We created a GatheringUs memorial to celebrate the life of Mark Gary Thurman. Collecting your stories and memories here will offer us great comfort.
OBITUARY
I like to remember Mark before the alcohol demon seized control of his life. He was smart, funny, handsome and compassionate. His quick, friendly wit and welcoming smile allowed him to make friends effortlessly.Mark's heart was the biggest when he was protecting or defending somebody or something that needed help. I remember a family vacation, where somebody (his Big Brother) put a sand crab down his swimming trunks. He was probably 7... see more
I like to remember Mark before the alcohol demon seized control of his life. He was smart, funny, handsome and compassionate. His quick, friendly wit and welcoming smile allowed him to make friends effortlessly. Mark's heart was the biggest when he was protecting or defending somebody or something that needed help. I remember a family vacation, where somebody (his Big Brother) put a sand crab down his swimming trunks. He was probably 7 or 8, still painfully modest, and chose to walk all the way back up to our hotel room to get the crab out of his shorts. Once back in the room, he seized the crab and threw it out of the 2nd story balcony window. Apparently he heard the creature hit the sidewalk and felt so bad that HE had hurt the crab, that he refused to go back down to the beach for the rest of the day. He loved to ski. I remember he and I drove up to Alta one beautiful, bluebird day, and the ski resorts were packed with skiers. We decided that we didn't want to pay for a day pass only to stand in line, so we decided to hike up the mountain opposite Alta. An untouched bowl of fresh pow beckoned. It was a grueling hike, in ski boots and carrying our skis, but it turned out to be 20 of the most memorable turns in my life. Mark and I shared an interest in Quentin Tarantino movies, and when I was back in Salt Lake City for Christmas I wore a University of California - Santa Cruz t-shirt that my daughter (a UCSC student) had given me. It had a big image of the school mascot, the Banana Slug, plastered across the front. Mark was quick to recognize that it was the same t-shirt that John Travolta wore in "Pulp Fiction". I put the shirt under the Christmas tree as a present from Santa Claus. Of course, it was too small, but when Ariya returned to campus, she bought and sent him a new one.
Babysitting Mark was my first babysitting job. I was 5 and it was only for a few minutes when Sharon ran Jan to school. Mark was napping and my mom was yelling distance away. I think I did two or three times and made a nickel. I felt so grown up... moreBabysitting Mark was my first babysitting job. I was 5 and it was only for a few minutes when Sharon ran Jan to school. Mark was napping and my mom was yelling distance away. I think I did two or three times and made a nickel. I felt so grown up sitting on the couch listening for Mark to wake up, he always slept through. After we moved we lost contact. But I still remember those days and the fun we had.
I just happened across his passing on Facebook. I am so sorry for your loss. I miss the days were life wasn't so complicated and Covid has made it so much more stressful. I am so sad Mark's life ended way too soon. I will try to find comfort in the fact he has found peace away from the demons that haunted him.
I will keep you all in my prayers that you are comforted. I will always remember Mark as my first paying job.
I've lived away from Utah many years now and just learned about Mark's passing last night. I'm very sad to hear this. Mark was one of my best friends in high school. Between our band, making air guitar home videos, and just general troublemaking, we... moreI've lived away from Utah many years now and just learned about Mark's passing last night. I'm very sad to hear this. Mark was one of my best friends in high school. Between our band, making air guitar home videos, and just general troublemaking, we spent a lot of time together. He was really part of the family. With DJ passing last year, I can't believe that half the band is gone now. I say half because we went through singers faster than Spinal Tap went through drummers, only without the spontaneous combustion.
I'm honestly flooded with memories. But mostly I think about his smile. The teenage years can be a big challenge, but Mark was someone who was just fun to be around. He made those years more bearable for me and I'm grateful for his friendship and the time we spent together.
Like Jason below, I regret not staying closer to Mark over the years. I hadn't talked to Mark in a long time, but about five years ago I was in Utah and reached out to him. The two of us got breakfast together at an Ihop or something. We shared some stories and some laughs. We also talked about our problems and challenges. Life can be rough sometimes. After some good conversation, we shared a big hug and promised to keep in touch. Other then a few text messages, that was the last time we spoke. I wish I could give him a hug today, but I know he is in a better place. Maybe after we have all passed to the other side we can have a Breeze reunion (or whatever you want to call our band). Are you allowed to play Living After Midnight in heaven?
