Mark Tatum Arnold

Mark Tatum Arnold, a longtime resident of South Whidbey, passed away peacefully at his Double Bluff home in Freeland on Oct. 16, 2015.

Mark was born Sept. 5, 1956, in Memphis, Tenn.

Mark and his family moved to the island during the summer of 1966. Mark attended South Whidbey schools, along with his two brothers, Bill and Steve. “The three amigos,” as they were called, loved fishing, hunting and chopping wood together. They especially got a thrill out of playing pranks on unsuspecting friends, neighbors and family.

Following high school, Mark joined the National Guard. His training in the Guard prepared Mark for his lifelong career in the plumbing and septic business. Mark prospered as owner and operator of Arnold’s Plumbing and, later, Septic businesses. He successfully served the island’s community for over 30 years.

Mark had two primary hobbies in his life. The first was loving and caring for animals. His barnyard pets were a steer and several horses. Indoors, Emma Rose (cat) and Bentley (bloodhound) stuck to him like glue. He loved them to pieces right back, slobber and all. We used to tease Mark about giving little, old, poor Bentley a tiny afternoon snack. After all, the poor dog weighed only a measly 213 pounds!

Mark’s second hobby was developing and fine-tuning the Eco Vac System. This product allows the consumer to prewash, clean and sanitize dishes without the use of water. Instead, the Eco Vac uses high-powered suction to get dishes sparkling clean. Mark worked tirelessly on this product, and has a patent on it. Unfortunately, he did not live to see his dream become a reality.

Mark is survived by his wife, Mary, of the family home; daughter, Tatum, of Eastern Washington, Ryan (Mary’s son), his sister, Susan (Steve) and brother Steve (Kristie), all of Island County; brother Tommy (Nancy) and brother Barry (Shirley) of the southern U.S.; along with several grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Mark, I miss you and love you so very much. I know I will always carry you in my heart and soul. Remember, I love you more!

Memorial for friends and family will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, at the home of Steve and Kristie Arnold. 2684 Gabelein Road, Clinton (360-321-1074). In leiu of flowers, Mark would love donations to be made to WAIF.