Mark W Gardner

Mark W Gardner June 10, 1953 – July 22, 2025

Mark W Gardner died at home in Bellaire, Michigan, on July 22, 2025, after nearly eight years of living with metastatic prostate cancer – a fight he met with quiet grit, his signature sense of humor and an unwavering love for his family. He was 72.

Born on June 10, 1953, in Ogden, Utah, Mark was raised in a big, bustling Mormon family that taught him early how to compete for the last slice of pie – and how to share it anyway. He carried that blend of resilience and tenderness through every chapter of his life.

He is survived by his wife of 13 years and partner of 18, Tammy – the love of his life, co-captain and caretaker through his final days. Also surviving him are his sons Court (Carla) and Marko (Vissia), both of El Cajon, California; stepchildren, Sydney Luke (Ryan) of Bellaire, Michigan and Logan Allen (Ben Ellis) of Allen Park, Michigan; and his six adoring grandchildren: Molly (15), Brooke (11), Parker (9), Dylan (6), Clara (5) and Emma (3). Mark, or “Gramps” as his grandkids called him, was never happier than when he was surrounded by their chaos, stories and laughter (preferably with an ice cream cone in hand and a game on in the background).

He also leaves behind siblings Mike Gardner (Linda), Pat Poll (Brian), Darilynn Bybee (Mike) and Nolan Schofield, along with many nieces, nephews and friends from every corner of the country. He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter Jennifer Lynne (1975-1987); his parents, Darrel and Beatrice; siblings Eddie Gardner and Linda Schofield; and his much-loved Golden-Doodle, Sweetness – who passed on July 22, 2022, and is, no doubt, already curled up beside him.

Mark married Debbie Owens in 1973, and they raised three children together: Jennifer, Court and Marko. Losing Jennifer at age 12 to a brain aneurysm shattered Mark’s heart but deepened his commitment to living life fully – and to keeping her memory alive. He will be laid to rest beside her in Palo Alto, California.

A lifelong athlete, Mark played basketball through high school and into college and spent much of his career coaching – first at Ben Lomond High School in Ogden, Utah, then at Bear River High School in Tremonton, Utah and finally at Pinewood School in Los Altos, California, where he also served as a high school history teacher and principal. He coached both of his boys and many others with a calm intensity and competitive spirit. Pinewood remained a cherished part of his life long after his last game or graduation ceremony. It’s also where he met Tammy in 2007 and together they spent 11 years building their lives in San Jose, California.

After his cancer diagnosis in 2017, Mark and Tammy made the bold and wise decision to retire early and hit the road in their motor coach. Their adventures took them from national parks to Disney cruises and the Baltics before parking with family in El Cajon, California during winter months. He enjoyed attending grandchildren’s school events, exploring San Diego and soaking up the sun on California beaches.

In 2018, they found their sanctuary – “The River House” in Bellaire, Michigan – where Mark could spend summers boating, tending his yard, watching the wildlife from the back deck and hosting family and friends. Whether hiking, exploring or just relaxing by the water, Mark and Tammy made the most of every day together.

Mark loved a project – especially if it involved power tools. He found endless joy tinkering in his garage or lending a hand at his kids’ homes. He was a master puzzler, a surprisingly meticulous paint-by-number artist and wood carver, and a LEGO builder (though, truth be told, LEGO may have been the only context in which he truly had patience). His brain rarely rested, even when his body needed to.

He was also, heartbreakingly, a lifelong Chicago Bears fan. All he ever wanted was to see them win another championship before he died. Now that he’s got a better seat, we’re hoping he’ll pull a few strings from the other side.

Mark wasn’t flashy. He didn’t seek attention. But he loved hard, laughed easily and left people and places better than he found them. His greatest joy was his family. His greatest gift to them was his presence – steady, warm and constant.

Mark’s Michigan family will welcome visitors for a memorial gathering on Tuesday, August 5, from 2-4 p.m. at Mortensen Funeral Home, 106 S. Bridge St., Bellaire, Michigan.

A memorial service with Mark’s California family will be held in Los Altos, California at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mark’s memory can be made to:

• Bellaire Public Library, 
• P.O. Box 477, 
• Bellaire, MI 49615
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• Pinewood School, 
• Attn: Development Office, 
• 327 Fremont Avenue, 
• Los Altos, CA 94024
  1. To give online, please visit: https://tinyurl.com/InHonorOfMark

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• If sending a check to the Bellaire Public Library or Pinewood School, please include “In memory of Mark Gardner” in the memo line.

Mark’s life was full of family, love, laughter, travel and more than a few tough Bears seasons. He will be missed every day and remembered with joy by all who knew him. Mark loved big, and we know, right until his final breath, he carried the words of his beloved Beatles: “In my life, I’ve loved them all.”

Arrangements are in the care of the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign his online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.