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Mark Zenner Obituary
ZENNER, MARK EDWARD
Mark Edward Zenner was born in Brooklyn Naval Hospital May 26, 1947. He died May 31, 2007. First-born son of Capt. Harold Joseph and Jene Louise Zenner, he is survived by his parents, his wife Linda, his three daughters, Christiana, Courtney, and Lauren, his four brothers and sister, Bruce, Jim, Paul, Audrey, and John, and their children. His family is bereft and mourns the loss of their son, husband, brother, and father.
Mark was raised in a naval family and lived in many cities and states during his childhood. He attended high school in Santa Cruz, California and graduated in 1965. He attended Stanford University as a U.S. Naval ROTC student and was a member of Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity. After completing his bachelor's degree at Stanford in 1969, he began active duty with the U.S. Navy. He served the U.S. Navy as a combat pilot flying A7 Corsairs during the Vietnam war, and flew in support of his country off the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Enterprise.
Mark flew as a United Airlines pilot for 28 years following his naval career. He piloted DC-10 and Boeing 727, 737, 777, and 747 aircraft, most recently as a 747 captain. His life was devoted to his family and flying.
A memorial service will be held Monday, June 4, at 3:00 p.m. at St. Andrews United Methodist Church in Highlands Ranch.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Mark Zenner Grandchildren Education Trust. Please send checks to: Bruce D. Campbell, PC, 1507 Pine St., Boulder, CO 80302.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mark Zenner
Cort de Peyster
May 28, 2024
Mark may be gone , but never forgotten.
I will never forget him setting up a surprise retirement party for my family and crew when she arrived in Sydney for my last layover Nov 2007
We lost a good man 6 months later.
Rest in peace old friend.
Charles Davies
May 28, 2020
I think if Mark all the time. He used to jump head first over the side of his boat. No arms with a grin on his face. He brought some halibut over after one of his fishing trips and we had a feast with wine. He was so smart and classy. I really miss him.
Terry Brady
June 9, 2008
On Feb 28, 2004 Mark was Captain on a B777 trip from Honolulu to Inchon, Korea. I was one of his two first officers and had flown with him many times on the B757. He was on a break and I was in the left seat when we experienced a right engine problem. Mark told us to monitor the engine and he had confidence in our ability to handle the situation. It developed into an engine shutdown some time later and he took over. He told the other first officer to make the emergency landing because it was his leg and he was very confident in his ability. Very few captains would have done that. After the landing Mark treated us to a post flight debriefing at a local Korean watering hole and celebrated our handling of the situation which involved a $130 million aircraft and over 350 people. The crew went on to win a significant award for professional flying and Mark modestly shunned the spotlight and deferred the attention to his crew. He said he was sleeping when it all went down so why should he take the credit. A better example of a real "Captain" I don't know.
Mark and I worked on many age 60 related issue in 2006 and 2007. We pushed the first action item out of our union council supporting the age change. Mark was the heart and soul of the effort and articulately won the day. I miss him! I retired in July 2007 and still fly for Netjets. I think of him often and will not take his name off of my cell phone. His friendship, energy, and professionalism I miss almost daily.
My best wishes and condolences to his family. He was one of a kind and will be missed.
Bob Leitch
June 7, 2008
I never knew Mark but I do know about the passion for flight that burns within his soul and his fight for justice. Time ran out for Mark and many other fine airline pilots. Those who may now continue past age 60 will never be able to thank him enough.
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Jon Rowbottom
June 5, 2008
I was very fortunate to know and work with Mark. I had the honor to introduce him to Jim Gault at Alteon. Mark was to begin his orientation in June to be a 747-400 Instructor and I looked forward to working with him in our new careers. I miss his eye twinkle and those deep discussions on matters of the airline industry. Press On Mark!
Captain Bob Engelman
June 5, 2008
Although our United careers paralleled, I only got to know Mark during our time working together with our brothers and sisters of APAAD. We spoke on the phone many times, bouncing ideas and strategies off each other. Each call ended with Mark saying, "Press on."
It's bringing tears to my eyes right now thinking about that, and how he always was so positive that we'd get it done. Luckily, I had the privilege of walking the halls of Congress with Mark, watching, listening and learning as he spoke from the heart about our cause. And what a great speaker he was!
Reading through the postings of others in this guest book made me realize how many friends of Mark's are also friends of mine. And we all miss him terribly.
To the Zenners, a year later, all I can say is, "Press on."
Cort de Peyster
June 5, 2008
We have not forgotten you Mark. You will live in our hearts and minds forever.
