Mark Louis Fontana

August 27, 1950 - November 25, 2024

Mark was born in Longview, WA on August 27, 1950, the middle child and only son of Louie and Ivy Fontana.

He graduated from Mark Morris High School class of 1968 and later attended Evergreen College to study photography, which was a passion of his throughout his lifetime. His love of photography started early as a boy, he saved his paper route money to buy his first camera - an eight-millimeter movie camera and started filming family holidays and occasions, much to the chagrin of his siblings. This tradition lasted through the years, and no event was complete until he'd waltz into a room with his giant camcorder on his shoulder.

He had several occupations over the years including owning his own photography business, Fontana Photography, but mainly worked as a Millwright at both Weyerhaeuser Green Mountain and Longview Fibre paper mill.

Mark was a free spirit who enjoyed the beauty of nature. He had many hobbies over the years including martial arts, biking, sailing, windsurfing, hiking, photography, dancing, gardening, camping and of course surfing. He was as graceful on the ski slopes as he was on the waves.

His greatest love in life though was being a father and grandfather. Mark loved spending time with his grandkids and family more than anything. Attending sporting events and dance recitals, he loved to be there to cheer them on, and of course to take pictures.

His humor was infectious, and he loved making other people laugh. He was adored by many as evident by his many nicknames: Moke, Fonnie, Hun, Bambi, The Fonz, and others. He was a cherished son, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend.

Mark was preceded in death by both his parents and his sister, IvyLou Vik. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Maria and Steven Townsend and their two children Chase and Madilyn; and his son and daughter-in-law Garrett and Irina Booth and their three sons Eddie, Evan, and Owen; and his three sisters Rebecca Fontana (Tim Pfeifer), Vicky Irving (Skip), and Michalene Fontana.

The family would like to thank the staff of Highlander Place and PeaceHealth Hospice for the loving care and friendship they provided to Mark.

A Celebration of Life will be held after the holidays to give everyone adequate time to grieve and spend time with their loved ones.

"Hang loose, surfer man. It's been a real slice."

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

Published by The Daily News on Dec. 7, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Mark Fontana

Sponsored by Steele Chapel Longview Memorial Park and Cemetery.

13 Entries

Janet Seaberg

January 15, 2025

So sorry, ladies, for the loss of your dad. May he RIP. Janet

Theresa McCasland

December 31, 2024

Heather LaRiviere

December 27, 2024

I will always remember Mark with the best smile, it was contagious!! He was very light hearted & very fun natured!
Thank you, Fonnie
I will miss you.

Theresa McCasland

December 18, 2024

My prayers and with Marks family and friends. Memories of Terry and Mark are vivid in my mind when hearing of his passing. He took some beautiful photos of our children.

Cathy Moscon

December 13, 2024

Hello,
I am so sorry for your loss of Mark
I lived in Longview many years ago and we became friends. Mark took my classes at the YMCA and we swam a lot of laps together!! We had a few wonderful dates and our daughters were both name Maria!! Mark was so much fun. A kind sweetheart!! He will be missed! I enjoyed his company. Rest in peace Mark.
Regards,
Cathy Sharkey Moscon Bradenton, Fl

Jay D. Prutsman

December 9, 2024

Rest in the Utmost Peace Mark Fontana.. I met Mark in 1977 through a mutual friend and quickly became friends ourselves I subletted a hundred year old farmhouse from him in Willow Grove for several years and rented a room from him in a house on the Prom in Seaside Oregon where we would spend weekends and any free time we had sitting on surfboards waiting for the next set of waves to come through.. I wasn't the best surfer out there but, the fun of just being there was enough, Mark was so graceful, calm, and powerful on a board he made it look so free and easy while his beautiful Doberman waited for him on the beach, he and her were a team. On calm glassy mornings to raging stormy seas it didn't matter to Fonnie he was strong, confident, and self assured out there and always came back in unscathed and always ready to take "a slice out of Life" and always and in all ways did.. those were some fun times, my friend. again, Rest in the Utmost Peace Mr. Mark Fontana!

mary romanaggi

December 8, 2024

Mark used to call me for a surf report, " come on Mary, pick up the phone, I know you're there!" If I didn't answer he would threaten to come to my house!
He always made me laugh because he was always laughing about something! Rest in Peace Mark. I'm really sorry he's gone.

Michael Rice

December 8, 2024

I am so sorry for the family and friends that mourn the loss of Mark. I've known Mark since the mid 60's and never seen a negative face on him as he always had a smile and positive things to say. You will always be missed Fonny so rest in peace my friend.

Heather LaRiviere

December 7, 2024

Donnie! You left this world too soon!
You will be missed my friend!

Tim Faulkner

December 7, 2024

Well, so much. He and I grew up together as next door neighbors. I was 2 years his younger. We lived on a hill, and in the winter we would help cars get going up the hill in exchange for a tow, with our trusty sleds, up to the top and then ride back down.
His mom would bring us popcorn when we slept out, which often included raiding Graham's garden.
Sometimes when we would be playing out in the back, Mark's dad would call out "Mrk". It would echo through the valley and bring us disgust, since we knew that Mark would have to go do some chores and our goofing off time had come to an end.
Funny the things one remembers.
There's a ton more, but Mark was obviously, a very huge part of my life.
Prayers and thoughts going out to his family.

Teresa (Faulkner) Bentley

December 7, 2024

I've known Mark for over 70 years. The Fontanas along with the Grahams were our neighbors growing up. There were 13 children between the three households and we all had many adventures playing in the woods, climbing trees, and playing in the treehouses. Such wonderful memories! My thoughts are with the family as they go through this difficult time.

Sheila Hart Weedman

December 7, 2024

Remembering Mark as part of our family growing up during high school years! Always a smile! Small world with Mark moving to Kennewick and working with my brother in law, Duane. Then working under my son, Todd! Both men thoughly loved his work ethics and attitude! Every year that l sit at the Lanai #33, l see Mark and Steve on distance waves! Mark lit up a room and will be a huge loss! My heart goes out to the Fontana family.

Glenn W.

December 7, 2024

Sad news. I truly enjoyed Mark at the dance classes. He was an easy, graceful student and the ladies enjoyed Mark as a partner. Fair winds and following seas.

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