Hey Thurm,
Whenever I think of you it brings me a smile. Thank you for getting me out of math class to ski Solitude for $10. Six pack of Pepsi and a disc😉
Mark thrived when in the Army, especially in South Korea where he was in charge of the supply stock of weapons. He told me he had pride in the work he did, especially in the detail work of repairing and fine... moreMark Thurman memories from Wanda Hatton:
Mark thrived when in the Army, especially in South Korea where he was in charge of the supply stock of weapons. He told me he had pride in the work he did, especially in the detail work of repairing and fine tuning and cleaning the equipment. He singlehandedly fulfilled all requests for all the orders as they came in. It was all his responsibility, like he owned it and no one could touch any of it without his permission.
While in the Army for 3 years, Mark thrived on physical challenges in basic training and simulated combat. His leaders in basic training were impressed at his outperforming much younger men. In every training, Mark was the rigorous leader. Running with full packs and equipment while encountering physical challenges required much endurance. His drill sergeants said he beat the platoon every time.
When Mark returned home he was extremely fit…and handsome too. Mark kept on running to keep up his fitness regemine. He seemed to relish the routine of it. He stopped for a few years but Jim said he was back to a daily routine of fitness at his gym in these past 3 months.
Mark was smart and always thinking of a business he could start up. He was entrepreneurial and had many ideas. He bought a van and all the equipment necessary to start up a car wash business with ultimate convenience for the car owner by washing their cars in their driveways. He paid way too much attention to the smallest detail with every inch of the interior and exterior for long hours. This was great for the customer but left him close to break even after all his effort for a few months.
His Dad, Jim, cherishes the times they spent together going to a midday movie with late lunch every other Sunday. They spent time watching football and basketball games here, and discussing one of their favorite shows on TV,
This last Christmas Eve, Mark was happy and having a great time talking with everyone and being with the whole extended family. We have a tradition to share Christmas Eve together with the Hatton family and the Thurman/Williams family. The Hatton brothers and kids and Mark’s brother and sister with their respective families; 16 of us; gathered together around our long dinner table. Mark seemed to really enjoy the camaraderie that evening.
After Christmas, Mark joined us with Scott and Jackie and the kids when we played golf at Top Golf. Early March, Mark helped us celebrate his niece Ellen’s birthday dinner party at our house. He was in good spirits, laughing and joking with his sister and Dad, reminiscing about trips and events in the past.
Npw. it’s hard to believe Mark is gone. He was a part of our lives. We miss him so much.
Mark was truly a one of a kind person in so many amazing ways. He had trouble seeing it that way but I know a lot of people admired and respected him. He loved his music and was always such a humorous guy to have around. He lifted the energy with his... moreMark was truly a one of a kind person in so many amazing ways. He had trouble seeing it that way but I know a lot of people admired and respected him. He loved his music and was always such a humorous guy to have around. He lifted the energy with his humor just about anywhere he went. I recently read an email from his best friend Preston talking about how he just had a way of winning people over immediately. He was such a kind loving person deep down and had so much potential. Good looking. Charismatic. Hilarious. Sad as it is that families go their separate ways with age, the few times I would get to see Mark really made me happy. Even though he struggled for a long time, I always thought he would persevere. And he did for so long. As Preston said, he had 9 lives. I was lucky enough to get one last quality time spent with my uncle Mark last summer. We went out on the Boat up at the Jordanelle reservoir in Park City. I honestly hadn’t seem him so good in awhile. He had a blast soaking up the sun, playing in the water, and even learned how to wake surf. He got up first try! Mark always was athletic and naturally talented. I actually have a very early memory that I’ll never forget of him teaching me how to ollie on a skateboard when I was just a little guy lol. I must have been no older than 7 and I remember it like it was yesterday. I looked up to Mark. Sorry Scott, but he was the cool uncle ;). He played the guitar. Skated. Wore cool shoes lol. Mark and his shoes. Always had a fresh pair. And his collectibles. Mark always had really nice stuff and he took good care of it. Man I’m really going to miss you Mark. Wish you could have seen for yourself how truly amazing you were, and how much potential you did have. I hope you are at peace now and can realize how much you were loved. Say hi to all our lost loved ones will ya? Until we meet again. RIP
