A former Wayland man was killed March 25 in a hit and run traffic incident Wednesday, March 25, in Kalamazoo.
Mark Allen McBride, 51, of Kalamazoo, was struck by a vehicle that left the scene and since then hasn’t been located or identified.
Mark was born on March 7, 1975, in Grand Rapids, to Dennis and Pauline (Hansen) McBride. Raised in Wayland, he was an exceptional student and athlete at Wayland High School, competing in track, soccer and cross country. He was active in many student organizations, including Youth In Government, Science Olympiad and debate, a perfect combination for a self-described nerd who never shied away from arguments, especially about politics.
Mark continued his education at Western Michigan University, earning his bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in public administration. He spent most of his adult life in service to others with the State of Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, connecting people in need with vital resources and support.
In recent years, he spent much of his free time working alongside family and friends at Hickory Creek Winery, hosting guests and assisting in nearly every facet of winery operations.
Mark considered himself a global citizen. A world traveler, he spent weeks in West Africa on a service trip during high school, studied abroad in Russia during college, and adventured all over North America and Europe in his adult years.
Throughout his life, he developed many interests and followed them passionately, including science fiction, especially Star Wars and Star Trek, Premier League Football, distance running, back country hiking, and music, both listening to and playing it. He was especially known for his love for R.E.M., Midnight Oil, The National, Radiohead, and Belle & Sebastian among others.
He adored his two children and his three grandsons more than anything on Earth. He was a devoted son, brother, uncle, and friend who gave his time to others without hesitation.
Mark is survived by his daughter Samantha (Seth) Bird, his son, Sean (fiancée Cierra) McBride; grandsons Simon, Jonah and Asher Bird; his mother Pauline; his brother Adam (Erica) McBride and sister Katie (Ezekiel) Fletcher; nephews Nolan Fletcher and Benjamin Fletcher; and nieces Oliva McBride, Laura Fletcher and Lillian McBride.
He was preceded in death by his father, Dennis.
The family will host a celebration of Mark’s life on Sunday April 19, 2026, at 2pm at the Luella Collins Community Center, 419 126th Avenue, Shelbyville.
Those wishing to honor his life and follow his example are encouraged to make a contribution in his name to National Public Radio, Planned Parenthood, Amnesty International, or Ministry With Community in Kalamazoo.
