Mark D. Gower

GOWER MARK DAVID GOWER (Age 26) Mark David Gower, 26, was found dead in his apartment on July 22, 2010 in the Mt. Pleasant neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Born on August 24, 1983 he grew up in Hillsboro, OR. He had a circle of friends that spanned all over the U.S. Mark received many scholastic achievements and awards. At age 19, he graduated from Portland State University with a B.S. in Psychology. He was the youngest member of his class and graduated with highest honors. Mark also studied photography, acting, music theory and composition. After graduation he moved to Tempe, AZ, where he worked for Beneficial Finance Co. He was later transferred to Honolulu, Hawaii and promoted to branch manager and also worked for Wells Fargo as a loan officer. In 2006 Mark moved to D.C. where he worked as an executive placement consultant for Ultimate Staffing. He most recently worked for Sephora in Reston, VA and evenings at Ziegfeld''s/ Secrets. Mark had recently shown interest in going back to school to become a dermatologist. He is survived by his parents Ivan and Marilyn Gower, sisters Anita Gower and Angel Phar, a brother Steve Sanderson, and grandparents Bill and Ruth Vaughan, all of Oregon. There will be a memorial service for Mark this Friday, August 6, 2010 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the HRC Equality Forum, 1640 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington DC 20036. I