Mark Rivard

Dec 20, 2024 | Obituaries, Obituaries 2024 | 6 comments

Mark Evans Rivard of Leawood, KS transitioned peacefully to his spiritual life Thursday, Dec 19^th, 2024. A Celebration of Life is planned at the Village Presbyterian Church 6641 Mission Road, Prairie Village, KS 66208 on Friday January 24, 2025 at 2:00pm. There will be a reception in the Friendship Hall following the service. A live streaming of the Celebration of Life will be available for viewing at www.Villagepres.org. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the KU Endowment in support of the Elizabeth E. Rivard Scholarship, P.O. Box 928, Lawrence, KS 66044 or give online at www.kuendowment.org/rivard or to Village Presbyterian Church, 6641 Mission Road, Prairie Village, KS 66208.

Mark grew up in Westwood Hills in a home designed by his mother (she was the first woman to graduate from KU School of Architecture). He attended Westwood View, Shawnee Mission “Rural” High School and attended KU on a basketball scholarship where he was coached by Phog Allen. At KU, he was a member of the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity and met his bride and lifelong partner, Jadeen Scott (Rivard).

Mark finished KU in the ROTC and a Business degree. He was stationed in Germany where he was a 2^nd lieutenant in the Air Force. When they returned to Kansas City, he joined his father in business running Rivard Power Lift until the business sold in the early 2000s. He served as president of the Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA) and made many friends across the country through those business affiliations. He was the quintessential businessman who could do business on a handshake.

Mark & Jadeen were married at Village Presbyterian Church by Doctor Robert Meneilly and stayed active and supportive of the church throughout their lives. Mark was a Stephens Minister and regularly attended a men’s Bible study. His spiritual connection shined through in subtle ways – through kindness, care & compassion for others.

Mark will be remembered for his honesty, sincerity, and generosity along with his love of sports and competitive spirit (especially as it related to KU basketball)! He was a quarterback for his High School football team, a star basketball player, ran track, played tennis, racquetball, bowling and enjoyed decades on the golf course. He was a patient teacher & coach (but wasn’t afraid to let the REFs know when he was unhappy with a call). He was a member at Leawood Country Club, Loch Lloyd Country Club and Milburn Country Club – where he enjoyed lifelong friendships (the “odds”)!

“Papaw & DeeDee” as they were known to many were active & engaged parents & later grandparents and loved supporting the activities of their kids and grandkids. If there was an occasion to celebrate, the family would gather! They were grateful to have all 4 of their kids families raised here within minutes of each other and were eager and frequent babysitters! Mark had a twinkle in his eye as he enjoyed years of watching kids in sports, concerts and theatre. He was an enthusiastic fan and those occasions offered more life celebrations.

The family wants to express appreciation to Mark’s many care givers, drivers and friends over the past several years as his memory was fading. Special thanks to his neighbor and close friend, Ann Hibbard, who continued to support him and fostered his little poodle, LuLu.

Mark was preceded in death by his wife Jadeen, his sister Barbara Blumenthal (AR) and his parents, Melvin & Elizabeth Rivard. He is survived by his loving family, four children: Sheree & Dave Thein, Marla & John Cope, Jay & Katherine Rivard, Sara & Chris Armer, his 10 grandchildren: Scott (& Katy) Thein, Stacey (& Bobby) Lindquist, Travis (& fiancé Kelsey) Thein, Ryan (& Megan) Cope, Reed (& M.E.) Cope, Rachel (& Chris) Schneider, Amanda (& fiancé Marc Day) Rivard, Justin Armer, Alec Armer & Tyler Armer. 15 great grandchildren: Emma, Oliver & Charlotte Thein; Luella, Olivia & William Lindquist; Liam Miller; June, Grace & Caroline Cope; Graham & Laurel Cope; James, Georgia & Molly Schneider; Sister Sara Coulter (CO), the Blumenthal, Coulter and Kreamer families, AFS students and many foster children.

3 2 votes

Article Rating

6 Comments

Oldest

Newest Most Voted

Kile Anna

1 year ago

Marla my heart aches for you and your family during this time. I will keep you all in my prayers

Cindy (Thomas) Gingerich

1 year ago

So sorry for you loss. Such fond memories growing up. Sending hugs to you all.

