Mark McClung
Mark was born Dec. 17, 1951, in Abilene, Texas, to William C. and Treasure McClung.
The family moved to Albuquerque, N.M., when Mark was 10. He lived there through his early 20s, until he moved to Denver, where he attended school to become a certified respiratory therapy technician. That work eventually brought him to Livingston.
He worked as a respiratory therapist, as a waiter at Wilcoxson’s Restaurant, at Brand-S Lumber and as a brakeman-conductor for Burlington-Northern Railroad.
In 1980 he met the love of his life, Dona, and her daughter, Crystal. They moved to Helena in the fall of 1982; they became a family shortly thereafter.
Mark worked as a respiratory therapist at Shodair Children’s Hospital, St. Peter’s Hospital and at Fort Harrison VA Hospital. For the last 16 years he was a salesman for Montana Marketing, where he didn’t have any clients, but instead, referred to them as friends.
Mark is survived by his wife, Dona; daughter, Crystal and her fiance, Jeff Banka, of Boise, Idaho; brother, Ben McClung of McIntosh, N.M.; brother- and sister-in law, Dave and Lee Frederick of Livingston and their two sons, Jesse (Diane) and Michael; and brother-in-law, Matt Grigsby of Helena.
Mark was preceded in death by his parents; mother-in-law, Shirley Renders, with whom he shared a special bond; and several dear friends.
In addition to family members, he is survived by many close friends, especially his fishing buddy, Jack Reynolds.
Mark was always quick with a smile, a hug and a joke for everyone he met. All our lives are richer for having known him. God speed our wonderful Mark until we meet again.
Services will be held at St. Peter’s Episcopal Cathedral, 511 N. Park, in Helena on Saturday, Nov. 22, at 11 a.m., with a reception to follow at the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mark’s name to the Jeannette Rankin Peace Center, 519 S. Higgins Ave., Missoula, MT 59801.
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Reader Comments:
mkwalker wrote on Nov 24, 2008 5:08 PM:
" Dona and family-
I also had the privilege of getting to know Mark during our years at Shodair. Thank goodness that Helena is a small enough community that we continued to run into each other for many years after. Each meeting was preceeded by the warm glow and smiles that only Mark could emanate!!! He is a wonderful man. I am so sorry for the emptiness in your hearts. Many blessings to you in the coming times.
Mary Kenison Walker "
I also had the privilege of getting to know Mark during our years at Shodair. Thank goodness that Helena is a small enough community that we continued to run into each other for many years after. Each meeting was preceeded by the warm glow and smiles that only Mark could emanate!!! He is a wonderful man. I am so sorry for the emptiness in your hearts. Many blessings to you in the coming times.
Mary Kenison Walker "
Lisa Suden Seter wrote on Nov 23, 2008 9:27 PM:
" I was your neighbor on Alta. I am so sorry for your loss. Mark was a great person to have at gatherings because with him around there were no strangers only friends!
Crystal I am still touched by something you wrote to me when my brother Steve died and I want to echo that here. God took the wrong one.
With fondness,
Lisa "
Crystal I am still touched by something you wrote to me when my brother Steve died and I want to echo that here. God took the wrong one.
With fondness,
Lisa "
slappy wrote on Nov 22, 2008 4:14 PM:
" It is not very often that a person comes in contact with such a blessing from God. Mark was a man of whom the sun shined upon wether it was out or not. I worked with Mark for almost 3 years at Montana Marketing and no matter how grim I thought my life was at any day Mark had always made it better.Dona I am truly sorry that life was to short for Mark. I know some day you will join him Glory. My thoughts and prayers will be with you. As for the Wayne and the gang at MMI I am also very sorry. I know there is no such thing as a replacment for Mark McClung.
Respecfully
Steve LaPraim "
Respecfully
Steve LaPraim "
fkromkowski wrote on Nov 22, 2008 2:09 PM:
" I thank God for Mark's beautiful and loving life. While he lived here, he shared light, life and love with all he met. And now he goes to Light, Life and Love at the heart of the universe to carry on with his good work and openhearted, joyful ways.
We were all blessed by Mark and his presence. Mark leaves us a legacy of kindness and compassion, and I thank God for the privilege of knowing this great man. Trusting that our dear friend Mark is now on an even more cosmic and divine adventure, we can be assured and happy that the rest of the universe now gets to know a great person who was always glad to see us and gave us so much.
