Kirk, Celeste, Claudia, Tina and Kim
Excerpt from Beckee's blog: Uncle Mark passed away May 11. He was diagnosed with Leukemia just over a year ago and underwent treatment. They thought he was free and clear until this past March when he was given a few weeks to a month to live. (I hope I got the details right!) What an amazing man! He was one of those people who made you feel like you were the most important person in the world. He loved everyone he met and it showed. He stood 6' 9'' tall and always smiled. He gave the best hugs and I think he hugged everyone he knew! He taught junior high and was in the Air National Guard. The day before he died he gave his new little grandson, Mac (named after him), a name and a blessing. He also gave each of his kids a father's blessing, which I know meant so much to each of them. Ben and I went to Mark's funeral last Monday and his best friend and kids gave such a nice tribute to him. So many people were touched by him, his love, and the things he taught them. If I could come away with some sort of theme of the funeral it would be he loved life, he loved teaching, he loved others, and he loved his family. What a great example! We went to the luncheon afterward, and I kept thinking how sad it was that he was missing. It was so different not to have him there talking and laughing with everyone. I can't imagine how his sweet wife, Claudia, must feel to have him gone, and his kids and grandkids. I know it's all part of the plan, but it is still so hard to say goodbye to a man we all love!
Here is his obituary (for our family record):
Mark MacNaughtanGenola1951 - 2009
Mark MacNaughtan passed away peacefully, with his family at his side, on May 11, 2009 at his home in Genola after a courageous battle with cancer. Mark’s larger than life influence and wisdom will be greatly missed. He was born on May 17, 1951 in Heber UT. Together with his parents, Lois May and Thurlow Junior MacNaughtan, Mark spent most of his youth moving from various military bases in the U.S and England until graduating from Hart High School in Newhall California. He then attended Weber State University on a basketball scholarship where he met his sweetheart Claudia Draper. They were married March 10, 1972 in the Provo Temple.Mark was an incredibly diverse and talented man. A Jack-of-all-trades, his many hobbies and interests included woodworking, gardening and mechanic work. He loved the outdoors and often would spend time fishing, camping, boating, and 4-wheeling with family and friends. He loved a good story and never missed a chance to sit down and share his experiences and knowledge with the frequent visitors to his home. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, holding many church callings including a recent temple working position which he greatly enjoyed. Mark was a proud member of the Utah Air National Guard. During his years of service he traveled the world building a strong reputation as an excellent leader and setting an example of hard work. His love for teaching and people led him to a career as a teacher at Orem Jr. High, where he spent 27 years. During his tenure he taught technology, history, P.E. and coached boys basketball. He would often run into old students and many would share the impact that he had in their lives.Even with all of his many accomplishments, his greatest love was his family. As a husband, father, uncle, brother and grandpa, his love was unending. His grandchildren, in particular, will miss the 4-wheeler rides, fishing trips, reading time and his giant hugs. He was a teacher to all and a hero to many and his giant influence will be missed.Mark was preceded in death by his mother Lois, father and mother in law Glade and Isabell Draper and a granddaughter Mila MacNaughtan. Survivors include his wife Claudia; children Celeste (Gary) Livingston, Kirk (Brooke) MacNaughtan, Tina (Jake) Lundell, Kimberly (Joel) Wilstead; Father Thurlow MacNaughtan; 11 grandchildren: Carson, Marley, Jaxon , Haley, Aleta, Xander, Tess, Zachary, Trevor, Foster and Mac; Brothers Jim, Lloyd; Sisters Evelyn, Ruth, Kathleen and Lora.There will be a viewing on Sunday May 17, 2009 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Walker Mortuary 587 S. 100 W. Payson, UT. Funeral services will be held at the Genola Church, Center and Main, on Monday May 18, 2009 at 11 a.m. with an informal viewing from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m..Internment will be at the Genola Cemetery with Military Honors.
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