Mark S. Atkins

Mark S. Atkins, 58, passed away peacefully at home May 31, 2014, surrounded by loving family and friends.

Born March 20, 1956, in Springfield, Massachusetts, Mark was the second son of Mona and Charles Atkins of Middle Grove, New York, who, along with his devoted companion, Priscilla Cassidy of Albany, helped him through his five-year battle with brain cancer.

A 1974 graduate of Shaker High School, Mark’s early work years were spent at H.L. Gage, Albany, and United Parcel Service.

In 1990, he achieved his dream of establishing his own business, Applied Flow Technology of Ballston Spa, where he specialized in customized design, porting, machining and repair of competition cylinder heads. Since then, his innovations, craftsmanship and commitment to excellence have won awards and set records on racetracks.

Neither neurosurgery nor post-operative therapy could keep him from his craft for long; he could be found working in his beloved shop until a few short weeks ago. Mark loved any form of recreation with which he could challenge himself physically, from car and motorcycle racing to mountain climbing, hiking the Adirondacks and bicycle touring.

He also gave generously of himself to members of his brain tumor support group, serving as an inspiration and example to his fellow patients.

In addition to his parents, Mark is survived by his daughter, Jessica, and son, Christopher; brothers James (Susan) of Gal- way, Peter of Escondido, California, and Gregory (Faith) of Clifton Park; and nieces Victoria and Jennifer and nephew Thomas. Surviving relatives also include his uncles/aunts, Rev. Yves Bégin, SJ, of Quebec, Canada, Paul and Alice Atkins of Easthamton, Massachusetts, Andrée Beaudoin, Jeannine and Roger Carrier of Lévis, Canada; and many cousins and friends, in particular, his longtime friend and shop assistant Martin Tollgreve.

The family wishes to express sincere thanks to those who rendered help, service and support during Mark’s long journey: Dr. Susan A. Weaver, NYOH; Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center’s Dr. Ingo Mellinghoff, Dr. Macarena de La Fuente and Bridget King; loyal friend and coworker Paula Schultz; Community Hospice nurses Tammy Czajkowski and Mary Cook; Clara Laplant; Kathy Byrnes; and devoted cousin Lisa, all of whom provided invaluable help, care and comfort to the end

Relatives and friends are invited to call from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 6, at Armer Funeral Home Inc., 39 E. High St., Ballston Spa.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 7, at St. Paul’s Church, 771 Route 29, Rock City Falls. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice of Saratoga or to City Rescue Mission of Albany, New York.

Online remembrances may be made at www. armerfuneralhome.com.