Obituary of Mark D. Rice

Mark D. Rice, age 59 of Montour Falls, passed peacefully at his home on December 17, 2020. He was born in Elmira, NY, the son of Kay and (the late) William Rice. After graduating from Horseheads High School and working for various area businesses, Mark found his true niche working in construction with the Laborers Local 785 Union. There, he applied his deep-rooted grit to work hard—building many local bridges and schools. He was a model to his coworkers and a loyal friend to all. Mark always had a wild story to tell with his subtle but contagious humor. He had an appetite to learn about anything and everything through reading, adopting the latest technology and quiet observation. His hobbies and interests included local history, being outdoors, rock music and trivia, woodworking, yardwork, studying the weather, bonfires, NASCAR, Syracuse sports and the Yankees. Mark loved a good sale and was an environmental advocate, recycling all he could and making sure everyone else did too! He is survived by his wife, Deb (Kibbe) Rice; children and step-children, Jessica (Johnny Cook), Tyler and Peyton Westlake, Justin (Stephanie) Kibbe, and Crystena Kibbe; grandchildren, Ayla, Aiden and Alec Westlake; step-grandchild, Kaliea Ervay; mother, Kay Rice; brother, Dennis (Judith) Rice; sister, Holly (Robert) Donaldson; and a long list of friends, especially Ted Kania and Mark and Denice (Westlake) Blaha. In remembrance of Mark's love for his hometown, reading and local history, donations may be sent to the Montour Falls Memorial Library. Or, contributions may be made to your organization of choice. At Mark's request, there will be no calling hours. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.