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Mark Strathy Obituary
April 10, 1953 ~ May 18, 2015
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our brother, uncle, son and friend. Mark meant so much to so many people. He always had time to help and encourage family, students and friends. No one enjoyed having fun more than Mark. His quick wit and dry humor made him pure joy to be around.
Mark was born April 10, 1953 at Northgate Hospital to Lael and Donn Strathy with Grandma McAllister in attendance as head nurse. Mark graduated from Shorecrest high school in 1971. He earned his Fine Arts degree from U of W in 1976. Mark was an exceptionally creative and talented artist who recognized his calling early in life. Soon after graduation he packed his paint brushes and his paint stained wardrobe and moved to Brooklyn, New York. He earned his Masters in Fine Art from Brooklyn College in 1984. Mark soon started teaching art at Central Connecticut University splitting his time between Brooklyn and New Britain for many years.
Mark's gentle soul and generous spirit will be greatly missed by his family; parents Lael and Donn, sister Chris, brothers Mike and Dave, nephews Matthew and Erik, nieces Lauren, Julia, Sarah, Katelyn and fiance;e Elaine Tabol Byers as well as an extensive network of friends and family on both coasts and in Europe. We love Mark so much. His passing leaves a huge hole in our hearts. A memorial gathering will be announced soon. Please sign Mark's online Guestbook at www.Legacy.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mark Strathy
Sponsored by The Family.
John Anderson
June 27, 2025
Grew up in Lake Forest Park down the road from Mark. We were best friends for years 1959-1964 and hung out almost every day. Donn and Lael were friends of my parents as well. I went by Donn and Laels in 2005 to see Mark but unfortunately he had gone back east. Many fond memories with Mark. Saddens me terribly to know he passed.
Tiffany Morrison
February 19, 2021
Peace to you
Liz Ortiz
October 11, 2016
My condolences, I attended his illustration classes at CCSU a few years back. A great teacher and professor will be missed.
June 20, 2015
Lael:
Betsey (Bird) Downing, now of Nathrop, CO, also sends her condolences. She remembers you from fourth grade at Laurelhurst! And of course as a fellow "50 Teddy."
Dick Saunders
June 19, 2015
Donn and Lael:
Marie and I can empathize with your grief. We have lost 2 of our 4 children -- one (Caroline) at age 33 and the other (Mark) last August at 56, both in Minneapolis, our home until 3 years ago. Now back home in Seattle, we'd be pleased to share our recovery process with you. Our deepest condolences.
Dick and Marie Saunders
206-367-0146
[email protected]
P.S. Fellow Class of '50 Teddies Dick Coar, Dan Northfield and I shared our fond remembrances of you both (including the milk business) at lunch yesterday.
June 7, 2015
We are so sorry to hear of your families lost.
Edwina Mackie Benham
Patricia Mackie Hallock
June 5, 2015
I remember Mark at family gatherings with a great sense of humor. He always reminded me of his grandfather, Ralph. Ralph and Florence, his grandmother, were so proud of him. They dearly missed him when he moved to the East Coast to pursue his Art Career. He will be missed by many. I am truly sorry for your loss, Donn, Lael and family.
Nadine Dawson
June 1, 2015
Donn, Lael & Family
We are sorry for your loss
Tom & Shirley Alvis
June 1, 2015
Mark touched so many lives with his genuine love for others, fabulous sense of humor, and true loyalty towards his family, and friends. I've had the pleasure having Mark as a good friend since 1971. Our many memorable activities throughout the years included camping, fishing, hiking, and water skiing (boy could he ever jump that wake!). He always was one with a quick witty line, and awesome at pulling off practical jokes. Like the time he showed up at Queen Anne High School class of '71's 30th reunion impersonating his best friend Mark McLoughlin, and only a few of us really knew who he was. His creativity, and mastery of Art is world renown, and his skills with a brush will always be with us. Years ago, using a bigger brush we use to paint houses together, never making much money because our motto was "$350 and we buy the paint." Just another joke, right Strath"? That guy will truly be missed. ps Next time and place we meet, I promise man, "I won't break your face". Inside joke. Love you, Rick Schafer
Mary Rothermel
June 1, 2015
Tom Northington and I will miss in Mark, a great friend and artist.
We are so sorry for your sudden loss.
Dori Ostasiewicz
June 1, 2015
What an inspiration he was to his students at CCSU; his legacy will continue in their work.
Carolee Ivers
May 31, 2015
I only knew Mark in high school but I always enjoyed his easy spirit and fun loving nature. By the magic of social media I got to reconnect and read some rare posts and chat a little. He will be missed and my heart goes out to his family. Carolee Mudge Ivers
Dick Coar
May 31, 2015
I am so sorry for your families loss.
Roger Johnson
May 31, 2015
Please accept my condolences.
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