After a heroic, four-month battle with brain cancer, Mark McClung let the good Lord take him home, Nov. 18, 2008.

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.