Obituary: Mark Swenson

    Mark Harold Swenson, 55, passed away approximately July 17, 2010, while hiking to the top of Mount Cashmere, near Leavenworth. It was a trip he was looking forward to for some time.
    He was born Aug. 11, 1954, in Renton, to Harold (Swede) and Norma Swenson. Mark grew up in Renton and especially loved the time he spent as a child, camping with his grandparents. He graduated from Renton High School in 1972, and graduated from ITT in computer sciences. 
    Mark moved to Winthrop to be close to the mountains that he loved. He worked at Sun Mountain Lodge. When his son Matthew went off to college, Mark took a job in Las Vegas for two years, then returned to the Twisp/Chelan area, where he worked for North Cascade National Bank.
    Mark loved the mountains and had a passion for running (often straight up), bicycling, hiking, snowshoeing, fishing and camping. He also loved photography and many of his favorite photos can be seen on his website.
    He was very proud of his Irish heritage. He loved God, practical jokes, tennis, reading, movies, Christmas, eagles, and U.S. history. Family was very important to him. He would do anything for those he loved without wanting anything in return. He was a very honest, quiet spirit who showed his love by his actions. 
    Mark is survived by his wife, Lois; his father, Harold Swenson; his sister Kathleen Swenson-Rooks of Gig Harbor; his son Matthew Swenson and his wife Meagan and special granddaughter Hailey Paige of Twisp; nieces Erin (Katie), Sonna and Kallie Rooks; stepchildren Jody McCreary, Eric Smith and Kelly Costello; and four grandchildren.
    He was preceded in death by his mother, Norma Jean Kenealy-Swenson.
    A celebration of Mark’s life was held July 24 at Community Covenant Church in Twisp.