Search by Name

Search by Name

BORN

1958

DIED

2016

Mark Templeton Obituary

Mark R. Templeton

October 7, 1958 – July 17, 2016

Mark R. Templeton, 57, passed away on July 17, 2016 in a tragic accident while kayaking on the Rogue River in Oregon. Mark was born in Austin, Texas and moved in 1964 to the San Francisco Bay Area. He met his wife, Betsy, during his freshman year at the University of California Santa Barbara and married in 1986.
In many ways, Mark was a self-taught engineer. From a young age, he had a curiosity for how things work. His passion for engineering grew from tinkering with electronic devices, machines and computers to studying engineering in college, ultimately graduating from Boston University with a B.S. in Engineering. In terms of his career, Mark was most proud of his role in co-founding Artisan Components in 1991. The company provided building blocks for the design and manufacture of integrated circuits. In more recent years, he delighted in helping others launch various business ventures.
While his professional accomplishments were impressive, his two children, Lisa and Andrew, were his greatest achievement. It would be difficult to find a prouder and more beloved father, who gained great joy following his children on their journey to adulthood.

Mark enjoyed the California outdoors as a cyclist, kayaker and skier. He was an avid reader, particularly of the technical sciences, and studied physics, astronomy and math as a relaxing pastime. He enjoyed music as a listener, guitarist, and concertgoer, and shared his love of music with his family.
Mark and his wife enjoyed exploring the countryside and major cities of Italy and France as well as several recent vacations to Hawaii. He and his family spent many summers kayaking at the Russian River. His ideal day would start with an early morning float and end with a cold beer, guacamole and chips on the deck.

Mark's family includes his wife Betsy, children Lisa and Andrew, mother Margo, siblings Cabot, Amy and Chris, Aunt Jane Blanch and cousin Ward Blanch. His father Rodney is deceased. Mark will be fondly remembered for his keen scientific mind, strong optimistic spirit, dry humor and fierce integrity. He was a kind, caring and devoted husband, father, son, brother, son-in-law and uncle and will be deeply missed.

The family gives their warmest thanks to the Josephine County Oregon community, particularly the Sheriff, Search and Rescue and his two professional Rogue River tour guides. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mark's memory to Feeding America, 35 East Wacker Drive Suite 2000, Chicago, Il 60601 or the National Parks Foundation, 1110 Vermont Avenue NW #200, Washington D.C. 20005. A memorial service will be held at a future date.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Jul. 29 to Aug. 7, 2016.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Mark Templeton

Not sure what to say?





5 Entries

I used to work with Mark at Artisan Components, a semiconductor IP company he cofounded. Everyone there felt like family. I always think of Mark as the December holidays start to approach. Artisan would have these big company parties in December with all the employees and their families, and before dinner was served, Mark would stand up to say a few words. Whenever Mark would speak, his manner of speech was always so engaging and relatable, the room would go silent, but especially at these holiday celebrations. I don't remember his exact words, but I remember how they made people feel. In one event, he spoke about how difficult the early struggles of the company had been, and how lucky we all were that the company had had a string of fortunate successes that had such a prosperous impact on all of us. Then he would close with a reminder that not everyone has been blessed the way we have, who are still struggling to make ends meet and urged us to think of others and help spread our good fortune during the cold holiday season. He was such a great guy.

Scott Bordelon

Coworker

November 19, 2023

I had known Mark while taking astronomy classes at SJSU. He was very humble, quiet, punctual, and smart. I always wondered what he was doing in an astronomy class at that age. After talking to him, I realized he was this semiconductor company's CEO. I was shocked and amazed by his simplicity and he told me he always had a love for astronomy. We worked together on an astronomy project that he started and I took over. He helped me with his coding and his acute knowledge. When I started looking for jobs, he was happy and readily gave me recommendation letters. I was shocked to read the news that he is no more. I wish all the strength to his family. We have lost a humble and knowledgeable person. You will be missed!

Vakini

August 22, 2016

One of the most supportive, encouraging executives I ever had the pleasure to work with. His memory is a blessing.

My deepest condolences go out to Betsy, Lisa, Andrew. Andrew was on our baseball team in 2002 and Mark was a great, supportive parent.

Edmond Macaluso, Los Altos, CA

August 13, 2016

When someone was as nice as Mark seemed to be, I don't think there's really anything else that needs to be said.
My heart goes out to Betsy, to Mark's Mom and to his children, and to anyone else who loved him.

Sincerely,
Kate Bernier
[email protected]

I'm leaving you with a poem I wrote for my departed sister Jeanne:

A Girl and Her Horse . . .
Somewhere in Time'
Now and again a vision stirs me
Thundering hooves that bear the heavy weight of time.
Over the herd, one light shines Brightest
beaming a love whose vision echoes mine.

She rode away, one lonely lifetime,
called to a place that only love could hope to find.
Turn from the herd,
run to your Master,
run from the joy and pain that you leave behind.

Don't run from me.
I'll ride beside.
Help me let go the reins and heal
my pain inside.
Go as you will.
My memory holds you
deep in my heart.

I'll follow you, though here I stay.
Let earth's sweet treasures bind our hearts
while you are away.
Hear me my Love.
Will you be waiting
somewhere in time.'

© Kathleen Bernier
September, 1995
Sung to Somewhere in Time by John Barry
© 1980 by Duchess Music Corporation, New York, N.Y. 10022

Kate Bernier

August 6, 2016

Mark was one of the most genuine and nicest people that I've worked with in my career. I worked with him at Silicon Compilers in the late 80's, and we stayed in touch over the years.
My deepest condolences go out to Betsy, Lisa, Andrew, and the rest of his family, and you will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Keith Mueller

August 4, 2016

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results

Make a Donation
in Mark Templeton's name

Memorial Events
for Mark Templeton

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Mark's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Mark Templeton's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more