Cort de Peyster UAL Capt. Ret
Joan Eide
May 30, 2008
Dear Zenner Family,
We are praying for you all especially today, 1 year later. We cannot adequately express the depth of our sorrow for your pain and suffering you are experiencing. Paul and I are no strangers to grief, and today, we lift all of you in prayer and ask God to give you with some peace and comfort as you go about your day and to show you a mirage of little blessings in every day life. We love you all, Joan, Paul, Grace, Luke and Sarah Eide
Richard Ames
August 17, 2007
Dear Family Zenner,
I am saddened to learn through email that Mark has passed away. He was a truly wonderful man. The first time I met him was aboard USS Enterprise as a new member of VA97. He took me under his wing and with the heart of a teacher, showed me the ropes. After, he left the Navy, we stayed in touch when he was living in the Fresno area. Mark is one of those people you meet in life and never forget. What a great man. My condolences.
Capt. Rick Ames, Northwest Airlines
James Douglas
June 15, 2007
Dear Zenner Family:
The Douglas Family offers you all our deepest sympathy on your profound loss of Mark. We have known and loved Mark as we would have if he had been our own son. For the last fifty years we have enjoyed watching Mark develop into an outstanding student at Stanford, a superb Navy flyer,and a distinguished airline captain for UAL. Our hearts break with yours.
Jim and Sally Douglas
Captain, USN(Ret),Em. Prof. Stanford University
and children Sally Ann, Susanna, Bonnie and James A.
Karen Fry
June 10, 2007
I did not have the opportunity to meet Mark, his wife or children, but I spent several years working with his father, Harry, at UC Santa Cruz in the early 1980s and heard many stories about the family and their travels. I still see Harry and Jene around town on occasion. My heart aches for you all.
Carolyn Eide
June 9, 2007
I was deeply saddened when I heard of my cousin's Mark passing. Mark was a loving man, full of life, strength, wisdom and a zest for adventure. His love for family was second to none. My prayer is that God's strength and love surrounds all those who knew Mark and in time, some peace and understanding bring comfort. All my love,
Lauren Zenner
June 9, 2007
I, and the rest of my family, would like to thank all of you for your postings. We all knew my dad was an incredible person, but it is wonderful to hear it from those people he loved and respected so much.
Thank you all for your kind words and thoughts.
Pauline Salthouse
June 7, 2007
To Linda and girls,
I was shocked and saddened by the news of Mark's passing. My heart aches for you at this difficult time. Please know that I will keep you all in my prayers.
marv weinstein
June 7, 2007
I met Mark a long time ago. We served together on Board the U.S.S. Enterprise. We both were young then. When he joined the Squadran he brought on a whole new meaning of a Freesprite. He was Rated as one of the best Pilots aboard ship.Since then he has proved to also been a great man. He will be greatly missed. He leaves an empty spot in all of our lives.
George Kirwin
June 6, 2007
Dear Zenner Family,
I was deeply saddened to learn of Mark's passing. I had the honor of flying with Mark as a F/O at UAL and I must say he was "one of the best". He always had a great attitude and took care of the passengers and crew with the utmost professionalism. He was a true "CAPTAIN", and teacher. He taught me much more than flying and he was always a pleasure to be with. I never observed him have a cross word with anyone, but always supportive. He will be truly missed.
Katy Daniel
June 6, 2007
Dear Zenner Family:
My mom called me to let me know what had happened - and I am so saddened by this. Please know that my prayers are with you all.
Love, Katy Daniel (CCHS '97)
Kelly Davies
June 6, 2007
I will never forget how much I loved being in Mark's company. We had so many great times-I miss him so much already. Mark gave our children great words of wisdom. When my husband and I would disagree on parenting, I'd say "What would Mark do in this situation?" But, Mark always gave Linda all the credit for how his wonderful girls turned out when I complimented him. Mark was ALWAYS around for my husband and my son during some very low times. I will never forget how giving he was to my family and will cherish every memory forever. Thank you Mark for being in my life.
Julie Lucas
June 5, 2007
Dear Linda:
My deepest sympathies and thoughts are with you and your family.
Edward Jasen Beste
June 5, 2007
In the years we've flown. You've taught me a lot about what it means to be a pilot. You were one of the greatest. You taught me a lot about life too. You lived it great too.
Charlie and Kelly Davies
June 5, 2007
It was indeed an honor and a pleasure to have known Mark as both a Professional Aviator and a Friend. He was my "Hero" in every sense of the word. He could make me laugh and he could make me cry as he modeled what it looks like to be a wonderful caring man. I've learned so many lessons on life and tribute Mark with literally lifting me from the depths during difficults times. I will always cherish our friendship. I believe he was an "Angel sent from heaven" to teach us how to live. My family's thoughts and prayers are with Mark and his family during this most difficult time.
