Mark was born on January 13, 1957, in Fairfax, OK, to Gerald Masters and Patricia Masters Coulter. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Mark’s life was a reflection of his deep commitment to family, community, and entrepreneurship.
Mark and Gwen launched Unlimited Specialty Products, Inc. (USP. Inc) in the early 1980s, distributing licensed sports merchandise to retail outlets in the USA. Mark found joy in connecting with new people and discovering great restaurants, especially when traveling with Gwen by his side. Kristin fondly remembers helping him choose his outfits as a young girl, a ritual that reflected their close bond and his constant efforts to include her in his world.
In 1993, the source of 98% of products sold became unavailable due to ownership change of the licensed manufacturer. USP Inc. limped along selling Fanwrap giftwrap and Legends Sports Bags. When they downsized from a warehouse to the garage, they needed a mailing address, 1100 Irvine Blvd #31, Tustin, CA 92780 was the answer. In 1998, when the owner of that mailing address became sick and could no longer work, Mark and Gwen purchased Scooters Mailboxes–a commercial mail receiving agency and gift store. Mark thrived in the shipping world (see those crates) and he understood the notary world, both the wording and the reasoning. He became a trusted advisor to customers and a guiding presence to his employees. Mark was incredibly proud of the paths each of them chose and the success they achieved.
One of the greatest joys of Mark’s later years was the birth of his granddaughter, Felicity, in 2021. He treasured every moment spent with her–whether they were swimming, reading books, or playing with flashcards. He embraced his role as Grandpa with warmth, humor, and boundless love. He also took great pride in mentoring his son-in-law, Juan, guiding him through the business world and celebrating his growth into a confident, successful Electrical Engineering professional. Mark found deep fulfillment in watching Juan thrive, and he cherishes the strong, supportive bond they built over the years.
One of Mark’s favorite places in the world was “The Land” in Dorris, California. Mark’s father, Jerry, and his wife, Renée, purchased a 40-acre site in a remote wooded area of Northern California. A year later, Mark and Gwen bought their own property nearby, with a beautiful view of Mount Shasta. Annual family camping trips began in 1986. With no cell service, internet, or utilities, it was a true escape–an off-the-grid sanctuary. Every trip had a project: building a deck, creating a shower area, maintaining the fire pit, clearing trees, or fixing the road. Each year, a van full of firewood made the trip down, ready to warm Gwen and Mark’s fireplace through the winter.
When Juan and Kristin purchased a condo just half a mile from Mark and Gwen, Mark enthusiastically pitched in–helping with paperwork, offering guidance on their plans, helping repaint the kitchen and rebuild the pergola. More than helping, he loved teaching how to do these improvements so their knowledge could grow. He helped turn it into a home they could be proud of. Living nearby was a blessing over the years. At times, Mark and Gwen needed help; at other times, it was Kristin and Juan. But what mattered most was the time spent together and the memories they created–memories they’ll carry forever.
He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 50 years, Gwen Masters; his daughter, Kristin Masters; his son-in-law, Juan Cadena; and his cherished granddaughter, Felicity Cadena Masters; also survived by his sister, Karen Masters; sister-in-law, Pam Neil (and her partner, Dave Womer); and his uncle, Richard Masters, and his wife, Barbara Masters, and the chosen family at Scooters Mailbox Cards and Gifts. He will be missed by all.
Celebration of Life will be at the Orange County Mining Company on November 2nd from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. RSVP: Gwen Master by October 15th.