Mark C. Townsend

1961 - 2016

Mark C. Townsend, 54, of Wexford, passed Friday, Sept. 23, 2016. Born Sept. 25, 1961, in Charlotte, N.C., he is the son of Roger C. Townsend, of Wexford, and the late Anne Barnes Townsend, and beloved brother of Michelle Stout, of Ft. Collins, Colo., and dear uncle of Rob and Indy Stout. Mark hit the ground running from the get go with a zest for life, learning and fun. His tendency for shenanigans started early and spanned his life. From bringing home baby Copperheads to his frantic mother at 7, building a monstrosity of a tree house/private fort in the woods behind his home, to hiding behind gravestones in a historical graveyard to scare the wits out of his sister at dusk, Mark loved to laugh, challenge and engage with people and the world around him. Although he was a successful salesman for most of his career, his passions included listening to live music with close friends, reading prolifically, debating friends and family on nearly any topic (just for fun) and spending time with family. He felt the most at home in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Memories of live music on the piers, chasing crabs at night, surf fishing and body surfing were always dear to him. He loved his nephews, Rob and Indy, so very much. Although he was proud of their many accomplishments, he seemed to take great joy talking with his sister on the phone, listening to the boys pull their own shenanigans in the background. At his core, Mark was a deeply feeling and caring human being, characteristics that those close to him were privileged to see. His reverence for his parents was immense and expressed often. His father's integrity was a trait he highly cherished and aimed for. His mother was his rock, pounding him into shape when needed, and grounding him throughout his life. Mark lost a small part of his soul when he lost his mother nearly three years ago. Now that he has joined her, heaven is the limit to the shenanigans he can wield from above.
Friends are invited to a memorial service at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, 2016, in First Presbyterian Church of Bakerstown with the Rev. Gary Weston, officiating. Arrangements are entrusted to SCHELLHAAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES LTD., Bakerstown.
Please offer condolences at www.schellhaasfh.com.