Mark Alan Downard

Sunrise 06/26/1970 - Sunset 12/24/2023
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our son, father, brother, grandpa, uncle and friend as he left us earth side. He lived a life full of love and adventure, but taken far too soon at 53 years of age on December 24th 2023.
Papa was one of a kind. There was absolutely no one out there like him. He was kind, extremely smart, generous and the most hilarious person in the room. He was always joking around or telling funny stories. He truly lit up every room with his humor. Mark was willing to put everyone else's needs before his own. He loved helping even if he was the one who may have needed it at the time. He had the energy and spirit that would light up a room. He could make just about anyone smile and most times erupt in hysterical laughter. Mark made us feel safe, loved and protected and we know that he will continue to do so.
Mark was born the second youngest of 5 siblings on June 26, 1970 in Provo Utah. He spent a good part of his youth growing up in Spring City, Utah. He later moved to Orem, Utah where he spent the remainder of his life near his family. His favorite place to be was at his "Gramp's (Dean Staker) house in Mt. Pleasant. He loved the house, the way it smelled and the sounds of the floors, doors etc and the wonderful man that lived there! Marks passions for life were reflected in his pursuits. He approached everything with dedication and prided himself in being a hard worker. He was fastidious about anything he undertook from building a bunk bed for Zuri's dolls to finishing a job elsewhere. He found a love for camping, the outdoors, adventure, fishing and everything about cars he loved. He could diagnose and fix any car and did so for many family members and friends. Another passion of his was music, he will always be a heavy metal head! He loved his Metallica, Alice In Chains, Slayer: he loved his music. Later in life he found a genuine love for building, crafting (could make or repair just about anything.) Papa was also very spiritually entwined. He had, and continues to have, a very powerful energy that we will forever hold on to.
Mark is survived by his amazing children Mckenna Jo Downard, Kennedy Drew Downard (Parker Felsted) and Kauge Alan Downard (Mary Mangum). His 3 beautiful granddaughters, Zuri Nova Afu, Rogue Lua and Golden Jane Downard. His adoring mother, Vickie Staker Hayward, brother, Joseph Randall (Randy) Downard, sisters, Stefanie Ann Link, Lucinda (Cindy)Jo Wright (Eric Wright) Tracy Lynn Benson (Jeffrey Benson) Jennifer (Jenny) Rae Barney (Clint Barney) and step brother & sister Billy Carter and Kelli Garza. A special friend and her 6 year old daughter, Megan Miller and
Farah who meant so much to him.
He is also survived by his 50 nieces and nephews, his aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends, that he loved dearly. He was proceeded death by his adoring dad, Joseph (Joe) Coyde Downard Jr.
Papa had a huge impact on everyone around him. His heart issues started about 10 years ago. He has fought one amazingly tough battle with so many ups and downs.. He is someone to look up to in many ways. He was stronger than anyone we knew. He will forever be missed, but we are so grateful he is no longer in pain and is at peace in heaven with his dad, who was his best friend, and passed away when Mark was 17. His legacy will live on through his beloved children and family. He was our best friend, our rock, our everything.
At this time we want to thank the tender souls at Timpanogos Hospital ICU, Dr. Scott Bingham his cardiologist and the tender nurses at Jordan Valley Hospital with special thanks to Dr Gregory Hammond and Doctor Tom Darr.
There will be a viewing Friday December 29, 2023 from 6-8 PM and Saturday, December 30, 2023 from 9:30 to 10:30 AM. Funeral will be held at 11:00 AM. A luncheon for loved ones will follow the funeral. These events will take place at the LDS church located at 140 North 400 West in Orem. Burial will be in Spring City Cemetery where he will be laid to rest next to his dad. Directions for the burial are as followed: South on hwy 89 and turn East at Spring City junction (hwy 17) Right hand side of street.
Our Papa and Markie forever