Obituaries

Mark Harris Chambers, age 71, of Mackinac Island, Michigan, died on Sunday, April 20, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born on June 13, 1953, in Petoskey, Michigan, to Patrick and Joyce (Harris) Chambers.

Mark grew up surrounded by the beauty of Mackinac Island — a place that would shape his life and forever hold his heart. He was proud graduate of the very first class of Mackinac Island High School, Mark's roots in the island community ran deep. His working life began as a Dock Porter at the Windermere Hotel, where he forged lifelong friendships and a deep connection to the island’s rhythms. At 19, driven by curiosity and adventure, he embarked on a solo bicycle trip from St. Ignace to Washington — a testament to his independent spirit and quiet courage. He returned home with an even greater love for the island and continued his work at the Windermere before starting with Edison Sault Electric in 1984. In 1985, Mark married the love of his life, Jody Johnson, and together they built a family filled with love, laughter, and shared adventures. Mark also drove Mackinac Island horse taxi, always lending a hand whenever the island needed. He worked as a lineman for Cloverland Electric for thirty-two years, retiring in 2015.
Mark was a co-founder of the Mackinac Island Ski Club, a member of “the Maniboajo Bay Yacht Club”, and a faithful member of St. Anne’s Catholic Church.

Mark loved sailing on his beloved boat the Windermere, gliding through cross-country ski trails, or paddling a canoe in quiet waters, playing baseball, and he was a whisperer of all animals, especially horses.

Mark is survived by his beloved wife, Jody Chambers; children, Richard (Kate) Chambers of Mackinac Island, Emma (Dan) Motz of Mackinac Island, Robert Chambers of Mackinac Island, Maggie (Eric) Obscherning of Mackinac Island, and Clara Chambers of Mackinac Island; grandchildren, Beau, Maizy, Birdie, and Scottie Motz; siblings, John (Jane) Chambers of St. Ignace, Michigan, Nancy (Gene) Laborde of Appleton, Wisconsin; cousin - whom he considered a sister, Margaret Doud of Mackinac Island; brothers and sisters-in-law, Coley (Debbie) Johnson of Dansville, Michigan, Linda “Summer” (Chris) Porter of Evergreen, Colorado, Brad (Bev) Johnson of Reno, Arizona, and Martha Johnson of Clark Lake, Michigan.

Mark was preceded in death by his daughter, Olivia Chambers; parents, Patrick and Joyce Chambers; aunt & uncle, Jeannette & Robert Doud; and brother-in-law, Jeff Johnson.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Anne’s Catholic Church on Mackinac Island on April 24, 2025, at 11:00 AM.

Final Resting Place will be at St. Ann’s Catholic Cemetery on Mackinac Island.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mark’s memory to the Olivia Chambers Fund for Chronic Diseases, Mackinac Island Community Foundation, P.O. Box 1933, Mackinac Island, MI 49757.