August 18, 1967 - August 31, 2015
Mark Steffen Seelye died on August 31, 2015 at Providence Holy Family Hospital in Spokane, Washington. He was 48 years old. - Mark was afflicted at birth with cerebral palsy. He was physically challenged during his life but he was not impaired intellectually and was admired by everyone who knew him for his courage, independence, and equanimity in the face of implacable challenges. He was quick witted and funny and never less than a joy to be around. - Mark was the second son of Marvin and Betsy Seelye and was born August 18, 1967 in Mount Vernon, Washington. He attended Oak Harbor Schools and graduated with the class of 1985. - Motorized wheels and computer skills opened new worlds for Mark and he was quick to strike out for Seattle upon high school graduation. Over the next 30 years he lived variously in Seattle, on Whidbey Island, and in eastern Washington. In addition to the support and assistance of his family, Mark’s life adventure was favored by the care and companionship of numerous people who reciprocated his own kind and generous nature, in particular and worthy of special merit, Richard Johnson, a longtime attendant , now deceased, and Mark Hastings, who devoted himself to Mark for the past 11 years. - Mark is survived by both parents; his brother, Eric Seelye of Bellevue Washington ; and two nephews, Luke and Landon Seelye, also of Bellevue, Washington. - A memorial gathering for Mark will take place at 2:00 PM on Sunday, September 27, 2015, at Cornet Bay Environmental Learning Center Main Lodge at Deception Pass Park located at 400 Cornet Bay Road. The family would love to join with classmates and friends who are able to attend. If you have a Discover Pass, please bring that with you; if you do not have one, a parking pass will be provided. - Mark loved animals and had many; therefore, donations in Mark’s name can be made to WAIF, the Whidbey Animals Improvement Foundation, Coupeville, Washington: www.waifanimals.org; 360-678-8900; shelter@waifanimals.org.