Ramin Pourteymour
June 4, 2007
It breaks my hart, I am so sad! I never thought that I will see this day that I am writing about Captain Mark Zenner. I flew with Cort Depester on his last flight where Mark surprised us and took us to the Yacht club. I can still see his smile. He has been on my mind ever since I found out. He was a wonderful person, fought for the right causes, he was extremely classy and had the perfect image of an Airline Captain. He will be missed so much. I only had met him 3 times within the past year! My condolenses to the Zenner family. I wish there was a way that I could help ease the pain for you! If I can ever do anything for you please fell free to call me at 619-572-7700.
Ramin Pourteymour
Larry Smith
June 4, 2007
I didn't know Mark well but I remember vividly his huge smile and classy demeanor. I have never witnessed such an outpouring of grief from the loss of a fellow airmen as I have from his friends at United. He and his family are in and will remain in my prayers.
Captain Tony Creech, Retired
June 4, 2007
My thoughts and prayers go out to Mark's family here in Colorado and to his parents and brothers and sister elsewhere during this most difficult of times. Mark and I have been friends for most of careers at United Airlines. We have flown, sailed, fished, skied, and spent countless hours at ALPA meetings often listening to his great oratory skills. We both were flying the 747 in SFO at the end of our careers. Mark was kind enough to present my plaque at my retirement party in SFO last year. I had planned to present his plaque when he retired. He spent much of career fighting for aviation issues that affected us all including his most recent efforts with APAAD to convice congress to eliminate the age 60 retirement for airline pilots. I offer my sincere condolences to his entire family as I say farewell and following seas to my friend as he flies west for his final flight.
Captain John Gorczyca
June 4, 2007
Mark was a great person, superb aviator, and just a wonderful likeable guy. My sympathy to his family and close friends. It was a shock to hear about his passing and he will be missed by many people.
Liz, Rob and Gretchen Alford
June 4, 2007
We are all shocked and saddened at this loss. Mark will be missed by all that had the privelige of knowing him. Our deepest sympathies to Linda, Christy, Courtney, LoLo and the Zenner family.
Will Champion
June 4, 2007
Mark,
Fair winds and following seas.
Thank you for your service and everything you have done for our country and the airline industry. Your family has my deepest sempathy.
All the Bros
Wayne Kotow
June 4, 2007
Unbelieveable :( I am so sorry and sad to hear this news. I've known Mark for a few years now. I was introduced to him through his brother Paul. We've fished a few times together and always had a great time including this last trip over Memorial weekend. His thirst for knowledge was infectious. My condolences to his wife and daughters as well as his Mom, Dad, Brothers and Sister. Our hearts and prayers are with you during this very sad time.
Joe Gautille
June 3, 2007
Mark and I didn't meet,to my knowledge, but perhaps we crossed paths in Wash DC during a Blitz on Capitol Hill. From reading his bio I was struck by some similarities in our lives. Mark was about a year and a half older, but we were both Naval Aviators, airline pilots, APAAD members and Fraternity Brothers. He was an Alpha Sig Brother at Stanford and I was a Brother at the University of Buffalo. My prayers go out to your family and wish you all peace in this difficult time.
Warm Regards,
Joe Gautille
Capt. Southwest Airlines
CAPT USNR (Ret)
W. J. "Gus" Arscott
June 3, 2007
Mark and I began our airline careers together a few months apart in 1978, and have shared a comradeship these past 28 years that has been more than a brotherhood of fellow airmen. Mark's life has been one of continuous selfless service and,as such, Mark has set the standard of devotion to his God, his country, and above all, his profession which he loved with all his heart, might, mind, and strength. Mark's legacy will never be forgotten by the numberless host of us who count our association with him as our greatest blessing.
Paul and Joan Eide
June 3, 2007
To Linda, girls, and all the Zenner family,
We are so very saddened by the news of our cousin Mark. We are praying for each and every one of you and we ask for God's comfort onto each one of you. He was very special and will be greatly missed. With all our love.
Fred Russell
June 3, 2007
I had the privledge to work with Mark several times over the years. It was always a pleasure. Everything that we did together he did with the most that he had to give and it was always more than I was capable of. That always left me in awe and attempting to be better from that point forward. I have a great feeling of loss and I can only empathize we the depth of loss you are dealing with. I wish you my best in the terrible time.
Fred Russell, UAL
Jay DeVere
June 3, 2007
I was most fortunate to be the co-pilot on Mark's last flight to London before he retired. As always Mark was a gentlemen and performed his duties with the upmost skill and professionalism. He was a great guy and he will be missed. My condolences to his family, I'm sorry for your loss.
