Mark W. McCaw

Mark Wallace McCaw, a beloved resident of Estero, Florida, passed away early in the morning on August 14, 2023, at the age of 65. He was born on May 3, 1958, in Waukegan, Illinois, to his loving parents Jerry Franklin and the late Richard Wallace McCaw, who provided him with a nurturing and supportive upbringing. On May 23, 1981, Mark joined Karen in holy matrimony in Lexington, KY. They shared an incredible journey spanning over four decades filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Together they built a beautiful life, raised their three children, and embraced the joy of parenthood as well as becoming grandparents. Mark and Karen were blessed with three wonderful children, Christina, Jacquelyn, and Richard. Their son also blessed them with a loving daughter-in-law, Courtney, as well as their grandson, Richard Gregg McCaw. In his early years, Mark attended Henry Clay High School in Lexington, Kentucky. Upon graduating in the class of 1976, Mark embarked on his next educational journey at the University of Kentucky. He pursued his passion for knowledge and emerged as a graduate, with a degree in Business, Finance and Economics in 1986. Professionally, Mark held the CIMA certification and achieved his dream of starting a family business. In 2017 he opened McCaw and Associates Investment Group where he worked alongside his wife, Karen, and two daughters, Christina and Jacquelyn. Beyond his professional life, Mark actively participated in several organizations including the Bonita Springs Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, Gulf Coast Swim Team (GCST), USA Swimming and the Chaîne des Rotisseurs. Mark immersed himself in local charities, furthering his mission to support the community. He was the local Chairman of the Board and the Director of the Bonita Springs Chamber of Commerce, the Bonita Springs Assistance Office, and the Rotary Club of Bonita Springs. Mark also held numerous leadership positions at The Foundation of The Rotary Club of Bonita Springs including Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Treasurer, and Trustee. Mark’s contributions did not go unnoticed. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Award, the Meritorious Service Award, Service Above Self Award, and is a Paul Harris Fellow and Sustaining Member. Mark was a true Rotarian and lived by the 4-Way Test. Mark was always active in his children’s hobbies. He coached his son’s roller hockey team, volunteered in his daughters’ girl scout troops, and dedicated a large portion of his life to his favorite hobby: officiating. In his younger years, Mark swam competitively alongside his younger siblings, Mike and Marianne McCaw. Later, when he signed his own children up to swim, Mark embarked on the beginning of his officiating journey. He quickly became an apprentice official and began running swim meets in 2002. He went on to train many officials, host officials’ clinics, officiate for FGCU Women’s Swim Meets and Open Water Swimming and volunteered for several Florida Swimming Championship Meets, FHSAA Meets, Sectional Meets, and USA Swimming National Swim Meets, including the US Olympic Team Trials. In 2009, Mark was nominated to the FINA Open Water Referee list by USA Swimming. His first international Open Water assignment was to Guam for the Junior Pan Pacific Swimming Championships in 2009. He became one of the top Open Water Officials in the world, refereeing Open Water races around the Statue of Liberty in the Hudson River, and throughout the US, Canada, and Japan. Mark was the Treasurer and Financial Vice Chair for Florida Swimming for several years and wore many hats in the swimming world: Meet Referee, Administrative Official, Technical Official, Deck Referee, Starter, Lead Chief Judge, Stroke and Turn, and Evaluator. Florida Swimming awarded Mark McCaw the prestigious Phillips 66 Outstanding Award in 2017. It recognizes volunteers for their service to USA Swimming and is awarded by an LSC. On top of all these accolades, to honor Mark, Gulf Coast Swim Team has renamed their annual Summer Invite as the “Mark McCaw Summer Classic”, continuing his swimming legacy, and acknowledging the countless hours he dedicated to the sport and community. Another passion of Mark’s was to enjoy good food and good wine. Mark and Karen were initiated members of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, an international gastronomic society. Together they served on the board of directors. Mark was the Vice Conseiller Gastronomique of the Bailliage de Bonita. He frequently worked with local chefs to create unique and exciting menus for his fellow Chaîne members. In Mark’s spare time, he enjoyed golfing with his friends, especially at Shadow Wood Country Club, where he and Karen have been members since 2011. Mark ran several golf groups and both Mark and Karen were active in the Shadow Wood Charitable Foundation. Through his visionary guidance and unwavering support, Mark made a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals within the Southwest Florida community. He selflessly devoted his time and energy, was a world traveler full of cultural experiences, and was always willing to share his stories and travels to grow others around him. Mark McCaw will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. He leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and dedication to his family and his community. Although he is no longer with us, his spirit will forever remain alive in the hearts of those who knew and loved him dearly. The funeral will be held at Our Lady of Light Catholic Community, 19680 Cypress View Drive, Fort Myers FL 33967 on September 2, 2023, at 11:00 am. There will be a reception following the service in the parish hall. In lieu of flowers, the McCaw family requests donations be made to The Foundation of The Rotary Club of Bonita Springs. 100% Of these funds will be distributed to three organizations Mark was passionate about; The Bonita Springs Assistance Office as well as The Wheelchair Foundation and the Gift of Life, both of which Rotary supports. Donations may be sent to: The Foundation of the Rotary Club of Bonita Springs P.O. Box 474 Bonita Springs, FL 34133-0474 (Note Mark McCaw donation on the check) *Or*, by visiting our club’s website and clicking the ‘donate’ button at the bottom of the page. Enter Mark McCaw donation on the description line. The Rotary Club of Bonita Springs/Service Above Self (bonitaspringsrotary.org)

Mark W. McCaw

May 3, 1958 - August 14, 2023