~ Frank Kromkowski "
We were all blessed by Mark and his presence. Mark leaves us a legacy of kindness and compassion, and I thank God for the privilege of knowing this great man. Trusting that our dear friend Mark is now on an even more cosmic and divine adventure, we can be assured and happy that the rest of the universe now gets to know a great person who was always glad to see us and gave us so much.
~ Frank Kromkowski "
Jeff and Marie Tobin wrote on Nov 21, 2008 8:53 PM:
" Dona,
Our sincere sympathies go out to you and your family at this time. Mark was such a genuine and such a friendly man. We will certainly miss his smiling face. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Jeff and Marie Tobin "
Our sincere sympathies go out to you and your family at this time. Mark was such a genuine and such a friendly man. We will certainly miss his smiling face. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Jeff and Marie Tobin "
Diana Richards wrote on Nov 21, 2008 8:49 PM:
" Dona and family,
We were so sorry to read of Mark's death. Every time we saw him, he always had a friendly word and a warm smile. We know you will miss him so much, but also know you have tons of wonderful memories to look back on. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Allen & Diana Richards and Family "
We were so sorry to read of Mark's death. Every time we saw him, he always had a friendly word and a warm smile. We know you will miss him so much, but also know you have tons of wonderful memories to look back on. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Allen & Diana Richards and Family "
Mary Runkel wrote on Nov 21, 2008 4:15 PM:
" My sincere prayers and thoughts are with you, Dona and Crystal. I worked nights at Shodair with Mark many years ago and you could always count on him for hard work and laughter to see you through the shift! There are special people in your life that always touch your heart with a smile and Mark was one of those very special people. Take comfort in your memories! "
Chuck Elliott wrote on Nov 21, 2008 2:46 PM:
" Dona, Crystal, and family-
I was sorry and saddened to hear of Mark's passing. Please know that you have been in my thoughts and prayers this week. I hope that you can find peace in your time of grieving.
I have many fond memories of Mark during my time in Helena. I am glad that I had a chance to know him.
God be with you.
-Chuck "
I was sorry and saddened to hear of Mark's passing. Please know that you have been in my thoughts and prayers this week. I hope that you can find peace in your time of grieving.
I have many fond memories of Mark during my time in Helena. I am glad that I had a chance to know him.
God be with you.
-Chuck "
Monica Tavenner Kastl wrote on Nov 21, 2008 11:13 AM:
" Crystal,
I can not remember where we went to school together but I do know that we did...I am pretty sure it was elementary school. I attended Jefferson, Bryant, HMS, and CHS. I remember your mother too! I am so sorry to hear about your dad. I hope all your wonderful times together and fond memories will help see you through this difficult time! Congrats on your engagement! "
I can not remember where we went to school together but I do know that we did...I am pretty sure it was elementary school. I attended Jefferson, Bryant, HMS, and CHS. I remember your mother too! I am so sorry to hear about your dad. I hope all your wonderful times together and fond memories will help see you through this difficult time! Congrats on your engagement! "
Brian LaMoure wrote on Nov 21, 2008 10:57 AM:
" Dont be dismayed at good-byes.
A farewell is necessary before you can meet again.
And meeting again after moments,
or lifetimes,
is certain
for those, who are friends.
-Richard Bach "
A farewell is necessary before you can meet again.
And meeting again after moments,
or lifetimes,
is certain
for those, who are friends.
