Obituary of Mark Allan Watson

Mark A Watson (49) passed away on May 8, 2019 at Kootenai Health after a series of health battles. Mark was born in Spokane, Washington, and grew up in Chattaroy, Washington. As a young boy, Mark and his family spent time competing in rodeos, camping in the Blue Mountains, hunting and fishing. Mark and his favorite horse Donnie excelled in endurance racing and multiple adventures. Mark was a talented, multi-positional athlete and spent his youth living, loving and playing football. Shortly after High School graduation, Mark joined the Army Reserves, served four years, receiving an Honorable discharge. During this time, Mark began working in the heavy equipment industry using his natural mechanical skills and training from the Army. Mark spent his career in heavy equipment repair and branch management for Finning Allied Product, Great Northern Equipment, ICM, H&E Equipment and finishing his career with Ground Force Manufacturing as a service manager.

In 1987, Mark fell in love with his soulmate Nola Litchfield. They raised their family in Spokane Valley, Washington and Rathdrum, Idaho. Mark and Nola were happily married in 2000 after a thirteen year courtship. At Marks passing, the world lost one of the fiercest, bravest, most passionate men and our worlds brightest star. He loved his family and friends endlessly and we spent most weekends filled with travel, snowmobiling, four wheeling, fishing, boating, and camping. He would do whatever, whenever, for a friend in need. Mark was the hardest worker, always providing for his family with a song on his lips and a smile on his face. Mark lived the motto “Go Big or Go Home.” In Marks short 49 years, life was lived hard and fast and packed with endless adventure. He truly was a cat with 9 lives.

Mark is survived by his wife Nola of Rathdrum, daughter Marissa (Mitch) Sloyer, stepdaughter Danielle (Todd) Ellsworth, stepson Nathan Thomas, mother Sheryl Watson, father David Watson, brother Clark (Suzanne) Watson, sister Tracy (Dallas) Crabtree, many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mark is preceded in death by his maternal and paternal Grandparents and recently his beloved Aunt Myrna.

In his last act of kindness, Mark donated his corneas to help another, as Mark had been a multiple donor recipient. The successful gift of sight was restored to a grateful 42 year old male. The family hopes that he will view the world as Mark had. Please consider being a life changing organ donor.

There will be a Celebration of Life on June 8, 2019 at the Eagles Lodge in Spokane at 2:00pm. 6410 N. Lidgerwood. Please come and share your favorite story of Mark, so family and friends can remember what a bright light he was and continues to be in all  of our hearts.