Oxford township resident Mark Richard Harries, age 71, passed away on April 4, 2023.

Mark was well known throughout the Oxford area as “Llamadad.”

He would often be seen in town with his mobility assistance service, Golden Retriever, Thunder.

He and his wife Beth and sons Joe and Randy, participated in local parades with their llamas, even escorting Santa’s sleigh into Oxford one Christmas. He could often be seen walking llamas through town, at events in Centennial Park and even in the movie theater for the opening of Kuzco. Mark was instrumental in bringing Groundhog Day festivities to Oxford with Noah John “the one-eyed groundhog,” and later, his weather prognosticating llamas Zac and Tutor.

Mark and his family also owned Windstar Farm (Mark’s Ark), a mobile petting farm that traveled throughout SE Michigan providing educational programs and entertainment. Living nativities were also a part of that endeavor.

Over the past 10 years, Mark was actively involved with USA Therapy Dogs. He spent many hours visiting in nursing homes, libraries and hospice facilities. He also served as an assistant trainer for the association. Mark leaves behind his loving Beth, sons Joseph (Ariel) and Randall, grandchildren Hazel and Emmett, and his best buddy, his service dog Thunder. In addition, he is survived by numerous furry and feathered family members.