Mark A. Langlois Skilled Trades Scholarship Fund
Mark Langlois was like a modern-day MacGyver, happiest when he was working with tools and building things. His love for building came from his father and his creativity from his mother, and he enjoyed working in the trades from a young age. In his last two years of high school, Mark took classes in the trades and finished by helping build a spec house. After he graduated, he worked in various trades through Mt. Pleasant High School before joining the family’s property development business his parent’s established in Mt. Pleasant.
Mark Langlois filled every room with energy. He was bold in his pursuits and humble in spirit. He shaped wood and ideas into lasting work, finding purpose in the family business and the discipline of hard labor. His talents were more than skills; they reflected a heart tuned to lifting others. Mark had a soft spot for people who’d lost their way and was quick to offer a fresh start. Despite losing an older brother and navigating his parents’ divorce, the Mark forged his own path, launching a company that proved what grit, passion, and perseverance can build.
Beyond work, Mark chased horizons. He loved the outdoors, the open road, and the wild West, drawn especially to Idaho’s rugged beauty. Engines and big machines thrilled him, and the sea claimed his last decade as he captained his own boat out of Seattle, diving, crabbing, and living at full throttle. He went all-in on his craft, his adventures, and his people. Though he had no children, he left a legacy for every young dreamer, builder, and risk-taker. He believed life wasn’t about arriving safely but about giving everything - ending with a grin and a “Wow, what a ride!”
In 2021, Mark passed away while attempting to save a friend caught in a riptide. In the wake of that profound loss, his brother Kevin sought a way to honor Mark’s courage, generosity, and love for the trades and established the Mark A. Langlois Skilled Trades Scholarship Fund for those seeking to further their education in skilled trades.
“In honor of my brother, I want people to have options - whether they attend trade school or any other type of trade education,” Kevin said. “For the students in Isabella County who do not find their passion in traditional classes, the (Gratiot Isabella) Tech Center is a wonderful opportunity. This fund will be available to students in the trades so that they can begin to pursue these important careers.”
The Langlois family’s commitment to community runs deep. The Phil A. Langlois Fund was established in 2011 to commemorate Phil’s life. In 2023, Kevin created the Langlois Family Fund to carry forward the memories of his parents and brothers. The Mark A. Langlois Skilled Trades Scholarship Fund builds on that legacy with a special focus: opening doors for students in the skilled trades.
Help us honor Mark’s spirit of ingenuity and service by investing in the future of the trades across our community.
