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Mark David Stapleton
July 26, 1963 - July 24, 2014
No words can express the profound sadness over the pass-ing of our beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, coach, and friend, Mark Stapleton. He passed away suddenly on a beautiful July afternoon and it was a shock that will echo forever.
Mark was born in Fort Collins, CO to Sally and Lance Stapleton and together with his sister, Sharon, lived and traveled throughout the United States. Always a superb athlete, Mark was passionate about sports, hunting, and fair competition. He was a three-sport athlete at Sprague High School, but excelled in baseball, even at the college and semi-pro levels. He coached multiple baseball, basketball and football teams throughout the years. One week ago, he helped his son's JBO senior team take the State Championship title.
In 1993, Mark met and fell in love with Veronica Headrick and married her nine months later. They were blessed with their first beautiful child, McKenzie Taylor in 1996. In the year 2000, Brody Dalton completed their loving family. Mark's lifelong dream of having a family and providing a safe and loving home for them was realized.
Fall was Mark's favorite time of year. It was the season of his two passions - Blacktail hunting and college football. The perfect day consisted of getting up with Brody hours before daybreak to head up to his tree stand to hunt the morning hours, and then return home for the kick-off of his beloved Nebraska Cornhuskers.
In September of this year, Mark and Veronica celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary in Hawaii with their children. It was a family trip that had eluded them for years and created many amazing memories that Mark's family will hold dear for a lifetime.
For those of you who were privileged to know Mark in business at Shared Communications, Oregon Telecom and Pacific Pellet, you knew Mark's quick wit, love of family, and compassion for people. He was known for a strong work ethic, sense of adventure, love of the outdoors, and fair treatment in business. He would walk into a room and would soon be cracking jokes, making people laugh until the entire world was right.
We will miss him terribly, but know that his good works will carry on in those who remember him. Please keep his family in your heart and prayers and his memory living through the stories that you tell.
Mark is survived by his parents Lance and Sally Stapleton, his sister Sharon, wife Veronica and children McKenzie and Brody.
In lieu of flowers, Mark's family requests donations to the Boys and Girls Club of Salem.
A pictorial tribute will be at 10:30am Friday, Aug. 1st at Queen of Peace Catholic Church followed by a Mass of Christian Hope at 11:00am. Private interment will be at Belcrest Memorial Park. Assisting the family Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Thinking of you.
Bob and Sharon McElroy
Friend
July 24, 2019
I am shocked and so saddened to hear of Mark's passing. My heart and prayers are with you and your children Veronica.
Linda Hoffman
August 22, 2014
Sharon, I am devastated by this news, which Sharon Zupo made me aware of. I remember Mark as a handsome, smiling young man and know he gave you such joy. My thoughts are with you, Lance, and Sharon. Barbara (Dixon) McReal
August 17, 2014
I'm very sorry to learn that Mark passed away. The good Lord takes his favorites early sometimes. I lost track of Mark after leaving Salem in 1985, but it sounds like he lived a full and happy life since then. I coached Mark at Willamette and he roomed with me for a time while I was in law school after he decided to stop playing baseball to focus on his studies. That decision wasn't easy for him but its a decision most make midway through college. Its nice to see that he shared his love of the game with kids and gave back by coaching them. I have to smile when I remember him at his weight bench in the living room of our small apartment and seeing him down a half-gallon of milk and multiple peanut butter and banana sandwiches between sets. He will be missed and his family members are in my thoughts and prayers.
Rick Carnaroli
August 6, 2014
I did not know Mark, however had the opportunity to witness his class. After his team beat the McMinnville team I congratulated him on their win and complimented him on their game. He had no idea that I was the Grandmother of one of the other team players. With that beautiful smile he replied, "Both teams worked hard, it was a good game". His boys won that Championship game for him. My condolences to his family and friends.
Joyce Lundeen
August 4, 2014
Very sad to hear of Mark's passing...we shared many high school experiences, learning about winning and losing on the football field and basketball court, cracking everyone up in Mrs Wittmers Shakespeare class, double dating for the jr prom...it was great to re-connect with Mark at our 30th reunion, we made plans to get together in Central OR. Thanks for the memories, Mark. You are misssed by many.
Charlie Patton
August 1, 2014
What a terrible shock. I feel fortunate to have run into Mark, Lance, Sally, and Sharon at a recent ballgame in Corvallis. Whenever I saw him we always shared a memory of our youth together and a good laugh. I saw John Bier's comment and share his fond memories of that year with Mark on the diamond.
My best wishes to Sharon, her folks, and Mark's family as they heal as best they can.
Ken Robblee
August 1, 2014
*****Mark's family is making his pictorial tribute available upon request via [email protected]****
August 1, 2014
Jesus
david ford
August 1, 2014
I fell in love with Mark and Veronica the day I met them! My heart breaks for Veronica and the kids! Mark was a big tease he was funny kind and a real Gem!! We will miss you so much! I'm so happy to call you my friend! Love you Mark
Cindy & Don Greer
July 31, 2014
Veronica,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Mark obviously touched countless people's lives, not the least of which were those of kids. You know better than anyone what a great husband, father, son, brother, and friend he was, and those things will never be forgotten. We just want you to know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
-Gordon and April Dunaway
July 31, 2014
Mark was one of my brother Ryan's best friends in high school. Mark was always so kind to me as the little sister and I will always remember him for his kindness. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
jamie Bunnard-Robert
July 31, 2014
Veronica...I know your heart is breaking and it will for a while..I understand where you are right now....Don't be in a hurry to get through this journey it takes time and grace...give yourself grace don't expect anything to feel right for a while just accept it and do the best you can...Don't try to be strong and shoulder it alone.... let those that love you and Mark come along side you and hold you up with their strength!! He was an amazing guy and you, Mckenzie and Brody will miss him everyday..but you are an amazing woman with two great kids and you will get through this together! I am praying for you for peace and acceptance! We don't understand the timing in this and never will. Just know the Lord God of the Universe holds you and the children in His hand and will give you comfort on this journey!!
