Rodney Mark Root MD

Dr. Rodney Mark Root – March 3, 1956 to September 27, 2021

Dr. Rodney Mark Root (Mark), or as most people came to know him as the ever-loving and compassionate Dr. Root, tragically passed away on the evening of September 27, 2021. He was born on March 3, 1956 in Madera, California to his parents, Cranston and Patricia Root. He was soon followed by his brother, Randy Root, and the two were inseparable. Although his family tragically passed together when Mark was of a young age, the bond and relationship Mark shared with his family forged the man, husband, father, and doctor that he would become.

Prior to becoming Dr. Root, Mark attended Madera High School, where he graduated as salutatorian and achieved the distinct status of Eagle Scout, University of California at Davis, where he graduated with honors and distinction, and medical school at Rutgers University, where he graduated as valedictorian. After graduating from medical school, he knew his calling was to return home to the Central Valley to begin his practice as an OBGYN.

After residency, Mark came to practice in Bakersfield, where he met a beautiful nurse who soon became his wife, Bernadette. Together they built a family through Daniel, Jordan, and Jacqueline, their baby girl who was born on his mother’s birthday. Mark always kept a token of his children with him on his car keychain with their nicknames Pumpkin, Peanut, and Princess inscribed on so that he could have them with him. Through Bernadette, Daniel, Jordan, and Jacqueline, along with the love and embrace of wife’s large family, Mark carried on his parent’s and brother’s legacy through them.

Mark was a kind, gentle, humble, and generous man, whose tender love and compassion was extended to all. A doctor by trade and a warm-hearted, joyous man through life, he took care of so many. Mark was also an avid pilot who loved to soar above the clouds, always having his co-pilot Jordan with him to navigate the skies. Mark enjoyed golfing with his boys, father-daughter activities with his Princess, driving his motorcycles and cars, going on trips to Tahoe with his family, and a nice watch, sunglasses, and pair of boots to match.

Second to his family, his greatest joy in life was taking care of his patients and bringing life into this world. The amount of lives he was able to touch and bring into this world through his practice brought him unmeasurable happiness. He also loved working with his colleagues and constantly would mention those he worked with in high regard. To the selfless man also known to many as “Doc,” family and those he cared about came first above all else.

Mark is survived by his wife of 32 years, Bernadette, his children, Daniel Mark, Jordan Cranston, and Jacqueline Claire Root, as well as her fiancé, Patrick Muldoon. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Michelle Pearl Krizo and husband Rich Krizo, his brother-in-law Stephen Eyherabide and wife Lynn Eyherabide, his sister-in-law Germaine Jacobs and husband Chris Jacobs, and his numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins who loved him deeply. He is predeceased in death by his parents Cranston and Patricia Root, brother Randy Root, and brother-in-law Pascal Eyherabide. He is also survived by all of those he called friend, family, and colleague. The family would like to thank all of those who have reached out and provided their support, as well as provided words regarding his kindness and effect on their lives, during this difficult, trying time.

A man of the community, those who had the opportunity to meet Mark will never forget him and miss him forever. Until we meet again Doc, may you find peace in the loving arms of the Lord and your father, mother, and brother.

Funeral services will be held at St. Francis Roman Catholic Church located at 900 H Street, Bakersfield, California 93304 on Friday, October 8, 2021, with a Rosary at 1:30 p.m. followed by a Mass at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers to the family, the family requests that you submit donations to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (“JDRF”) or Bakersfield Catholic Education Foundation – Mark Root Memorial Scholarship at Garces Memorial High School – 2800 Loma Linda Drive, Bakersfield, California 93305.