With heavy hearts, we announce the death of Mark Malec of San Diego, California. Mark passed away on December 27, 2021 at the age of 66.
Throughout his life, Mark was known for his bigger-than-life personality. His booming voice, infectious laugh and unending energy always ensured he would be the life of the party. He was devoted to his family and friends, to God, and to his lifetime dedication to supporting amateur athletics.
Mark’s sports career began at Clairemont High School in the early 70’s. He was able to channel his incredible energy by running, and soon became a regular at local and county track meets. He eventually earned star status at Clairemont for being the top runner on the Chieftain’s cross-country team, with a two-mile record of 10 minutes, 13 seconds. The magical Chieftain cross country runners took the Western League Championship title two years in a row, and the distance champs moved onto CIF both years.
Mark’s love of sports and successful amateur track career were the perfect achievements to lead him into a longtime career as a sports official in San Diego County. From Pop Warner football to Men’s Rec Basketball, from field hockey to high school football, Mark worked every game he could. He was always fair in his officiating, always enjoyed working with the student athletes, and loved running around the fields for hours at a time. Mark was always at his best on the field, no matter which sport he was working.
Mark was predeceased by his brother Michael and his father, Edward Malec. He is survived by his mother, Madeleine Malec, his son Brett Malec and son-in-law Billy Nilles, ex-wife Lisa Malec, sister Christine Wauschek and brother-in-law Gene, nephews Aaron Wauschek (Dawn), Brian Wauschek (Kari), and Chad Wauschek (Dianna), brother-in-law Randy Troy, sister-in-law Deborah Troy, nieces Kristin Banks (Mike) and Emily De Armas (Jarred), and nephew Christopher Troy.
