Mark Lea Vedder
Mark Lea Vedder, mostly known as Moki, was born on July 4, 1947 to JoAnne Dixon and Dwight Vedder. He attended Aliso School in Kindergarten and then went to Canalino School, both in Carpinteria. After eighth grade, he went to Midland High School in Los Olivos, CA graduating in 1965. His College years began then and were spent at the University of Arizona at Tucson where he often ended up on the Dean’s List. His college years were interrupted by his being drafted and going to Vietnam in the Army for two years.
His working career was in insurance, banking and carpentry. He worked for Household Finance in the early 70’s and then Santa Barbara Savings in the later 70’s. His carpentry career served him well as he lived in Arizona, Colorado, Alabama and California.
Moki had many interests including woodworking, photography and reading avidly but best of all he was a great storyteller. His sarcastic wit and spin on any subject always made it a bit more interesting. His poetry and heart-shaped toilet seats were yet more of his talents.
As a young boy, he and cohort, Jack Griffith used to ride around the ranch on a home-made go-cart. Perhaps this was the beginning of his love for motorcycles and all things fast. He used to go up and down the hallway making the rev-ing sound of a speeding car.
His sports career began with tennis lessons from Hilbert Lee at the Montecito Country Club. He was a good tennis player playing in the Ojai Open Tournament one spring. Many years of fun were had at the Hollister Ranch hunting and hiking with Doyle and David. He also liked going to the Duck Club with Papa and Wicki and many other friends over the years. He was an excellent dancer and his dancing career began with Cotillion classes at the Music Academy. His favorite dancing partner was Yvonne, even though she was a bit taller than he.
Moki had a way about him. When he wasn’t being sarcastic, he could be so sensitive and deeply wise, always hoping to give a little levity or humor to the moment. He had a smile and a look that would say, “Come on…it will be okay.” And so it would.
He was a member of the Ancient and Honorable Order E Clampus Vitus which is dedicated to the preservation of the heritage of the American West. He often went “clamping” with other “Clampers” and really enjoyed it.
After living in Alabama, Cambria and Santa Ynez, Moki settled down in Carpinteria where he has been residing with his girlfriend of 24 years, Freba Morris. These two had a lot of fun traveling to Mexico and Hawaii with lots of camping trips to Lake San Antonio as well.
Moki is the father of two wonderful children, Emily Vedder and Mark Vedder, Jr. She and son, Caden would often join him at his favorite restaurant, The Nugget. He held court there everyday and Caden loved to sit at the bar with his Grandpa. Mark would also visit his Dad at the Nugget as it was always interesting to see who Moki was conversing with that day.
Moki died peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, March 10th. He was predeceased by his father Dwight Vedder, mother JoAnne Mauracher, step-father Ali Mauracher, sister Cathie Vedder, brother Viktor Mauracher and sister Heidi Mauracher. He is survived by his long-term girlfriend Freba Morris, daughter Emily Vedder and her son Caden, his son Mark Vedder, Jr, sister Mimi Mauracher, his niece Erika Hollister Cotter and husband Brendan and their three children, Jameson, Ilaria and Julienne with another on the way.
There will be a private family burial. Please make donations to your favorite charity. There will be a memorial service from 1:30 – 4:30 at Lions Club Park, 6197 Casitas Pass Road in Carpinteria on Sunday, March 31st.