) and Tim (Rebecca), his grandchildren Natalia, Maceo, Sebastian and Oscar, his brother Larry Bibbens (Marlene), his sister Mary Kay Dunlap (Bob), his brother Roy Bibbens (Joan), his brother-in-law Larry Filosi (Patty), his aunt Lila Romeri, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A celebration of Mark's life will be held on July 2, 2022 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at the Caspar Community Center. Remarks will begin at 3:00 PM.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Marcus Bibbens
Chris and Debby Stuker
April 15, 2026
Chris and I share many memories of Mark. He's always with us in memory.
Leno Masolini
March 25, 2023
As good a colleague and respected friend as I have ever had!!! He left us way too early!! He will me in my memory as long as I survive!!
Michael J Christian
July 3, 2022
He was a good man.
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Paul and Marilyn Richter
June 20, 2022
We are deeply saddened to hear of Mark´s death. During the 13 years we lived in Fort Bragg, Mark, Kathy, Anne and Tim were important parts of our lives. Mark was a source of fun, inspiration and support as we raised our children and grew as adults and educational professionals.
From our first arrival in Fort Bragg in 1974, Mark and Kathy befriended us and helped us become part of the community. Their hospitality and knack for having fun helped us become acclimated to the area. Our first two children were born at about the same time Anne and Tim were born, and they grew as friends and playmates. Mark and Kathy were present for us when our third child, Gretchen, was born and served as her godparents.
Mark was a good role model, the kind of person one aspired to emulate. His humor was dry but welcome. His passion for teaching and working with kids of all ages was fierce. His love of sports, especially the Giants and 49ers, and of course golf, was legendary.
In the years leading up to the 49ers first Super Bowl, Mark and I began meeting regularly to watch the Niners play, suffering through the loses and exulting at the wins. We joined a stalwart band of Niners fans among our friends in Fort Bragg, often getting together in groups to watch important playoff games and cheer on the team. He and I took a road trip to San Francisco to see a Monday Night Football game, getting home in the small hours of the morning and getting up to teach the next day. It was worth it: the Niners won and we saw Dwight Clark catch his 100th touchdown pass that night. During the NFC championship game against the Washington Team, he became so upset about a bad call against Ronnie Lott that he slapped the top of my TV and disrupted the signal. For several nervous moments, the ten or so guys watching could only hope that we could restore the signal - we did.
Everyone is important, but Mark was special. Marilyn, Alison, Tim, Gretchen and I send our love and sympathy to Kathy, Anne and Tim and their families.
Debbie Bibbens Oppezzo
June 15, 2022
When I think of Mark, I reflect on the times he visited Bailey Creek during the summer. The Bibbens
families for generations made many good memories there. I remember Mark fishing, hiking, and golfing,
but somehow I believe he liked sitting on the back deck reminiscing and story telling the best (like his
dad)! The last time I saw Mark he was walking towards the meadow wearing a ball cap and a big smile. We talked a bit, and he updated me on his grandkids and trips to Australia. When I asked him how he was enjoying retirement, he replied, "Life is good!"
In honor and memory of Mark , my sister Pam and I will plant a tree on the ranch. We chose a native, the
Mountain Dogwood, as it is a family favorite.
Rest in peace, Mark.
My sincerest sympathy to Kathy and family,
Debbie
Caryl Mallory
June 14, 2022
So sorry for your loss Kathy and family! May God comfort you as you celebrate Mark's life in July.
Deb De Graw
June 10, 2022
Deb De Graw
June 10, 2022
Deb De Graw
June 10, 2022
We can't believe you are gone, we miss you and have great memories of gathering for great food and laughter in Mendocino and Fort Bragg. Our progressive dinners will not be the same, but we are all looking out for Kathy. xoxo Deb and Ray
.
May 20, 2022
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Pam (Bibbens) and Randy Palomino
May 17, 2022
So deeply saddened to learn of Mark's passing. There is no greater gift than to love and be loved. He seems to have been blessed with it all -- a wonderful wife, children, grandchildren he adored, and so many friends and colleagues. Quite a legacy. As 1st cousins we missed out not living closer. RIP Mark. The early years at Bailey Creek remain a treasure.
Terry Clark
May 7, 2022
Sending my condolences to Kathy and the family.
I have only known Mark for the last few years from doing work for the family. He was always very friendly toward me. I tried several times to talk him into helping me do some Painting! He always left with a smile and happy I was the one doing the work. He will be missed.
Chris & Debby Stuker
April 29, 2022
Our sincerest condolences to your whole family.
Terry Bibbens
April 23, 2022
My condolences to the entire large and loving family of wife, siblings, children and grandchildren. Mark was not only respected for his love of family and his educator's accomplishments and accolades from peers and students, but also for carrying on the professionalism of his parents and grandparents.
He bridged 5 generations of love and dedication to hard work from the 1800's of his grandparents to his grandchildren of the 2022's. He was a true and faithful servant, may he rest in peace, and may his loved ones know how important he was to the world he blessed. Cuz Terry Bibbens
Ann Richmond-Di Luciano
April 23, 2022
So sorry to hear of Mark's passing, Kathy. Rest assured he continues to watch over you, Anne and Tim. God
bless.
Michelle (Eagleton) Campbell
April 22, 2022
Sending condolences and love to Mrs. Bibbens and family. He was a good man, a passionate teacher, and a dedicated leader.
Marc Valadao, SJ
April 22, 2022
My condolences to Mrs. Bibbens and her family. May Mr. Bibbens rest in peace. I will be sending up some prayers for him.
Holly Kuchar
April 22, 2022
Deepest condolences to the family. Mark was outstanding human being.
Lisa Gentile-Lee
April 21, 2022
Lisa Gentile-Lee
April 21, 2022
Lisa Gentile-Lee
April 21, 2022
Lisa Gentile-Lee
April 21, 2022
I am saddened to hear of his passing and I send Prayers to Kathy and family.
I was Mark's TA for his first 2 years of teaching at Dana Gray. Great memories and I mostly remember his love for the children and for teaching. He will be missed on this Earth.
Norman Oliver
April 21, 2022
My heart goes out to his family. He will be greatly missed. He was always kind, always remember you. Going to miss him but what he taught us will live on
Janine (Delagnes) Tommasi
April 21, 2022
With sympathy and prayers to all. Mr. Bibbens was my 6th grade teacher. An awesome teacher and person.
John and Stephanie Hanzlik
April 21, 2022
Our deepest sympathy and prayers go out to the whole family. Marc was a fun-loving people-first kind of person. He will be so missed by so many.
Debbie Figueiredo Ashe
April 21, 2022
I remember Mr. Bibbens fondly . He was my teacher in 1976. Sending prayers.
Lucy Stanley
April 21, 2022
What a great person he will be missed sorry for your lost.
Caryl Mallory
April 21, 2022
Kathy - so sorry to learn of Mark's death. May God comfort you and hold you close as you grieve.
Leslie Arnott
April 21, 2022
So sorry to hear of Marc's loss. He was a teacher, principal, and friend in my years of working at Fort Bragg Unified School District. He will be missed by many. Many condolences to Kathy and family.
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