Mark Byers Jr.

Mark T. Byers Jr, age 88 passed away peacefully in Littleton, CO on January 14, 2022. He was born on June 8, 1933 in Elyria, Ohio. His family moved to Englewood, Colorado when he was 10 years old, and he later attended Englewood High School. During High School, Mark enjoyed playing the clarinet and bassoon in the band and orchestra. He was also on the wrestling team. He did well academically and enjoyed his studies. During breaks from school, Mark enjoyed riding his bike with his friends literally all over town and often riding miles and camping in the wilderness. Mark carried his joy of the outdoors all through his life and shared many camping and hiking trips with his family in later years.

Mark graduated High School in 1951 and joined the Englewood Auxiliary Police Department. He later went to Boulder and attended CU. His love for the outdoors led him to join the hiking club, where he met his first wife, Tamsin Davids. They were married in 1954. Mark joined the Marine Corps and he and Tamsin moved to California, where he was stationed at El Toro.  They had two children together, Tamara and K.C.. After Mark’s service in the Marine Corps, the family returned to Boulder, Colorado and both began working for the Colorado State Highway Department.  Mark and Tamsin divorced. Later Mark met Vivian Fredrich.

Mark and Vivian married in 1961 and lived in Thornton, Colorado. Kobie was born and the family moved to Grand Junction, Colorado. Debbie was born and they continued living there until 1967 when the State transferred Mark back to the Denver area. Mark and Vivian bought their home in Arvada where they raised their family and lived for 36 years. While in Grand Junction, Mark learned about organic gardening and grew many wonderful vegetable gardens for several years. Mark and Vivian had a strong work ethic and worked very hard through the years. For quite some time, in addition to working for the highway department, Mark also was the Manager at H&R Block. During Mark’s time off work, he enjoyed camping, hiking, electronics and dabbled in CB & HAM radios as well as following police radios. He often rode along with the Arvada Police and loved that experience. During the early 1960’s Mark also began reading and studying the writings of Ernest Holmes, which helped him to develop a deep spirituality that he carried throughout his whole life.

Mark retired from the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) after 39 years of service. During his retirement, Mark and Vivian enjoyed gardening and traveling to San Diego several times to visit Kobie and her family. They became very involved in Genealogy and traveled to meet newly discovered family members in California and Arizona. Still a lover of the great outdoors, Mark and Vivian often gathered with family for many trips to the beautiful Colorado mountains. They remodeled their home in Arvada in the mid 1980’s and they enjoyed the changes. They were very happy and proud as they watched their growing family enjoying many BBQs and gatherings. Mark and Vivian loved their family dearly, which was a great focus in their lives.

Mark is always remembered by many as a very compassionate, kind and gentle man. He was a loving caregiver to Vivian during her long illness until her death in April of 2003. Later that year, Mark decided to move away from his beloved home in Arvada, and bought a smaller home in West Arvada, close to Debbie and her family. Mark and Ed (Kobie’s Husband) became business partners and developed the land in Arvada to build three beautiful custom homes. Mark appreciated being part of this project and he carefully documented the progress of each house by taking many photos of the construction.

During the next several years Mark loved traveling with Debbie, Rob and Rob’s Army band throughout Colorado every summer. He fast became an honorary member and part of the Army band family. Still with his admiration for great music, Mark was also involved with the Jeffco Community Band. Mark kept busy and often said, “I’m busier in my retirement years than I ever was when I was working!” He enjoyed painting and photography and took many photos of his pride and joy rose garden. As mentioned before, Mark had a strong interest in the teachings of Ernest Holmes and during this time, became a member of Mile Hi Church. He and Kobie took many classes together at the church and especially enjoyed Dr. Roger’s classes. Another very special accomplishment for Mark was when his interest in law enforcement led him to the Jeffco Sheriff and Arvada Police Citizen’s Academy. He and Debbie experienced this together and received graduation certificates at the end. He also enjoyed regular Sunday dinners & game nights.  Tamara and Mark shared many interests together as well and often went on walks and enjoyed lunches at the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport in Broomfield. Mark continued to have his loving family as a major part of his life and enjoyed visits with his grandchildren and great grandchildren as well.

Mark opened a new chapter in his life when he decided to move into Gardens at Columbine assisted living. Here he found new friendships and became the Welcome Ambassador for new residents. One of his great highlights was when he won the Halloween costume contest for dressing up as Charlie Chaplin. He loved the kind-hearted staff who took care of him there and was always grateful and appreciative of their attention.

Mark is survived by his daughters, Tamara, Kobie (Ed), Debbie (Rob), six grandchildren: Leif, Andi, Josh, Megan, Katie and Bransen, and three great-grandchildren, Jayden, Emma and Ava. Loved by many nieces and nephews and cousins as well.

Mark was preceded in death by his wives, Tamsin and Vivian, his son, K.C. his sister Kathy, and of course his parents, Mildred and Mark Sr.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Mark at Mile Hi Church (Vogt Auditorium) on Saturday, February 12, at 1 o’clock in the afternoon.

The family has been asked about donations and if you like, you may contribute to a special garden project that will be donated in Mark’s name to Gardens at Columbine, where Mark spent many hours with his family. Please contact Tamara, Kobie or Debbie personally about this.

The Family thanks everyone who loved Mark and we invite you to share your special thoughts and memories with us, as we all remember and honor a great and loving man.