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Obituary for Mark E. Towne
On the evening of Sunday, August 18th, Mark Edward Towne, loving husband and father of two children, passed away in his home with his wife at his side at the age of 64. Mark was diagnosed with bulbar amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2017 and diligently fought the disease with strength, grace and fortitude.
Mark was born on July 9th, 1955 in Denver, Colorado to Margaret McFarland and William Towne. He grew up in Arvada, Colorado and graduated from Arvada Senior High School. He attended the Denver Institute of Technology on his way to becoming a skilled tradesman. He worked as a Stationary Engineer at St. Joseph’s Hospital for 30 years where he helped ensure the hospital’s boiler room and HVAC systems properly heated, cooled and powered the hospital so it may diagnose and treat its patients. On June 18th, 2005 Mark married the love of his life, Sandy. He was happiest in his life with Sandy as they adventured, explored the world and built a peaceful, loving home together.
Mark had a passion for cycling, the Rocky Mountains and the greater outdoors. In his lifetime he rode his bike from Denver to Gunnison (200 miles), Denver to Durango (328 miles), and conquered Mount Evans and Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park on multiple occasions. All of this with (ample) camping gear attached to his bicycle. When his kids were children, Mark planned camping trips each and every summer so they may learn to appreciate and respect the outdoors as he had. Mark was also fond of wood-work and carpentry. He built beautiful rocking horses for his grandchildren. Mark loved music and rock and roll. He attended countless concerts and amassed an impressively large and diverse personal collection. Mark was known for his willingness to lend a hand, his (sometimes odd) sense of humor, his love for family and friends, and his endearing and genuine smile. He will be missed dearly.
Mark is survived by his two children, Mark and Rebecca Towne, his wife Sandy and her three children, Kellie Stolte, Kevin O’Shea and Tim O’Shea, and 12 grandchildren. He is also survived by two brothers, Patrick Towne of Pierce, Arizona and Mike Towne of Great Falls, Montana. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, September 5th at Ellis Family Services at 3:30pm. In lieu of flowers, his family asks that donations be made to the ALS Association Rocky Mountain Chapter. Donations may be made through their website (www.alsaco.org) or by mail to 10855 Dover Street, Suite 500, Westminster, CO 80021.
