R. Mark Packer, 57, died November 13, 2013. Mark is survived by his partner, Joseph Stenson, parents, Dr. Robert and Mary June Packer, a brother and other relatives. Mark received his Master of Arts degree from the Chicago Institute of Art. He held a variety of highly sought after artist in residence positions including Roswell Museum and Art Center in Roswell, NM, the UICA in Grand Rapids, MI and the State of Florida. He held adjunct professor positions at Aquinas, Hope College, and Grand Valley State University, as well as a visiting professor position at ASU. It was during this period that he began his journey into kinetic sculpture, creating larger than life works that would go on to be exhibited around the world, including the Comme de Garcons in Tokyo, Japan, the Snug Harbor Cultural Center in New York, the Muskegon Museum of Art in his hometown of Muskegon, MI, the Artemesia and NAME Galleries in Chicago, and the Visual Arts Center of Alaska in Anchorage, AK. From a very young age Mark was enthralled by amphibians, specifically turtles, truly the original "Turtle Man". This passion translated into countless hours of research and breeding to ensure the continuation of a variety of rare turtle species. He shared his knowledge with many through publications including Reptile Magazine. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, November 18 at Metcalf & Jonkhoff funeral home. Interment will follow at Blain Cemetery, Gaines Twp. Memorial contributions may be directed to Turtle Survival Alliance, 1989 Colonial Parkway, Ft. Worth, TX 76110 or Muskegon Rescue Mission, 1691 Peck St. Muskegon, MI 49441. To see Mark's art, go to www.robertmarkpacker.com