Mark “Whitey” Wingland passed away on May 31st in Ventura, California. His loving daughters, wife and loyal dog were by his side. He was born in Lynwood, California on April 2, 1951 to George and Joan Johnson. He graduated from East Bakersfield High School in 1969, and completed undergrad studies in music at Cal State Bakersfield. Mark received a masters in music from University of California, San Diego and a teaching credential from Cal State San Diego.
He married Kathy Masonheimer in 1975. Forty seven years of fun traveling with the family, cooking, gardening, entertaining and lots of music!
He was an inspiring music educator and performer, providing compassionate guidance and support to his students and coworkers. Mark was so fortunate to meet his “Band of Brothers” who formed Fifty Sticks of Dynamite in 2010, a dynamic band that performed in many local venues. He retired from teaching at Pacifica High School in Oxnard in 2018. He previously taught at South High School in Bakersfield and West Jordan High School in Utah.
He will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him. Mark was a true renaissance man-his calling card listed his talents-master balloon animal maker, philosophical instruction, voice lessons, choir conductor, blues musician, storyteller, poet, astronomer, clown and finger magic. He was a loving father, husband and friend.
Mark is survived by his wife, Kathy (Masonheimer), daughters Franky(Molly), Sophie, son in law Alex Tarsha, Father George Johnson, and his wife Karen Johnson, brothers Rick Johnson, Lars Olson and sister Inga Miller, and many loving nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held on July 2nd at the Museum of Ventura County, 5-8pm.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Mockingbird Foundation, mbird.org.
Arrangements are under the direction of the BOYKO & REARDON TELEGRAPH ROAD MORTUARY & CREMATION, Ventura.