DECKER, Mark Andrew

Norvel Owens Mortuary, Flagstaff, Arizona Mark Andrew Decker (August 3, 1964 - September 9, 2013) Mark Andrew Decker was born August 3, 1964 to Anne-Helen and Donald Decker in La Mesa, California. After high school Mark traveled to Arizona to attend the Phoenix Institute of Technology and has remained here for the past 32 years. Mark met his wife Kristin in Tucson. They married shortly after on December 27, 1990. Because once was not enough, they wed again August 28, 2011. Together they have raised three children, Eric, Samuel and Emlin. Mark has always been a hands-on father and his natural curiosities about the world around him created in him a desire to share this knowledge with his children. They were always off on one adventure or another including geocaching, camping, visits to museums or the natural wonders of the Grand Canyon. Erik has completed college and lives and works in Dexter, PA. Sam is a recent graduate of Coconino High School and is engaged presently to his fiancé Susan Blanke. Emlin is currently a fifth grade student at a local elementary school whose love of riding and music were nurtured by Mark. Mark’s kind and generous nature was contagious to those around them. He developed many friends over the years from high school, his work at W.L. Gore, and Machine Solutions, Inc. These relationships meant a great deal to him over the past two years as he dealt with the cancer that eventually took his life on Monday, September 9, 2013. In addition to being a wonderful husband and father, Mark is a published poet, photographer, and he won a contest for the naming of the Streator Asteroid. Mark and Kristin would like to offer their sincerest gratitude to Northern Arizona Cancer Center for their support, guidance, and care during a difficult two year journey; to Hospice Compassus for providing dignity and care during the final months of life; to the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany for spiritual guidance and support and to the friends and family that lifted them up during times they were tempted to fall down. Services will be held Saturday September 28, 2013 at 1:00 pm at the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, 423 N. Beaver St., Flagstaff, Arizona. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Northern Arizona Cancer Centers, Hospice Compassus, the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, or Lowell Observatory.