Mark Thomas ‘Buz’ Boudreau

Mark was born July 27, 1961, in Escanaba, a son of Catherine (“Joanne”) and Raymond Boudreau Sr. He attended school in Escanaba and graduated from the James R. Fitzharris Alternative High School at the top of his class. He worked for Mead Paper for several years until his early retirement due to mental illness (schizophrenia), which he had struggled with beginning as a teenager. Through good and bad days, his good-hearted nature would shine through. He proved that regardless of an illness, condition, belief, or anything else, we are all people, no different from each other and that in life it all boils down to just being good to one another.

Mark was an avid Scrabble player and enjoyed playing (mostly winning) the game with family and friends. He was always open to playing a game of Backgammon, Poker, Cribbage, and Yahtzee, among others. On occasion, he liked to try his luck at the casino where he liked to play Black Jack and slot machines at the casino. Mark loved being with family and friends, greeting each with a warm, welcoming hug and ending the visit with another hug,

Survivors include his son, Daniel LeClaire, and grandchildren, Kelsee, Daniel (“D.J.”) and Laura, all of Escanaba; siblings, Dennis (Shirley) Boudreau of Rock, Katherine “Dee” (Thomas) LeCuyer of Plano, Ill., and Escanaba residents Karen (Kenneth R.) Tryan and Debbie (Dave) Rose; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, and his loyal dog Spunky.

In addition to his parents, Mark was preceded in death by brothers, Raymond Boudreau Jr. and David “Hot Rod” Boudreau; an infant sister, Mary Ann; and niece, Lisa VanLaanen Green.

The family will receive friends on Friday, Feb. 28, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Anne Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1 p.m. at church with Fr. Fran DeGroot officiating. Mark will be laid to rest in the Gardens of Rest Cemetery in Wells.

The family is being assisted by the Skradski Family Funeral Home in Escanaba.

For additional information or to leave the family a message of condolence, go to www.skradskifuneralhomes.com.