In Memory

Mark Simmons

Mark Simmons Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jul. 21, 2024.

Mark K. Simmons passed away surrounded by his family on July 7, 2024, in Seattle, Washington, at the age of 71. Born on July 20, 1952, in Albany, New York, Mark lived a life marked by curiosity, creativity, and a deep commitment to his family and community.

A true Renaissance man, Mark was proficient in a myriad of hobbies that ranged from woodworking and jewelry making to photography, machining, guitar making, and more. In recent years, he was particularly passionate about beekeeping, mycology, and preserving food and goods from his property. Mark's deep knowledge and understanding of many topics gave him the ability to engage nearly anyone in conversation.

Mark served briefly in the US Coast Guard in the early 70s. Following his military service, he embarked on a diverse career path. Initially involved in the construction industry, he later transitioned to IT, where he excelled as a network engineer. Mark concluded his professional career at Tektronix in Beaverton, Oregon, in 2008. His passion for sharing knowledge and skills led him to volunteer extensively, notably at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry and the Newberg Area Habitat for Humanity.

Mark was a graduate of Redwood High School in Marin County, California, and later earned a degree in Alternative Energy from Sierra Nevada College in Incline Village, California. His thirst for knowledge fueled both his career and his personal endeavors.

He leaves behind his wife, Sarah (Sally); children, Kate and Andrew; son-in-law, Tim; brothers, Greg, Keith, and Scott; and his cherished grandson, Henry. Mark's vibrant spirit and legacy will live on through his family and all those he touched.

A celebration of life will be forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Newberg Area Habitat for Humanity, Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, or Newberg Animal Shelter, organizations that were very dear to him.

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07/13/24 06:01 PM #1    

Bob Tanner

This seems like some dream that I might awake from and realize Mark is still alive and well. Mark, Rick Guasco, and I were the best of friends - up until life got in the way. Rick, passing from cancer last December, and Mark, who was really torn about doing this one last surgery (hopefully) that would make his spine right - damn, he and I went back and forth whether he should do it or not up until he met the requirements to proceed with the surgery. Mark lived with pain since the '80's but was always the true husband, father, and friend without a complaint - well, everyone deserves the passing bitch about what how life is treating them unfairly - but Mark didn't dwell on personal issues. His lifelong ambitions were to explore life - he was curious beyond comprehension - often leaving me exhausted reading of his current hobbies and exploits. He was a skilled photographer, jeweler, carpenter, artisan woodworker, cook, baker, farmer, beekeeper and god knows what else he had in his back pocket. Did you know in the '90's he invented and sold microscope and camera attachments for photographing organisms - some of his photos are in the Smithsonian that are just amazing! His work with mushroom technology and his passion for the science behind it all is so impressive. After a career in IT and work at Tektronics and later at Xerox, he continued after retirement in volunteering at OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry). This is such an expression of selfless desire to continue to educate - his patience and enthusiasm to work with the young minds of tomorrow. Mark, I'm going to miss you bud. Love you. RIP and see you on the other side with Rick when it's my time.

(Note: the above picture was take with Mark's camera as event photographer at the RHS 30th Reunion at the Meadow Club in Fairfax)

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