Mark Hess Manning

I just watching the videos of the opening of this school again and thinking about the tireless efforts that Mark spent getting this beautiful school together. I often wonder what he would think about this year and what wise words he would have offered to those of us who are struggling and watching the school transform yet again. I miss him and hold his memory close every day as I admire the choices he made for this school.

I still can't believe Mark is gone. I worked closely with him at Olympus on the Be Strong program. He was so supportive and willing to do anything to help the kids-all of them. We joked about eating better, working out more, and he tolerated my prodding. Who knew his biggest battle was ahead. I lost my brother to cancer in August, and your family has been on my mind since I heard of Mark's diagnosis. My prayers are with your family.

Manning Family, I was so sad to hear about Mark's passing. After growing up with Cindy and Mark, I hadn't seen Mark for a while. Then, I took several classes with Mark in Granite School District as I was in special education. I watched his moving up in the district. He was always a stand-up man. A friend who worked at Cyprus said he was the only principal she worked for that had total integrity and she felt what was said to him would never go anywhere else. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

I am very sorry to hear of Marks passing. My condolences to Karen, children and grandchildren and to Aunt Ann, Cindy, Chad and Patrice

Mark was a dear friend and a great role model. I respected him dearly as an educational leader. I am grateful for his leadership example and his friendship over the years. May God bless his family at this difficult time.

Dear Manning Family,
Mark was a good friend. The last time I saw him was 10 years ago at the cemetery when my mother had passed away. He was at another grave site presiding as the Bishop. He left a legacy of love that will be felt forever. I pray for your family to be comforted at this time.
Eileen Menlove Jensen

Dear Manning family,
Thank you for graciously sharing your dad and husband with all of us at Olympus High. He was an incredible soul who made everyone feel like a close friend. Oly has not been the same without him, his departure from the school has left a huge void.
You are all in our prayers as you go through this difficult transition. May you feel Gods love for you all.

Jennifer, Chase and Alexis Pack (Holladay, Utah)

I am so sorry for your families loss. Prayers and condolences for each of you.
Lesa Campbell

Karen - so sorry for your loss. Sending you love and comfort from your family in California.
Bless you,
your cousin, Claudia

I missed Mark the moment he left Olympus High for the district office. Graduation speakers were a fun challenge which he always handled with grace and firm kindness.

Without Karen our building could not be the palace that it is. Thank you for providing Mark with the freedom to build his vision.

Sending light to you and your benevolent children.

Mr. Manning was an amazing Principal. Working with him for stage and any questions or concerns I had was always answered by him. See you in Paradise my friend;

My love to the Manning Family!

Mark was an inspiration to be around and always had the ability to make you feel better about yourself just being in his presents. Mark had a strength that said that he understood who he was and who we all were. We both feel blessed to have had the opportunity to rub shoulders with him and your family.

Brent and I will forever be grateful for Mark's influence in our lives. He is the reason Brent became a teacher and we are so grateful for the friendship and support he showed us over these many years. He is a kind, honest, loving and good man who changed our lives for the better. Our hearts and prayers are with you and your wonderful family. Much love,

I have already shared some personal thoughts with your family, but I will leave these two stories that highlight Mark's grace and amiable character. On our first 50 mile hike we were close to the top of Gunsite pass on our way to King's Peak. One 12 year old scout was on the first real hike of his life. I became impatient with coaxing him along towards the top, so I passed him off to Mark. Mark took the boy's pack in his arms and muscled it to the top of the pass, never mind his own 60 lb pack, and the scout made it the rest of the way on his own. Another time my daughter and several of her friends were not asked to a high school dance but they wanted to go anyway. They decided to go together and so they dressed up in costumes (it was not a dance for costumes). Mark let them in the back door and told them to try not to cause too much trouble, laughing along with them. This left a strong impression on my daughter about her fantastic principal; she felt like his buddy after that. She came home and all she said about the dance was how nice he was to her and her friends. I could go on and on about my love and admiration for Mark Manning. We loved being his neighbor. All our love to you Karen, Nick, Crystal, Karina, Tyson, and Brayden.

Dear Karen and Family

Mark was our team leader at the Detention Center in Salt Lake City. Mark remained a generous and caring man, very professional and gracious toward both his staff as well as students who could be quite trying at times. I was so happy to have followed Mark's career over the years, and knew what a wonderful principal he would made at the newly-constructed Olympus High. I am so very sorry to have heard about his passing. May the Lord welcome him into His kingdom where he has earned a place of joy and serenity. May he continue to look down upon his wonderful family. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Barb (Martinez) Herndon

Dear Karen and family,

I did not get around to visit or do much those last few weeks, but my prayers were constantly on your behalf. Mark was a remarkable and wonderful Bishop and friend. He was a most genuine person and I am so grateful to have known him. I do not drive anymore but I am still available for what ever I can do for you and Breyden.
Lots of love,
Signe

Karen, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Sending love and comfort to you.