Beth Golston
July 31, 2014
Mark was a kind, friendly, funny, and great man--the type person you meet and never forget. My son, Marc, was so lucky to have been coached by him and my entire family is so lucky to have been blessed with his friendship. I am from Kansas, a Kansas University grad, and avid Jayhawk fan--I cherish the moments Mark would tease me, every time we met, mercilessly, but with that big smile on his face, about the dozens of drubbings his beloved Nebraska Cornhuskers gave my beloved Jayhawks in football.
Thanks for so many great memories, Mark.
Don&Marc Fensler and Family
July 31, 2014
Veronica and family; my heart breaks for you. Please know you are in our hearts and prayers. Please call if you need anything.
Karen Guinn
July 31, 2014
I babysat McKenzie when she was just a baby and got to know Mark and Veronica well. Mark was such a caring father and kind person and I'm so sad to hear of his untimely passing. May God hold Mark and the rest of the family in his loving arms.
Heather Hawke
July 31, 2014
We can't begin to imagine what you are going through now. You all are so much in our thoughts.
Bob and Sharon McElroy. Hillsboro, OR
July 31, 2014
So sorry for your loss. Prayers to your family. Love from a Sprague Alumni Donna Rittenhouse Soria
July 30, 2014
So sorry to hear of Mark's passing away. He was a truly delighful young man.
Dan and Betty Downey
July 30, 2014
I'm so glad Ian and I we're invited to McKenzie's Graduation Celebration.
Mark went out his way to make us feel welcome when he invited us to sit with him while we snacked. He was one great guy.
We are both very sorry for your Family's loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless!
Jojhn and Ian Torwick
July 30, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss. Mark was a very kind, funny man who loved his family. He had integrity and was very loyal to those around him. I worked for Mark at Shared and OTI and everyone who knew him knew his values and admired him. I pray for peace and healing during this difficult time. Always remember how much your dad, your husband, your son and brother loved you as it carries you through every moment. Praying for you all.
Debbie Green
July 30, 2014
Very sorry for your loss. Mark was a great person. My heartfelt condolences.
Dave Young
July 30, 2014
I loved every day that I worked with Mark. He was a very special person who has left us way too soon. My thoughts and prayers go out to Veronica and his entire family. May they be comforted by prayer and priceless memories of Mark, a man who was loved and respected by so many.
Cathie Crawford
July 30, 2014
Wonderful son, husband, father, friend.
An amazing man who will not be forgotten.
Debi and Dale Penn
July 30, 2014
It is so sad to learn, of Mark passing away so suddenly. Sending prayers and hugs, to his family. at this very difficult time. I will always remember his smile and how much he cared about people. Mark will be missed and never forgotton. God bless his family. RIP
Linda Jensen
July 30, 2014
So very sorry for your loss. Mark was a good friend growing up and remember hanging out with him while he played little league. Love and prayers for his family.
Melanie Enfield Tinkham
July 30, 2014
I worked in the same building as Mark and he was always so sweet, helpful and just an all around great man. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Sarah Chidsey
July 30, 2014
So very sorry. We appreciated Mark coaching Trevor in Skyball two years ago. Thinking of you all.
John, Lori, Taylor, Trevor & Theo Lassen
Lori Lassen
July 30, 2014
Very sad news.
Mark was a year older and was a great athlete at Sprague, I remember he was always supportive and encouraging even if you were just another guy on the sidelines I look back and always appreciated that kindness.
Craig Nelson
Sprague "82"
July 30, 2014
We are praying for you all. I pray that God gives you strength.
Eric & Shawna Anundi (Eric John)
July 30, 2014
I had the privilege of getting to know Mark via business the past few years. A great man whom I admired for the many qualities he possessed. His love of family and genuine interest in others come to mind first. He was a professional with a great sense of humor and a big smile. His word was solid and he always left an upbeat impression after a phone call or visit. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and many friends. Your loss is huge no doubt. I'd say that those who came into contact with Mark Stapleton were rewarded from the experience. We'll miss you Mark. Thanks for your kindness, understanding of what's important in life, and for being a positive influence to many others.
Sam Hays
July 30, 2014
Our hearts are absolutely broken for all of you. We pray that you are able to lean firmly on your faith in God and in each other. Know that you are covered in love from so many people.
Suzanne Lewis
July 30, 2014
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Jodie Hill
July 30, 2014
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers
Evans family
July 30, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
July 30, 2014
Our prayers are with the Stapleton family during this time and we grieve with them over such a shocking loss.
July 29, 2014
I just reconnected with Mark on the July 12th when I ran into him up on the north fork with his family. We talked baseball and family. His dad Lance coached us in senior league when I was 15 and Mark was 13, that year we won the league championship. He seemed to be so happy and proud of his family. I pray for strength and healing for the family at this painful time. I know he set the bar high and pray McKenzie and Brody that you stay strong for your mom and each other. Lance, Sally, and Sharon you are in my prayers as well.
Respectfully,
John Bier
John Bier
July 29, 2014
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