Shelle Jensen

1 year ago

We are so sorry you all had to say goodbye to your amazing dad. We are thinking of all of you and know that all the wonderful memories will bring comfort, smiles and laughter. Hang in there. Love, Dan and Shelle Jensen

shellie billau

1 year ago

Marla, Condolences to you and your family. I loved the obituary. As someone who only knew Mark in his later years, I enjoyed reading about the fullness of his life and his impact on all those around him. Please take care.

Laurie

1 year ago

I just learned of Mark’s passing today. Sending love and prayers to the family. I was one of his & Jadeen’s lucky foster children.

Sharon Hammer

1 year ago

Sheree- this is a wonderful tribute to your kind and loving dad who brought joy to so many lives! I had the privilege of making your parent’s 50th wedding anniversary video and saw so many special memories woven throughout the video. I’m praying now for you and your family as you go through this stage of loss. Praying Numbers 6:24-26 for all of you. “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”

Kind Words

Thank you for all your help after Doug's passing. Lara and I felt pretty helpless at that time and you came to our rescue. All my best, Joan

Joan

We deeply appreciate the kindness and support that you've shown us during this difficult time. It will always be remembered by our family.

M. Weber Family

Thank you ladies for making our Father's memorial special. You went above and beyond and helped us feel special during a difficult time.

O'Brien's

You took the worst week of my life and took the best care of our loved one. Thank you for your kind and gentle guidance. May God Bless you in your worthy work.

A. Koch

Thank you both for the patience and understanding on the logistics of BK's funeral arrangements. It was a pleasure to work with you both. My sister, Julie, couldn't have been more pleased. The services you offer are well thought out and executed with compassion.

MHD

Dad has commented several times since mom's passing how her Celebration of Life was such a nice tribute to her and how grateful he was for that process to be handled so smoothly.

Beth W.

You both have exceeded your calling, and I'm so grateful you were there for me.

Marchia

Words will never be enough to properly express our gratitude...Your care for him and your guidance in our hour of need will never be repaid. Thank you, a million times, for you compassion and respectful service.

Nicole

Thank you so much for all of the care and concern you have given our family. We appreciate all of your help in planning the funeral. You did a wonderful job!

The Abram Family

Thank you so much for your compassionate care of our family. You have answered Dad's call to comfort grieving families, and we are so grateful.

Nancy

"Thank you so much for the wonderful help you have been to our family. You met and exceeded our wishes"

Bukeka and Makeda

"You gave us the personal attention that we needed during the process. Thank you for going the extra step for us"

Cynthia

You made the whole experience of losing my Dad so much more bearable thank I could have imagined. Thank you so much for everything.

Paula H.

Thanks for making this an easier experience than I could have imagined.

Bill B.

"Thank you so much for coordinating my mom's funeral. You could not have been more respectful and empathetic"

Amy E.

"A giant THANK YOU for your knowledge, care, concern, suggestions and friendship"

Joyce F.

Thank you again for all of your help, support and encouragement.

Linda S.

I want to thank you and the friend that is making these wonderful white cloths ... whenever I see it it reminds me of a shroud and brings a very pleasant peace.

thank you dear friend

Elaine

I'm Speechless, you are so kind. You made Richard's celebration of Life and awesome experience. Richard and I shared our life together for 45 years and you have put my life in a happier place.
Most Grateful I am, Robert S.

Robert S.

Your service (and that of the other team members at Signature Funerals) was so helpful to my family throughout the aftermath of my dad's death. Thank you again for your sensitive but wide-ranging help and advice. The service and celebration of his life went smoothly and was cathartic to everyone, due in large part to all of you at Signature Funerals.

Katie C.

"I really appreciate the time you spent with me on my unannounced visit regarding funeral arrangements for Marion. You went above and beyond with notes and drafting a letter for me, Bless you"

Jill H.

"We can't begin to thank you for all you did to help us with Mike. Your kindness and thoughtfulness provided peace and comfort for all of us. You have been such a blessing for both my mom and my husband. You are God's grace for us"
With much gratitude and love,

Vicki and family

Cathy Boomer has a very calming influence and sense of peacefulness about her, even in the most emotional situations. She handled all the details of my mother's passing and funeral with professional dignity. She was unobtrusive but in control of all the little details and we, as a family, relied on her with immense satisfaction.

Nancy H.

"Thank you for all you did to make Dallas' memorial and celebration of his life a good day for our family. Your kindness will never be forgotten."

