Mark Harold Swenson, 55, passed away July --, 2010, hiking to the top of Mount Cashmere, near Leavenworth, WA. It was a trip he was looking forward to for some time. He was born August 11, 1954, in Renton, WA, to Harold "Swede" and Norma Swenson. Mark grew up in Renton and especially loved the time he spent with his grandparents, camping, as a child. He graduated from Renton High School in 1972, and graduated also from ITT in Computer Sciences. Mark moved to Winthrop, WA to be close to the mountains that he loved, working at Sun Mountain Lodge. When Matthew, Mark's son, 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 web site. Some of the most magnificent he has developed into panoramas. He was very proud of his Irish heritage, 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; and his son, Matthew Swenson and his wife, Meagan and special granddaughter, Hailey Paige, all of Twisp, WA. Mark has three nieces, Erin (Katie), Sonna and Kallie Rooks. Mark also has three step-children, Jody McCreary, Eric Smith and Kelly Costello; along with four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother, Norma Jean Kenealy-Swenson.

God knows your entire story, from first word to final breath, and with clear assessment declares, "To win without risk is to triumph without glory." Those who knew you, Mark, are so thankful for the way you showed us how to love.

A Celebration of Mark's Life will begin at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, July 24, 2010, at Covenant Community Church, 710 N. Methow Valley Highway, Twisp, WA. Arrangements are by Telford's Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee, WA.