Posted: Friday, November 28, 2008 12:00 am
Nov. 6, 1981 - Nov. 26, 2008
Joshua Martin "Bubba" Mack, 27, of Albany died Wednesday at his home.
Joshua was born in Heerley, Netherlands, to John and Fawnette Mack. Joshua's father was in the U.S. Army and was stationed in the Netherlands. The family returned to the United States in 1983, 18 months after Joshua's birth. He then traveled with his family to duty stations in Germany and Oklahoma. Joshua's father retired from the Army in 1996 and the family came to live in Oregon at that time. Joshua attended Stayton High for ninth grade and then went to South Albany High School for 10th and 11th grades. He graduated in February 2001 from South Albany High School.
After high school, Joshua became employed as a welder/fabricator, working for a number of different employers. On Nov. 2, 2004, Brookelyn Renee, Joshua's daughter, was born. Joshua loved his daughter very much and enjoyed spending time with her.
In April of this year, Joshua was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS). This particular strain of ALS runs in his family and progresses very quickly. Joshua was working at the Stereo Store in Albany at the time of his diagnosis, and continued to work there until the disease progressed until he could no longer work. He fought a valiant fight against his prognosis but in the end, he went to be with his mother, who had died nine years earlier of ALS.
Joshua was loved by so many and will never be forgotten. He is survived by his father, John Mack of Albany; two sisters, Tonja Chrisman of Oklahoma and Teresa Lewellen of Albany; daughter Brookelyn, 4; eight aunts and uncles; five nieces and nephews; and lots of friends.
He was preceded in death by his mother; grandmother Wanda Felde, who died of ALS in 1979; and cousin Lance Cpl. Tyler J. Troyer, who died in 2005.
A visitation will be from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Fisher Funeral Home, 306 Washington St. S.W., Albany. A celebration of life will be on Dec. 6. The time will be announced at a later date.
The family is requesting all friends and loved ones wear their "Never give up" T-shirts or sweatshirts for the memorial service. Also, casual dress is requested.
Memorial contributions may be made to the ALS Association in memory of Joshua Mack.