Our dear Mark Stanton Edmonds left the world on Oct. 24, 2014, after a brave year of treatments against stomach cancer.

Mark was born on Dec. 1, 1954, to Glenn and Sara Edmonds of Corsicana, Texas. He grew up alongside two sisters, Caron and Michelle, and a brother, David.

He became independent early on in life, developing a stubborn drive to work hard and succeed that defined the man he would become. Though his first attempt to land a construction job was rejected, he kept coming back to sweep the floors day after day, until they put him on the payroll.

This start turned into a carpentry apprenticeship that ignited a passion for building and light the path ahead he would follow. Years later he would build a successful construction company of his own. His work, known to be creative, inventive and robust, stands the test of time in large scale celebrity houses and projects such as the Longhouse on Lummi reservation and Raven Lodge at Mt. Baker ski area.

Besides building, Mark’s other passions included the outdoors, his motorcycles, his garden, the environment, his community and his family.

Mark and Nancy were both single parents in January of 1988 when they met at a party in Southern California.

They had struck up conversation while their kids played upstairs, but when they heard crying both of them went running. As they found the kids they breathed a sigh of relief to see that everything was ok, but at that moment they had no idea they were looking at the beginning of a new family and loving future together.

Mark and Nancy courted for the next 10 months, until one day she accepted his invitation to relocate to the San Juan Islands where he had work waiting for him. One year later, Mark and Nancy would hike up Sunrise Rock Mt. Constitution to greet first light for the first time, as husband and wife.

As we come to terms with the recent passing of Mark, shock and tremendous loss is felt by so many in the community who knew the strong, generous, humorous man and the impact he made. But his family knew a love and selfless devotion no one else could, and this legacy will be forever honored and cherished by wife Nancy, and children August, April, Megan, Sunny and Cody.

Mark loved to laugh and never spared you his brand of playful cynicism. He spoke his mind but always wanted the best for the ones he loved. He was fiercely imaginative yet responsible to no end, always showing up yet always staying wild. And now he’s truly free. We love you forever, Mark.

A memorial will be held on March 14 from 1 to 3 p.m. at 885 Bartel Road. Bring a story.