Karen and Family,
Mark left a lasting Legacy of Honor and Love for all of you. May your memories bring smiles and your hearts be full of pride.

Our deepest sympathies to the Manning family. Mr. Manning left a wonderful legacy at Olympus High. Even though two of our kids will not have had him as principal, they will feel his influence everyday at school.

The Kuhn Family,
Richard & Michelle
Connor, 2015
Jacob, 2018
Caden, 2020

Condolences and deepest sympathy to the Manning Family. Mark was an awesome man. He inspired so many...he will be missed !

My heart goes out to the family. I didn't know Mark, however, I have heard many wonderful descriptive words from those who have had the pleasure of knowing him. From everything I have heard, he will be missed not only by his family, but many others will miss and share memories of him as well.

My condolences to the Manning family. I appreciated very much as a teacher at the old Olympus High School all that he did for us as teachers, and for the students. I felt our school had a caring atmosphere that began with Principal Manning. Thank you, Mark Manning.

My first year at Olympus, I helped supervise a night of the school play with Mark. We were sitting on the back row in the old auditorium. After a musical number he said, "we really do have talented students." I quickly learned that Mark championed the cause of his students, his teachers, and his staff. I am grateful for his leadership and influence. It pulls on my heart strings to realize that he won't be watching our games from the southwest corner of the end zone.

I loved to watch Mark clap his hands as an integral part of his laugh! He believed in me as a teacher at Olympus, and I needed that! I will miss him. Thoughts and prayers go to his family!

To his family & friends, I am sorry to hear of Mr. Manning's passing. I was a student at Brockbank when he was one of the Assistant Principals. He was very kind and treated us like we mattered. You could always catch him in the halls talking with the students. He was a great example and very well respected! My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

I never really paid attention to anything in school, aside from my assignments, but one thing I did notice was how remarkable Principle Manning was. He always had a smile on his face and I think that's what I loved most about him. No one really saw his pain. I didn't know of his sickness until a year after I graduated. He will never be forgotten, now by my generation.

Karen and family we are saddened to hear of Mark's passing. We as a family have all appreciated his great example of kindness, caring and service to so many people especially the youth. We feel so blessed to have been associated with him. He was always at that Olympus High School supporting everyone! We will always hold our fond memories of him and with him close to our hearts. Thank you for sharing him with all of us! You have always been there by his side supporting him as he has supported our children and us! God bless your family.
Greg & Peg Stevens family Holladay Ut.

I am very sorry to hear about Mr. Manning's passing. I was a student at Brockbank when he was one of the Assistant Principals. I had a lot of respect for him! He was very kind and treated us like we mattered. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends!

Karen & Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Marks passing.
My thoughts are with you.

Mark Manning was truly a man who gave without expecting anything in return. He has not only influenced the lives of hundreds of teenagers, but had the ability to relate with them and not take things too seriously. Mark has been such a great example of leadership and support for the entire community. He will truly be missed.

Karen and family my deepest sympathies go out to you. Mark was a great man I saw him getting gas about six or seven months ago and we got to catch up while filling up. if you need any thing let me know.

Dear Karen and Family I am so sorry for your loss. Mark was a giant among men. He was good, kind, an excellent administrator, and was always willing to others. Personally, as a new principal he helped shape my actions and attitudes about how to be an effective administrator at the high school level. Sending my love and comfort to you and your family and from The Granite High School Principal's as a group. Mark will be missed. Doug Bingham, Principal Skyline High

The Smuin family is very saddened to hear of Mark's passing. Mark was a man who cared for everyone and definitely made a difference in my life and my children's lives. I really do not know how to express how much respect I have for him. He was all about the kids. He will live on with the influence he had with his students and his family.

Karen, I'm sorry for the loss to you and your family. God bless you and your family at all times.

So sorry to hear of Mark's passing. I knew him in high school, mostly via the wresting team. He was a great guy. I was joyfully surprised a few years ago to hear he was the Principal at Olympus, I thought it wholly appropriate and pretty awesome that a good guy like Mark, a Titan alumnus, was Oly's Principal. May peace be upon those he leaves behind.

