Akwesasne, NY — DIRTcar 358-Modified racer Mark Smoke, 38, of 963 State Route 37 in Akwesasne, tragically passed away on Sunday morning, March 21, 2010, following a car accident.
Driver of the #9 Small-Block entry in the 358-Modified Series at hometrack Mohawk International Raceway and Can-Am Motorsports Park in LaFargeville, N.Y., Smoke scored his lone DIRTcar 358 feature win at Can-Am on June 21, 2008. A regular follower of the Mr. DIRTcar Championship trail in recent years, he finished 6th in the overall point standings in 2008 after placing 8th in 2007.
Mark was born September 12, 1971 in Syracuse, the son of Louie R. and Ruth Gay Smoke. He graduated from Salmon River Central School in 1990 and later from Kempville College. Mark married Rebecca A. Perkins on October 3, 2009 at the Wolf Clan Banquet Hall with Lisa Jock officiating.
Mark was a self-employed backhoe operator and once worked as a laborer in Canada. He was a member of the Hogansburg-Akwesasne Volunteer Fire Department. Along with car racing, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and being on the river. He loved spending time with his children, as a “Hockey Dad” and enjoyed riding his snowmobile with his oldest son.
Mark is survived by his wife, Rebecca; four children, Riley, age 19, Kristian, age 17, Nathan, age 14, and Aleesha, age 8, all of Akwesasne; his parents, Louie and Ruth of Akwesasne; a brother and sister-in-law, Mitchell and Carol Smoke, of Akwesasne; a chosen brother, Brandon Smoke of Akwesasne; a nephew, Braydon; and many cousins.
He was predeceased by a brother, Louie Ray Smoke, Jr. on December 22, 1974.
Friends may call at his home beginning Tuesday 4:00 p.m. until 10:00 a.m. on Thursday. Funeral Service with fireman’s honors will be held Thursday 11:00 a.m. at St. Regis Catholic Church with Rev. George H. Belgarde, SJ, celebrating. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Arrangements are with the Donaldson Funeral Home, Massena.
Memorial Contributions may be made in his memory to the Hogansburg-Akwesasne Volunteer Fire Department.
Condolences may be made online at the Donaldson Funeral Home www.donaldsonfh.com.
