It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the sudden and unexpected death of Mark Young. Late on the morning of December 11th, he collapsed suddenly, and despite the life-saving efforts good samaritans provided, he passed away due to a massive heart attack.

Mark was born to Marie and Roy Young on March 16th, 1961, in St. Louis, MO. Due to his mother's stroke early in his life and his father's diplomatic postings into war zones and developing countries, Mark and his sister, Catherine, were raised from a young age through high school in Ottawa, Canada by Betty and Wilmar (Wil) Threinen, acting as their guardians and becoming their Canadian Parents. Betty and Wil later adopted Derek and Carolyn, completing their family.

Mark and Catherine traveled the world regularly to visit their father during this time. Upon their father's retirement and their graduation from high school in Ontario, they moved to California to live with Roy. Mark earned a bachelor's degree in political science from San Jose State University. Upon graduating, he began working at Underwriters Laboratories, where he was set up on a blind date with Leslie (Cox), who later became his wife. They married in September 1987.

In the coming years, Mark and Leslie moved to Washington State, to be closer to Leslie's family. After adopting Little Guy (corgi), they found out they were expecting their daughter, Ruth. Mark wanted both Guy and Ruth to have a house and yard to grow up in, leading them to their home on the northwest side of Tacoma. Mark supported his family by working throughout the Tacoma area in several different phases of his career, in disciplines ranging from education to real estate, spending the last fifteen years at the Bremerton Naval Shipyard.

His Lutheran faith was a cornerstone of Mark's life. After Ruth was born, he recognized the importance of having other children as a part of their church community. The family found their church home at St. Mark's Lutheran Church by the Narrows. He was a faithful brother in Christ and became increasingly more involved throughout his years as a member. Mark regularly volunteered within the church including as an usher – often the first to greet visitors ensuring they felt welcome at St. Mark's. Later, he became a Sunday School teacher, fostering faith-based conversations and encouraging questions about the church. He loved the children he taught and appreciated the theological and honest questions they asked.

Mark was looking forward to retiring. He understood the importance of staying active throughout all phases of his life and began exploring opportunities to keep busy and social during retirement. He enjoyed the complexities of investing in the stock market and joined a local investor's club continuing his lifelong love of learning. Mark was also a dedicated dog person. Through volunteering at the Tacoma Humane Society, he met Max (chihuahua/pug mix) and welcomed him into the Young family. Mark frequently shared his enthusiasm for Toastmasters, recommending it as a great way to meet new people and build confidence in public speaking. He also joined a bowling league to expand his social circle.

Mark was thrilled when Ruth married Caleb Merrick and later moved back to Washington State to be closer to him and Leslie. With their move west, Ruth and Caleb brought their pets: Stanley (corgi/golden retriever mix) and Titian (red-footed tortoise). Mark cherished walking and playing tug-of-war with Stanley, often jokingly expressing disappointment when Stanley didn't tag along for visits. Mark will be deeply missed by all who knew him, as his welcoming spirit, intelligence, and humor touched countless lives.

A memorial service and celebration of Mark's life will be held at St. Mark's Lutheran Church by the Narrows (6730 N 17th St, Tacoma, WA 98406) on March 16th, 2025, at 3:00pm. The service will be livestreamed on their Facebook page for those who are not able to attend in person.

Mark is survived by his wife, Leslie; his dog, Max; his daughter, Ruth (Caleb); his guardian, Betty Threinen; his siblings, Catherine Holmes, Derek Threinen (Anne), and Carolyn Threinen; his nephew and niece, Christopher Holmes and Jeanette Belisle (Christian). He is proceeded in death by his parents, Marie and Roy Young; guardian, Wil Threinen; and dogs: Little Guy, Tucker (corgi), and Lilly (corgi).

In lieu of flowers, Mark's family ask that donations be made in his honor to either the Tacoma Humane Society or St. Mark's Memorial Fund.