Kaitlin,John, Joy O'Malley
June 3, 2007
We are so fortunate to have met Mark at Lauren's graduation. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Captain Alan Payne United Airlines
June 3, 2007
I was Mark's co-pilot on the B-737 in the early 90's for numerous trips. Mark always went out of his way to make everyone in his crew feel useful as well as important and he was always the perfect diplomat in any situation. I learned a tremendous amount from Mark and he is truly a tough act to follow. He will be missed by many...
Bud Speace
June 3, 2007
Mark and I had several Congressional staff appointments together in our work with the Airline Pilots Against Age Discrimination. He was committed, knowledgable, professional, and articulate. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends at this difficult time.
Lyle "Bud" Speace
Captain, America West(US Airways)
Phoenix/Kansas City
Mark and Judy Bradley United Airlines
June 3, 2007
Zenner Family,
My husband Mark had the honor of flying with Mark many times as his first officer on the 400 and truly loved every minute of it. I had the pleasure of meeting him last July on a trip to London. Mark was a very thoughtful man...before we left the gate in London, Mark announced over the PA for a moment of silence for those who lost their lives in London a year earlier. That really touched me. We are both deeply saddened of the news. May God grant you peace and strength to get through this sorrowful time and to be able once again to smile with your fond memories of Mark. And may Mark find comfort in Heaven with God. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Cort de Peyster
June 3, 2007
Capt. Mark Zenner was a close friend and comrade.He
was an active member of APAAD bringing many Colorado congressmen onboard for our fight against the forces promoting age discrimination for US Citizen Airline Pilots. He attended our Blitz's in Washington, DC and I'm sure many of you remember his tenacity and gift for oratory in discussing our plight with members of congress. He was a pilots pilot a warrior,patriot,father and friend to all he knew. As a personal aside, Mark purposely bid a Sydney Trip so a to be in position for my last UAL flight (Thanksgiving 06). He greeted us with a big smile at the hotel on arrival and invited us to wonderful brunch arranged at the Cruising Yacht club of Australia for my entire crew and family.
I am so shocked beyond belief that we have lost this great friend, pilot, and advocate for justice, so suddenly.
A quote from Fellow UAL Capt Don Wolfe sums it up:
"Mark was an excellent Captain and aviator. As a former Attack fighter pilot in the A-7 in Viet Nam, Mark brought his competitive nature to UAL. He fought the fight with us in the Strike of 1985 and continued to stand up for "what was right" for the piloting profession throughout his career. This is sad news for all of us!"
Capt. DD Wolfe
Gods Speed my brother on your flight west. We miss you. Our new battle cry in your continuing fight for justice will be: "Remember Mark Zenner"
Cort
F.V. "Cort" de Peyster
Reno Nevada
Jennifer Watkins
June 3, 2007
My father was a good friend of Mark's, and a man fortunate to be friends with Mark. Mark was a wonderful man that I am happy to have met, and sad to only slightly have known. I am so sorry for your loss, and you are in my and my family's prayers.
David Graham
June 3, 2007
I never met Mike, but from reading what everyone has said about him, I feel a great sense of loss as a fellow Navy and UAL pilot. My sincere regrets to his family and all that had the fortune to know him.
Captain Dave Graham
United Airlines
Bob Lavender
June 3, 2007
As another member of the Airline Pilots Against Age Discrimination, I am also grateful to have known Mark and to have spoken with him on the phone several times. He was truly a thoughtful gentleman, and we are better off for knowing him. His untimely passing is an example of why we should always treat each other with respect and care, regardless of what side of the issues we are on.
To his family and friends, I offer my sincere respect and condolences.
Captain Frank Malone
June 3, 2007
Mere words are not enough as I am shocked at the loss of a true comrade. Mark walked Capitol Hill with me and his fellow APAAD pilot members with dignity and professionalism as he fought for a worthy cause. Of all his accomplishments his demeanor before members of Congress was exemplary. He will be sorely missed as a father, husband, son, brother, professional pilot, Veteran and a true friend who would give you the shirt off his back.
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
neysa lettin
June 3, 2007
Linda and girls,
I am shocked and so sadden to hear of your loss. Mark's legacy, three incredible daughters, says to everyone what a special husband and remarkable father he had to of been. Girls, I'm so sorry and I will pray for peace in your lives as the days, months and years go by....Linda, hang on to those wonderful memories. You will be in my prayers and I know that God will be your strenght. I love you all.
You're music teacher....
Capt. Randy Erb
June 3, 2007
As a fellow over 60 airline captain and APAAD member, I am shocked and saddened by the loss of one of our best members and pilot. While I did not know Mark personally, I have seen what he did in his life and his accomplishments are a true testament as to the kind of person he was. I know that the his loss is a major one for his family, but it is also a great loss for the rest of us in our profession. I hope that my condolences will help and will remind his family and friends that he had an influence FAR beyond their immediate circle and he contributed so much to the rest of mankind by his efforts.
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