D. Mark Van Hook

Mark Van Hook, age 78, passed away peacefully surrounded by family, on September 19, 2026. He was born in Columbus, GA on March 25, 1948 to Robert Van Hook, Sr. and Nell Thigpen Van Hook.

Mark was a beloved husband and father. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Dana and their sons Tyler (Genevieve) of Mills River, NC and Alexander of Charleston, SC. Mark attended Clemson University and was a lifelong Tiger football fan. He served in the United States Navy from 1975 to 1981. He made lifetime friends there and spoke often of his travel experiences while serving. For many years, Mark tended a rose garden that was legendary in the neighborhood. Mark was an avid reader and enjoyed a good puzzle crossword each morning. He was a member of the Charleston Rifle Club and helped steer their Misfits Trivia Team to numerous victories.

Mark was one of the owners of Personal Presence, a resort property management, maintenance, and construction firm on Kiawah Island for many years. He loved the barrier island’s wildlife there, and never missed an opportunity to throw a fishing line in the surrounding waters. Nothing pleased him more than returning from Bohicket Marina in the evening to grill freshly caught wahoo for his family.

Mark managed the Verhagen Foundation from 2002 until 2023. The Foundation supported numerous non-profits with a focus on animal welfare, people in vulnerable communities, and wildlife conservation.

A memorial service will be held at The Unitarian Church of Charleston, 4 Archdale Street, on Friday, October 2, 2026 at 11:00. A reception will follow next door in Gage Hall. In lieu of flowers, and in alignment with Mark’s commitment to caring for our planet and its inhabitants, the family asks that any memorial gifts be made to africanpeoplewildlife.org or to thecenterforbirdsofprey.org. Center for Birds of Prey, 4719 Hwy 17 N., Awendaw, SC 29429.