I am at a complete loss for words. Mark and I were very close as young kids... Our birthdays one day apart, we lived a block apart,spent countless summer days on our bikes in the neighborhood, on the trampoline, and just hanging out for hours on end.... moreI am at a complete loss for words. Mark and I were very close as young kids... Our birthdays one day apart, we lived a block apart,spent countless summer days on our bikes in the neighborhood, on the trampoline, and just hanging out for hours on end. While we drifted into different circles in high school and lost touch after graduation, we reconnected on Facebook over the last several years and it was great reconnecting. I feel as though a part of me is gone now as well... But I will always cherish our summer birthday outings for ice cream... And I'll always keep you in my thoughts and prayers... less
I've loved you since we dated in our 20s and you've remained in my heart since. I'm grateful we were able to stay in touch over the years. I'm so grateful we were able to see each other in the flesh last year, thanks to Tool bringing us together again.... moreI've loved you since we dated in our 20s and you've remained in my heart since. I'm grateful we were able to stay in touch over the years. I'm so grateful we were able to see each other in the flesh last year, thanks to Tool bringing us together again. You looked so happy and it felt so great to see. I loved your passion for music and how similar our tastes were. A few weeks ago, you called me and told me you were in love with me and asked what we were going to do about that. You had no problem sharing your feelings without filter and you had me laughing constantly. You considered moving here but we agreed on several visits because being near your dad meant so much to you. You had so much love, adoration and respect for your dad. Our next trip was going to be in July where we planned to stay at a haunted hotel in Jerome and visit Caduceus Cellars followed by the Megadeth show in Phoenix. That would have been a week to remember. I Just tearfully canceled the hotel reservation and I'm probably going to have to take my gay brother to Megadeth with me (ugh - THANKS A LOT!!!). Your profile on my Hulu read Bada$$MFer so I'd start my tv watching sessions with a smile. I had almost grown accustomed to you disappearing a couple of days and coming back healthy, but when your phone died most recently, my heart sank....and then broke. I'm still having a hard time realizing this is permanent. I've said it to you before and I'll say it just one last tearful time - May all that was reduced to noise in you, become music again. less
Dear Brother, you are loved dearly. We had such a wonderful times during the last Christmas gathering. Can't believe you went away so suddenly and no time to say goodbye. Every time we order "beef fried noodles" in a Chinese restaurant, we always think... moreDear Brother, you are loved dearly. We had such a wonderful times during the last Christmas gathering. Can't believe you went away so suddenly and no time to say goodbye. Every time we order "beef fried noodles" in a Chinese restaurant, we always think about you as it's your favorite dish. Memories of you will always be in my heart and mind. Rest in peace, my friend. 安息 less
Mark was loved by so many people, I wish he realized that while he was here, maybe would've helped him through some of those stuff times. I love seeing all these pictures of him that I havnt seen before. My grandma, grandpa, mom and I are so grateful you... moreMark was loved by so many people, I wish he realized that while he was here, maybe would've helped him through some of those stuff times. I love seeing all these pictures of him that I havnt seen before. My grandma, grandpa, mom and I are so grateful you guys captured these moments, thank you for sharing them. Going to his apartment with my mom to check on him broke my heart every time. I can't put into words how hard it was for us to seeing him struggle. Jason put it perfectly, it was his great sensitivity made him vulnerable to his alcoholism. We are keeping happy thoughts and remembering all our good memories together, laughing our asses off at family dinners, going to the scariest movies, last summer on Mac's boat he got up on the wakeboard first try. The smile on his face, I will never forget that smile. it makes happy to know that he got to go to a lot of concerts and go to the beach one more time before he left us. He love the beach and his loved his concerts (but especially his car). The last year of his life was good. he had a lot of rough times but he also had a lot good. I still can't believe that he is gone and I can't see him again. since I lost my dad at a young age, he was one my father figures. I’ve always felt very connected with Mark and I still do. We love you Mark and we know you are in a better place. I hope youre on a beach up there with my dad and Gary and all of our lost loved ones Xoxo less
Scott Thurman
Yes. He loved you very much Ellen. That I know! Mark and I used to compete who would get you/your brother the best birthday/Christmas gift. Mark usually won...
Jim Thurman
So sweet Ellen.. He always told me how much he loved you .. i really like what you said.. i know he was worried about you when you went through your rebellious stage....