Mark was one of those people who went about doing good with such a kind heart. Always a gentleman. Sending my heartfelt love and sympathy.

My deepest sympathies for your loss. I worked with Mark in various capacities in Granite School District and my children all attended Olympus High School. Mark was a compassionate human being and I am grateful our paths crossed. He will be missed.

He was an amazing principal. The Dolan family thanks him and his family!

So sorry. Mark was truly a kind man who adored his beautiful wife, and loved his children & grandchildren. He made such a difference in the lives of so many. Mark will not be forgotten.

Karen, I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of Bishop Manning. You both are amazing, wonderful people. I'm praying for you and your cute family, sending love and comfort. God bless, Mark and Erin (ward members from 2008-2011)

Mark was a gentle giant! Deepest sympathies to the family. His presence will be missed in our offices.
Teresa Himmelberger/GAEOP President ~ Granite School District Payroll Administrative Secretary

So sorry for your loss. Mark and I were colleagues for many years, but I really got to know his great personality on an educational trip to China. He was a great man.

It was a great gift and privilege to be able to work as a Counselor with Mark Manning when he was both an assistant and then the Principal of Olympus high school for many years. He was great example to me in many ways and was a true student advocate. He was a great supporter of our scholarship program and I know he will always be remembered for his love of students family and friends.

So sorry for your loss. I played softball for many years with Mark. He was always a positive pleasure to be around.

Karen and family,
I'm sure that Mark knew that he helped some lives. However he was one of those individuals that reached so many people in ways that he wasn't aware of. Some day we will all get a chance to thank him for that.

We are so sorry for your loss. It came way too early in life. What a valiant battle he gave to fight for life. His presence will be missed. He was a kind, gentle soul. Hugs to you all.

You're a great principal And leadership at Olympus high. It was awesome to work with you. and also thanks for helping me choosing the right class for me before.

Great man and a very bright individual who tried to created many ways to satisfy each student. I can still recall the moment of happiness and joy he had in his eyes when the new school opened. I am proud to say that I have enjoyed his warmth and company while I had the chance. Much love Mr. Manning and may prayers go out to your family.

Karina,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. Please know that Scotty and I are thinking of you and your family at this time. We love and miss you.

What an incredible Principal he was. He came to every basketball game of mine and volleyball games of my sister. He was dedicated to his students on every level!

You were a great father to your kids,a great husband to your wife,and a great principal for the high school you were over. People will always remember you from your family,friends and school students.

It was an honor to have Manning as a principal. He was an amazing man. My condolences to the Manning family.

So sad for the Manning family to lose a puzzle piece like him. I didn't know him well, but he treated his high school students like the budding adults they were, and he certainly saved the lives of at least a good handful of students at Olympus. Prayers definitely coming your way. <3

Thank you for your work at Olympus High School, you were a great principal. My condolences to the Manning family.

What a great loss for all - but especially for your family. Mark is a great example of kindness and love. Sending my love and prayers.

We love you Bishop Manning! We will truly miss you. Thanks for being a wonderful example, Leader, and friend.

Sincerely,
Roy Thacker family

Mr. Manning was an amazing Principal. He inspired me to work hard at my goals to graduate early. I remember the smiling face he had when he congratulated me on graduating early. He also served in the church with my uncle. Although he had so many students to watch over at Oly he made an effort to talk to a lot of the students in the hall ways and to get to know a little about so many kids. He will be greatly missed.

So sorry to hear of Mark's passing at such a young age. Although we grew up in different countries and I lost touch with my Utah family, families are families and the loss of one member is felt by all.

I'm forever grateful for Principal Manning's leadership at Olympus. I loved my time there, and I know that much of the spirit and positivity of that high school was because of his leadership and love for every single one of us, whether he knew us personally or not. What a great man! He will be missed but never forgotten. Prayers and love to all of his loved ones. His influence will be present forever.

Mark is a extraordinary man, an exemplary educator, a fine friend; he is truly an exceptional example to the countless students whose lives he has affected for the better. He was approachable, effective, caring, and visible. I cannot express what a loss his presence and influence in the lives of the students in Granite School District (and especially Olympus High School) will be. I have appreciated the tireless work and immeasurable hours he spent in advocating for those things that would most benefit the complete education of students, particularly as he served at Olympus High. His guidance and loving care was unparalleled. To Karen and his family I can only say thank you for sharing him with us. We will miss him; our sincerest prayers and hope for comfort go out to you.

Much love and appreciation,
Stephen, Rochelle, Spencer, Melanie, Andrea (Griggs), and Beckee (Johnson) Enderton