Eleanor P.

"Thanks for all your wonderful help. To do what you did in such a short period of time was truly amazing. It sure made us feel good to know all of the details were being taken care of very professionally."

Mark R.

"We appreciate all that you did to make my mother's visitation simple and elegant. Your staff helped all of our family feel very comfortable. Your place was perfect for honoring and celebrating my mother's life."

Sue and Bernie

"Thank you so very much for the "In Loving Memory" book. It was truly a lovely meaningful gift for us. And, thank you again for making Michael's final tribute a beautiful lasting memory for us."

Genanne D.

"Just a note to say how pleased I was with your funeral services for Judy. It made the situation much more tolerable."

Ralph F.

I want to thank you, on behalf of my family, and father in particular, beginning with your presence with us the night of mom's passing in her room. You were a calming presence throughout. Your funeral space is lovely and uplifting. It was, indeed, the perfect space for such a somber, but also celebrated gathering. Thank you for your guidance throughout.

Rebecca B.

"Thanks so much for all you did to make our son's service so beautiful so that we could touch the lives of many through him."

Jim and Leslie

"Thank you so very much for all the work you did for Papa. He was the neatest man and I'm so lucky to have had so much time with him. We are grateful."

Cherlyn

"At such a difficult time, it was comforting to have your respectful and tender care of my mom and her arrangements. The service was a beautiful end to her journey to Heaven. You truly have a unique gift."

Holly G.

"Thank you so much for your care for me and my family after mom's death. Your love and attention was so helpful and you made it easy for me and my siblings to have fun with each other."

Brian O.

"I want to thank Signature Funerals and yourself for everything you have done during this hard time. You made this nightmare into something for us to be proud of. The kindness and love you showed us from day one was truly amazing. God Bless."

Ned and Kimberly

"Thank you so much. Everything was lovely and we have received so many compliments."

Anne E.

"Just want to thank you for helping to give such a nice memorial service for our loved one. You were wonderful and went beyond anything expected. I appreciate it and I appreciate you and the strength you give me."

Debbie Brown

"Thank you so much for opening your heart up to our family."

Mabel B.

"Words can not express our gratitude for helping us with our loved one's needs and the visitation service. You, especially, made such a tragic and sad time more bearable. Your friendship and professionalism went miles to help my family and myself."

Marta Reber Warren

"I feel so lucky to have been able to know you a little and work with you for the funeral of our mom. You were everywhere and it was a comfort to us to turn her over to you, knowing you would treat her with loving kindness. Thank you so much."

Susan W.

"I recently had an opportunity to use your services after my father and step-mother died within a 7 week period. Because I had dealt with Michelle Parks previously when my mother-in-law died, I contacted her when the need arose. I could not have been more pleased with my experience. Dad wanted to be cremated and Mom wanted a traditional burial with a casket. I sat down with Michelle each time in your beautiful facility and she made it easy for me to understand the options as she gently guided me through the process. She covered all the bases in one sitting and I was impressed with the very competitive price structuring of your services."

"Michelle was absolutely fabulous each time. I felt that I received very personal service and she was available to answer my questions at any hour. She was understanding, compassionate, and very knowledgeable about her industry. I am hoping to take a break from your services for a while, but when the need arises again, I will call Signature Funerals."

Bryan C. Nelson M.D.

"Even though the passing of my father was a traumatic experience as would be expected, working with Cathy Boomer and the team at Signature Funerals, made the entire experience one to be cherished and remembered in only the most positive of lights. From the time hospice was called in to assist my father and our family through his final transition, to the planning and actual day of his service Signature Funerals handled every detail. In particular Cathy Boomer displayed an innate and unique ability to explain each and every step, being very careful not to overwhelm us during a very fragile time for our family. Looking back on this, it is evident that this is not only an important piece if ensuring a pleasant experience, but that it is a fine line that I believe is not necessarily shared by all that provide the type of service as Signature Funerals. The time that Cathy and the spent with us in the days leading up to my father’s service was focused on anticipating things we may not have thought of, things we needed to know as well as understanding what was important to our family and my father to ensure the service truly did honor his life."

"As said before, Cathy and Signature Funerals, helped our family create a memory that we will never forget and cherish forever. I would happily recommend Cathy and her team over and over again."

Andre Player | Vice President Anthem Media Group