McRae Williams
Love you elles. You were such a sweet niece to Mark. I know he loved and appreciated you and mom being there for him when he needed someone most. Miss him so much.
Two of the best concerts I have ever attended (RUSH & Tom Petty) were with Mark. Funny story about RUSH: During the concert, we both noticed a guy about five rows away from us who was playing an air guitar like a total spaz. We both decided it would... moreTwo of the best concerts I have ever attended (RUSH & Tom Petty) were with Mark. Funny story about RUSH: During the concert, we both noticed a guy about five rows away from us who was playing an air guitar like a total spaz. We both decided it would be a good idea to start shouting “Hey dude, hope you don’t break a string!” every few minutes for as long as he kept it up. Needless to say it went on for a while and we exchanged some colorful insults back and forth throughout the show. Ironically, several years later, I am talking with a colleague at work about RUSH and he turns out to be a huge fan. We determine that we were both at the Presto Tour show and I proceed to make a comment about how my buddy and I agreed that making fun of some guy jamming on his air guitar was the best part of the night. Yep - turns out that my new team member Evan, was in fact, THAT GUY! 😂😂. Awkward Moment! Of course, Mark laughed his ass off when I told him and teased me about having to play nice with the spaz! It’s sad to think that three legendary components of my story are now only sweet memories - Mark Thurman, the Salt Palace and Neil Peart. RIP less
Two of the best concerts I have ever attended - both were with Mark. Funny story about RUSH: During the concert, we both noticed a guy about five rows away from us who was playing an air guitar like a total spaz. We both decided it would be a good... moreTwo of the best concerts I have ever attended - both were with Mark. Funny story about RUSH: During the concert, we both noticed a guy about five rows away from us who was playing an air guitar like a total spaz. We both decided it would be a good idea to start shouting “Hey dude, hope you don’t break a string!” every few minutes for as long as he kept it up. Needless to say it went on for a while and I think we exchanged some colorful insults back and forth throughout the show. Ironically, several years later, I am talking with a colleague at work about RUSH and he turns out to be a huge fan. We determine that we were both at the Presto Tour show and I proceed to make a comment about how my buddy and I agreed that making fun of some guy jamming on his air guitar was the best part of the night. Yep - turns out that my new team member Evan, was in fact, THAT GUY! ????????. Awkward Moment! Of course, Mark laughed his ass off when I told him and teased me about having to work with the guy going forward! less
Mark, you were a wonderful Uncle and I'm heartbroken I won't get to see anymore when we visit Salt Lake. I still remember when I was in elementary and you gave me a small, rock 'thinking man' statue and a model motorcycle (with all the little bits and... moreMark, you were a wonderful Uncle and I'm heartbroken I won't get to see anymore when we visit Salt Lake. I still remember when I was in elementary and you gave me a small, rock 'thinking man' statue and a model motorcycle (with all the little bits and pieces, along with a tiny screwdriver). Strange things to give to a kid but I treasured those things like crazy for a long time. I always felt like we had a lot in common and I'm sad to see you go. I hope you're resting easy. less
The year is circa 1980. It is the first period of my first day of sixth grade at Butler Middle School. The class is wood shop with Mr. Johnson as our teacher, a first class DB. For some reason Mark was standing beside his desk which was next to mine. Mr.... moreThe year is circa 1980. It is the first period of my first day of sixth grade at Butler Middle School. The class is wood shop with Mr. Johnson as our teacher, a first class DB. For some reason Mark was standing beside his desk which was next to mine. Mr. Johnson asked him to sit down three times. To which Mark asked, "Why?" all three times. Mr. Johnson took Mark out into the hall. All we heard next were smacks and grunts (this happened in those days). Mark returned with a blotchy red face but no less defiant. I knew at that point I could hang with this kid. Over the next decade plus, we were in and out of a lot of trouble together. We had a lot of laughs and a few fist fights that were quickly forgotten. On one of these occasions, I called him the next day and asked him what he was doing and he said, "tending to my wounds..." Nobody had a razor wit like Mark. And to this day I still haven't met anyone as intelligent, witty, or as sensitive. Maybe his great sensitivity made him vulnerable to his disease.
I remember the Christmas Jam as a member of "The Breeze" that Preston posted. We had the worst band names. That one in particular came from a line that Paul Stanley said in a Kiss video in the 80's. The funny thing is that we never liked Kiss, not then and not now but we just thought it sounded cool. Another band name we had was "Phoenix" because we liked the imagery of rising from the ashes but we failed to launch (i.e spinal tap and we were serious too).
