Mark David Oberparleiter, 38, of Fountain Hills, Arizona, a 757 pilot for America West Airlines, professional motorcycle racer, and beloved friend and family member, died February 5, 2001, from injuries sustained in a motorcycle racing accident near Phoenix, Arizona.

Mark was born on March 3, 1962, in Camden, New Jersey, to Wayne Oberparleiter and Beverly Kimble and lived and spent his high school days in the Morrisville and Yardley, Pennsylvania, area. After high school graduation Mark began his career as a pilot, flying freight, and flight instructing. He married his first wife Tina Smith and his son, David, was born on December 28, 1986. His first career job as a pilot was with Mesa Airlines, in Farmington, New Mexico, flying commuter routes. Later he worked for Florida Gulf Airlines as a commuter pilot. For the last four and a half years, Mark worked as a First Officer with America West Airlines in Phoenix, Arizona, where he resided. Mark married Tiffany Kapphahn of Phoenix, Arizona, in September, 1998.

Mark was a well-known and loved figure in Phoenix area flying and motorcycle racing circles. At the time of his death, in addition to his many other activities, Mark, and his wife Tiffany, were building their dream home in Fountain Hills, Arizona. Everyone who knew Mark remembers his love of life, and especially of adventure, and his positive and energetic approach to everything he did. Mark’s infectious good will and enthusiasm seemed to light up every enterprise he touched with joy and purpose.

Mark will be most lovingly remembered by his wife Tiffany, son David, mother Beverly Kimble, grandmother Marjorie Kimble, father Wayne Oberparleiter, grandfather Leslie Oberparleiter, sisters Heather Oates and Kelli Oberparleiter, brother Lance Oberparleiter, and by his many relatives, friends and associates. Mark’s life was honored in a formation flight fly-over at his Fountain Hills property on February 10, 2001. In a moving tribute, one of the planes broke away in the traditional "missing man" maneuver, and flew away towards the setting sun. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Mark D. Oberparleiter Memorial Fund, PMB 150, 745 N. Gilbert #124, Gilbert, AZ, 85234-4616.