Mark PLAIA

31 AUG 1949 - 11 NOV 2012

• BIRTH: 31 AUG 1949, South Bend, IN
• DEATH: 11 NOV 2012, Springfield, Lane, OR

• MARRIAGE: ABT 22 AUG 1970, St Joseph County, IN

INDEX

[N6061] Birth: Aug. 31, 1949
South Bend
St. Joseph County
Indiana, USA
Death: Nov. 11, 2012
Springfield
Lane County
Oregon, USA

-Register-Guard
Eugene, Oregon
November 18, 2012

Mark Plaia
1949 - 2012

Mark Plaia of Springfield died on Sunday, November 11, 2012 at age 63 after a year-long struggle with metastatic esophageal cancer. He was born in South Bend, Indiana, the oldest of five sons. South Bend was the home of the Studebaker Company, where many of his relatives worked over the decades, so it was fitting that he seemed to be born with an insatiable interest in - as his father described it - "anything with wheels." He first loved Studebakers and bicycles most, later adding Fiats. He graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology.

Mark's career included early years in a variety of engineering fields including alternative energy. The last 26 years he spent in the medical device industry in research and development, including owning his own successful consulting firm, Plaia Design Services, for several years; extending and improving the lives of thousands of people. He also designed and manufactured aftermarket auto replacement parts. He built and drove an autocross race car with his dear friend, Chris Obert, and helped many friends with their street cars, race cars, and bicycles. He was a kind, gracious, generous, and ethical man. He fulfilled his duty to his country by serving as a Military Policeman in the National Guard, but refused ever to work for anyone who made anything used to make war. He was pleased to know before he died that he had been accepted for full-body donation, thus hopefully helping many more people. He loved music, especially Blues, African Contemporary, Jazz, and Rock & Roll.

Mark was a wonderful, loving husband of 28 years to Carol Plaia, who survives him. He is also survived by his brother Patrick Plaia and wife Helen Chisholm of Eugene, his parents, Francis and Olive Plaia of South Bend, Indiana, his brother Paul Plaia of Indianapolis, his brother Steve Plaia and wife Julie of South Bend, his brother Chris Plaia and wife Maryken of southern California, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and uncles, and his former wife of nine years Kathie Carr of Indiana. He is already sorely missed by all who knew him. A memorial will be planned at later date.

Remembrances to Food for Lane County are preferred.

Burial:
Unknown