Our dear husband, dad and grandpa, Mark Harold Spencer, died at home in Holladay, Utah, of natural causes on February 13, 2025, after a decades-long struggle with Parkinson’s disease and, more recently, bone marrow cancer (multiple myeloma). He was known for his dry wit and wisdom, hard-working nature, and devotion to his family. He led a life that balanced high achievement with kindness, gentleness, and humility that was full of quiet service.

Mark was born in Salt Lake City on March 30, 1949, to Harold Maxfield Spencer and Beverly Watkins (Searle) Spencer, ending up the middle son of five boys. He graduated from East High School in 1967, where he played varsity football and baseball and made friends that he stayed in touch with for nearly 60 years. After high school, he fulfilled his active duty requirement with the Army National Guard and then started classes at the University of Utah.

While attending a concert for Music 101 class, he noticed Beverly Gale sitting there, as if for the first time -- even though he and Beverly knew of each other in high school, they had never connected. He saw that she was the loveliest girl he had ever seen and resolved to ask her out. He fell in love with and married this multi-talented, sweet, beautiful girl, and together they raised three children of whom they are endlessly proud. Mark and Beverly were married on September 9, 1975, in the Salt Lake Temple. They were looking forward to celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary later this year.

He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Utah and a Ph.D. in Educational Administration from The Ohio State University. He held leadership positions at the University of Utah, Utah Valley University, College of Eastern Utah, the Office of the Utah

Commissioner of Higher Education, and the Utah Higher Education Assistance Authority. He was also the first Managing Director of the Higher Education Coordinating Council in the United Arab Emirates. He never tired of working to set students up for success in every setting.

A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he humbly served in many positions, including as a full-time missionary in Oslo, Norway. As a young man, he was called to serve as the young adult representative for the church-wide Melchizedek Priesthood General Board where he served with future apostles and other senior leaders. He later also served as a High Councilor in three stakes and Bishop of a University of Utah student ward, always happy to round out a meeting with remarks from his large files of talks and stories or to quietly mentor and counsel with his fellow Saints.

His organization skills also gave us many great family memories, like coaching soccer over many seasons and planning road trips to the Utah Shakespeare Festival in Cedar City, not to mention supporting all the games, concerts, and plays throughout his kids’ lives. Especially enduring was his multi-generational tradition of camping at Moosehorn Lake in the High Uintas, that his children, grandchildren, and even his nieces and nephews remember fondly.

He was his dear wife Beverly’s number one cheerleader, supporting her decision to go back to school later in life to receive her degree in Nursing and return to the workforce as a registered nurse. He never shied away from hard physical work and put in many hours by her side to improve and beautify their homes and yards.

After retirement, he had fun keeping busy with household projects, reading, and watching sports. He loved spending time with his family and enjoyed canyon cookouts, hosting swim parties, playing board games, and eating ice cream. Despite physical challenges that could have limited his participation, he was particularly interested in supporting his nine grandkids by attending their many performances and activities, always interested in their lives. His grandchildren brought him so much joy.

His family wishes to thank the many dedicated professionals who helped them care for their dad and grandpa, including daily helpers at home, the caring medical staff at Huntsman Cancer Institute and elsewhere, and especially his one-on-one physicians.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 12 noon, at 4366 S. 1500 E., Millcreek, UT 84124, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. at the same location. Mark will be laid to rest at Memorial Holladay Cemetery, 4900 South Memory Lane, 84117. In lieu of sending flowers, donations may be directed to Huntsman Cancer Institute.

Mark is survived by his wife, Beverly Jean Gale Spencer, three children: Stephen Spencer, Barbara Spencer Thornton (John), and Catherine Spencer Ethington (Richard), and his grandchildren: Sam, Lily, Charlie, Elizabeth, George, Mark, Spencer, and Bonnie. He is also survived by his four brothers and their wives, Greg (Marjorie), Stan (Yvonne), Matt (Cindy), and Tim (Marie); and many nieces, nephews, and in-laws, and other adored family members and dear friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents and by his youngest granddaughter, Papa’s special friend, Bridget.