Mark's sarcasm kept me laughing constantly, which is, I feel, one of the best gifts any human being can give to another. I will and have missed his humor.
One night at Brighton Highschool we got busted at a stomp for acting out. "Beaker" called all our parents to come pick us up. Jim Thurman, a great man, came and picked up Mark and took him home. To my good fortune only my older cousin was home at my house who came to pick me up. Mark got in big trouble while I went to 7-11 with my cousin and got a slurpee and were playing a video game. Mark left his home in a rage in his GLC after a fight with his Dad and was headed up to my house when he saw me in 7-11 playing a video game. Without a word he came in and put a quarter on the machine indicating he was next.
We had countless funny stories and great times. I am blessed to have had a friend such as Mark. I regret that we were ghosts in each other's lives the last decade or two. I think that I was afraid of his "demon" and didn't like to see him suffer and I regret and feel sorry for it. I always hoped we would reconnect and still hope for that. I know that Mark has finally found peace and can finally move on. less
Scott Thurman
Brilliant! You guys were a pair to draw to. I hope you and yours are doing well.
April 1, 2020
Preston Watts
I’m crying and laughing! Thx for those stories Jason
April 1, 2020
Danny Larisch
Jason, Thanks for your words I loved reading your post. You described Mark perfectly and I too have missed him and his unmatched wit and humor!
Mark,
It’s so strange to think that you are gone... even though it’s been several years since I’ve seen you, I just always thought the 3 Amigos (myself, Preston, & Mark) would reunite once again. You always loved and appreciated our... moreMark,
It’s so strange to think that you are gone... even though it’s been several years since I’ve seen you, I just always thought the 3 Amigos (myself, Preston, & Mark) would reunite once again. You always loved and appreciated our friendship, as I did yours. I’m going to miss the way you made me laugh, your funny life adventures that you shared and your good natured and sensitive soul.
Until we meet again....❤️ RIP less
Rest In Peace, my friend. I am at a loss for words still but I have many memories and good times to remember and reflect on. I believe you knew we all loved and cared about you. I hope you are at peace. The only photo I could find is the one when... moreRest In Peace, my friend. I am at a loss for words still but I have many memories and good times to remember and reflect on. I believe you knew we all loved and cared about you. I hope you are at peace. The only photo I could find is the one when Mark returned from Korea and we had a bbq at his dad's house. I also have Mark's dogtags and one of his uniform hats from his service with the Army. Love you my friend, rest easy. less
Scott Thurman
Great picture of Mark and you. He was, to say the least, camera shy. Thanks!
April 1, 2020
Kristin ReardonYes, he didn't like his picture taken at all so I was surprised we took this one. I found another one he sent me when he was in Korea. I'll post it. I know somewhere I have a group photo of You, Mark, Jan and your dad. I' desperately trying to find... moreYes, he didn't like his picture taken at all so I was surprised we took this one. I found another one he sent me when he was in Korea. I'll post it. I know somewhere I have a group photo of You, Mark, Jan and your dad. I' desperately trying to find it. I'll share it when I do.
My dearest brother from another mother! We have been on so many life adventures together since we became friends in 1985. You are my best friend and I miss you so so much! I look forward to a time when we will team up again - to laugh even harder and... moreMy dearest brother from another mother! We have been on so many life adventures together since we became friends in 1985. You are my best friend and I miss you so so much! I look forward to a time when we will team up again - to laugh even harder and create more outrageous memories! RIP MY BROTHER ❤️ less
Scott Thurman
Presto! This is classic Thurman/Watts humor. I particularly like the "Step Brothers" picture with the sweaters.
April 1, 2020
Jason RawleHey Preston, it’s been too long brother. I just wanted to thank you for being such a good friend to Mark through the tough times. I think about him every day even though we rarely saw each other the last 20 years. It’s tough when the opportunity to... moreHey Preston, it’s been too long brother. I just wanted to thank you for being such a good friend to Mark through the tough times. I think about him every day even though we rarely saw each other the last 20 years. It’s tough when the opportunity to rebuild the bridge gets taken away. Let’s get together for a bbq or something this summer with all the old gang when all this madness calms down. We can have a proper “good old days” memorial and bust a gusset!
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