-Richard Bach "
Aimee Reynolds wrote on Nov 21, 2008 10:49 AM:
" Dona and family,
We're so sorry about Mark. We have such great memories of parties we attended with you guys. He was so full of smiles, laughter, light, and life. I hope all our memories of him keep that light alive forever. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Chris and Aimee "
We're so sorry about Mark. We have such great memories of parties we attended with you guys. He was so full of smiles, laughter, light, and life. I hope all our memories of him keep that light alive forever. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Chris and Aimee "
Bev Moore wrote on Nov 21, 2008 10:47 AM:
" I am very sorry for your loss. I worked with Mark at SPH and VA. I always enjoyed his personality, great outlook on what he did. "
Steven Aagenes wrote on Nov 21, 2008 10:11 AM:
" Mark was such a great guy! He was always wearing his smile and had something positive to say. My thoughts are with you Dona, and family. "
Lisa Hance Jewett wrote on Nov 21, 2008 9:35 AM:
" I was shocked to see Marks Obit in the paper. I am so sorry. Mark was very special. He honestly was one of the happiest people I knew. I have seen him through the years and it was always a delight. Last year when I was working with a Hospice patient he actually showed up to help the family and I move the patient to the living room. We had a lot of giggles at that little reunion. I am so sorry. I know you all will miss him so much. "
Jane LaMoure wrote on Nov 21, 2008 9:18 AM:
" Dona and Crystal,
I was so saddened and shocked to hear of Marks passing....I'm so very, very sorry for your loss. Mark was such a special man. I'll remember his great sense of humor and bear hugs the most. I will offer my prayers for you to have the strength to get through this. Heaven will be a more lively place with Mark up there! Much love and hugs to you. "
I was so saddened and shocked to hear of Marks passing....I'm so very, very sorry for your loss. Mark was such a special man. I'll remember his great sense of humor and bear hugs the most. I will offer my prayers for you to have the strength to get through this. Heaven will be a more lively place with Mark up there! Much love and hugs to you. "
Barbara Hughes Ladd wrote on Nov 21, 2008 8:54 AM:
" I am so sad to read of Mark's passing. I can't imagine how hard this must be for you now and what a giant hole has been left in your lives without Mark. I worked with Mark at the VA, St. Peter's and then through MSF. It was always a joy to see him and his bright smile. I will pray for your family and look forward to the time when we'll all meet one day on that Beautiful Shore for a Heavenly Family Reunion. I can hear Mark laughing about it now.
Blessings to you all,
Barb "
Blessings to you all,
Barb "
Penny Fassett wrote on Nov 21, 2008 8:08 AM:
" I was surprised and saddened to hear of Mark's passing. I was one of Mark's clients and knew him as a friend. I especially enjoyed our chats about golf when he would drop off an order. Mark always had a big smile, a laugh, and a friendly hug and he will be deeply missed. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time. "
Karen Larson wrote on Nov 21, 2008 7:51 AM:
" I met Mark when I started working for Montana almost 5 years ago. My first day there, Mark came up behind my chair and asked if I minded getting hugs. He explained himself by stating "I'm a hugger." I have loved Mark's hugs ever and Mark ever since. "
Nancy Good wrote on Nov 21, 2008 7:39 AM:
" Oh, Dona and Crystal ... I'm so very, very sorry to hear of this. I know Mark's passing is deeply felt by so many people. I still feel great love for him and you both from my time living across the street with Kurt. My heart hurts for you and prayers are with you.
Love always,
Nancy (and Sturgis & Bobette) "
Love always,
Nancy (and Sturgis & Bobette) "
Becky Malensek-Muller wrote on Nov 21, 2008 7:23 AM:
" Dona and family. I am so sorry to see that the love of your life passed away. I will always remember the laughter you both shared in your life. Every memory I have of Mark is his smile the way his face lit up when he laughed, such a sense of humor and compassion. It's true, he was a true friend to everyone! "
Dee Trombetta wrote on Nov 21, 2008 7:03 AM:
" Dona, Please accept my sincerest sympathy for your loss of Mark. He was a wonderful man.
I have a fond memory of you two. When Mike & I attended your Halloween parties, one stands out in my mind: The one where you decorated your house for Christmas and opened the door as Christmas elves. It was a wonderful idea and you two were such great hosts.
I know you have the best memories of Mark, which certainly doesn't bring him back, but should provide comfort as you work through this difficult time.
dee "
I have a fond memory of you two. When Mike & I attended your Halloween parties, one stands out in my mind: The one where you decorated your house for Christmas and opened the door as Christmas elves. It was a wonderful idea and you two were such great hosts.
I know you have the best memories of Mark, which certainly doesn't bring him back, but should provide comfort as you work through this difficult time.
dee "
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kkinnv wrote on Nov 28, 2008 5:53 PM:
So very sorry to hear of the passing of Mark. He was such a good man. He was always happy and always had a joke. My very deepest smypathy. I know Mark will be greatly missed by so many people. I know you have many great memories to help you through this difficult time.
Carolyn K. Pelletier (kkinnv@hotmail.com) "