Mark Bennett Belgen passed away unexpectedly on September 19, 2022 in Orange County, CA.

Mark came into this world, a happy, blonde towhead, to Roger and Evie Belgen on April 06, 1955.  He was born in Santa Monica, CA.  Mark was the oldest of 4 siblings.

When Mark was 5 years old, the Belgen family moved from Santa Monica to Fountain Valley, CA.  Mark's dear mother Evie resides in the same house to this day.  Mark was very inquisitive as a child.  He grew up with a love of education, sports, and music.   He played football, tennis, and was in the marching band at Fountain Valley High.

Mark was a true patriot with a great love for his country.  After graduating from Fountain Valley High, he joined the US Army and was stationed in Germany.  After returning home, he attended and graduated from Long Beach State University with a degree in electrical engineering.  Mark's secret desire was to be a doctor.  Unsurprisingly, Mark's career was concentrated as a Quality Engineer for numerous medical device companies such as Johnson & Johnson, Baxter, Braun, and Edwards Life Science.

Mark's inquisitive nature carried on throughout his life.  In the rare instances he didn't know how to build or repair something, he was always able to learn and master the new process.  YouTube was one of his favorite go-to websites.  Mark was always generous with his time.  He truly loved coaching and teaching others.  This was evidenced by the many years he spent coaching his sons' sport teams, youth football, and then refereeing.  Mark refereed CIF high school basketball for over 25 years and more recently added CIF high school football.  Mark loved movies, particularly the bravado of John Wayne movies.

Mark met and married his wife, the love of his life Elaine, and resided in Laguna Niguel, CA for many years.  They loved spending time with their children and grandchildren.  Mark experienced great joy playing with and listening to his grandkid's stories.  His grandkids lovingly referred to him as "Papa".

He is survived by his wife Elaine, and children Ryan, (Ellen), Brian, Jason, (Allison), and Alison (Steve); and grandchildren Shane, Colin, Emma, Reagan, Grace, Brady, and Caleb.  Mark is also survived by mother Evie, siblings Matthew, (Nanette), Marianne, (Peter), Marshall , (Dana Lynn); and many nephews and nieces.

Mark was predeceased by his grandmother Ethyl, father Roger, and sons Mark Jr. and William.

Mark was one of a kind and will be greatly missed…