December 11, 1953 - January 9, 2024
WALLACE, Mark William
Mark William Wallace, age 70, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 9, 2024. He passed away at Deaconess Hospital in Spokane, Washington. He was born to Richard and Patricia Wallace in Moscow, Idaho on December 11, 1953.
As a young boy, Mark lived in Potlatch, Idaho with his family, moving to Kennewick, Washington in 1961. He graduated from high school in Kennewick.
Mark married his high school sweetheart, Betsy (Sandon) in 1975. They were married 48 fruitful years. They raised their two children in Kennewick and Spokane. Mark led by example, instilling a strong work ethic and good manners in both of his children. He enjoyed taking his family camping, fishing and boating. He taught them the importance of caring for family pets, along with an appreciation of the joy that pets bring. He loved riding motorcycles, Harley Davidson in particular.
Mark worked for the railroad for 41 years. He started as a switchman at Burlington Northern Railroad in Pasco, Washington when he was 19 years old. Moving to Spokane in 1985, he continued to work for Burlington Northern, now known as Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF). Throughout his career, Mark worked as a freight switchman, brakeman and conductor. He loved his career and appreciated traveling though Washington, Idaho and Montana, enjoying the beautiful landscapes and wildlife as the train rolled along.
Mark was a hunter, who had a deep appreciation and respect for nature. He was intrigued by the sounds and habits of wildlife his entire life. He used his gift of perfect eyesight to point out the beauty of wildlife to everyone. He continually watched for bird sightings whether it was an eagle, hawk, swan, pelican, goose, cedar waxwing, quail, it didn’t matter, he loved them all.
Mark was a devoted husband and deeply cherished his family and friends. A man of strong integrity, Mark had an amusing sense of humor and a heart of gold. He will be greatly missed.
Mark is survived by his wife, Betsy Wallace of Medical Lake; son Jesse Wallace; daughter Holly Havens; granddaughter Maryn Havens; grandson Jacob Havens; brothers Scott Wallace (Marge Laidlaw) and Kirk Wallace; beloved Aunt June Wallace, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his sister, Anne Wallace.
A memorial service at Fairmount Memorial Park will be announced later.
