If you knew Mark McKee, I have no doubt you loved him….. but not nearly as much as I did.
“To have and to hold, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do us part”…. well, here we are. I would ‘hold on loosely, and not let go’, but he had to leave the comfort of his home and the loving embrace of my arms on Wednesday, March 3rd, 2021.
Mark was truly the strongest, most stubborn man I’ve ever known. He used those qualities to propel him through life… they were his life force! He worked hard, played hard and loved deeply. His priority was to make sure everyone else was taken care of and secondly, to enjoy the fruits of his labor. His home, yard, pool, cars and bike were a source of pride for him and he worked just as hard on them as he did his job. He worked in the pharmaceutical industry for nearly all his adult life, and I literally cannot think of a single day that he missed work. I never met an employee who didn’t say he was the best boss they ever had or a colleague who didn’t enjoy working with him. We enjoyed many, many years of motorcycle riding (me as a passenger), at least 14 years attending Arizona Bike Week, concerts, dancing and closing down bars. He felt like a King and I was his Queen on my Motorcycle Throne (B-seat, BarcaLounger, etc). He also went on many long distance rides with his “Wild Hogs” and other friends…. a bunch of pharmaceutical managers, doctors, firefighters and cops… you know, the usual big bad biker dudes! Mark also enjoyed cabin trips, fishing and of course, being from Hutchinson Kansas and a Kansas University graduate, his KU Jayhawks!
“Mark is survived by his loving wife and soulmate of 37 years” is how these next lines should read, but that is not nearly enough words for everyone to realize what we had, and the half of me that is now missing.
Mark also leaves behind his cherished children, whom he loved so much, and would do anything for…. his daughter Brooke Spittell (Steve), his stepson Michael Guzman (Lanna), his son Max, and his daughter Mollie. His heart broke a little more each time he thought about how much he would miss his treasured grandchildren (both present and future)…. McKenna & Brody Spittell, and Nash, Sidney, & Connor Guzman.
Mark is also survived by his Aunt Mary Lou Young (née McKee), brother Gary McKee (Marla) of Hutchinson, KS; Michelle Tyler (Mike) of Wichita, KS; Mike McKee (Laurie) of Gilbert, AZ; nieces and nephews Erin, Shannon & JD; Sarah, Katie & Samantha; Mason & Matthew; Morgan & Madison; and many cousins.
Mark was preceded in death by his grandparents, his father Walter Dean, his mother Donna Dee, his beloved sister Deana and our most cherished friend Diane Weiland, all of whom would be most joyful at the thought of reuniting with him.
Please join us for a Memorial and Celebration of Mark’s Life at 2 PM, on Wed, March 31, 2021, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona 85201.
Please donate blood whenever you have the opportunity. You never know whose life you will save…. Mark was saved many, many times because of those who did!
My heart hurt when I heard Mark had passed. We were close friends many years ago. Had many adventures together and I remember them all. Rest easy my friend.
He well be missed it was an honor to have gone to school with him my condolences to his wife children and grandchildren may he RIP .
As our brother-in-law, Mark was always interested in how we and our kids were doing. He and his son, Max, played basketball every Sunday with Bryan and our son, Cameron, along with other friends at Tempe High School. It was so much fun watching them play and bonding. Mark was especially generous along with my beautiful sister, Dorrie, to host holiday gatherings at their big house. I will miss those quiet brief moments asking Mark how he was really doing. He never complained nor pitied himself yet I knew his struggle ongoing. He fought so valiantly for so long because he loved life and his family so much. Our hearts ache for Dorrie, his children and grandchildren. We love you all so much.
Going to miss my talks with cousin Mark . We was the same age , a very smart guy with knowledge of the Meds I have to take . And was in better shape than me before the problems he had got worst than mine. I don’t know if I’ll be able to make it but I’ll always miss him . Till we see each other again ride on Cousin
So sorry for your loss.
Miss you brother and best friend.
Dori, Werner and I send our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to you and all your family.
When I saw the picture of Mark I was so grateful that he is at peace now. Mark was tough, he didnt complain ever but he was sad about not being able to be there for Doree, his children and granchildren and all his many friends in the end. He shared many of his passions with his extended family and everyone, like me, adored him. Mark left a lasting impression on each of those of which he came in contact and he was truly an extrordinary role model. I am grateful that in the end he considered me a “brother” for we have shared so many wonderful, unforgettable times together. Rest in peace brother your memory will be with me until the day I meet you again soaring on Eagles wings we will be united at the side of Jesus.
Mark was a great friend and work.partmer for several years when Doree &.Mark lived in Las Vegas.
I liked Mark the day I met him. He really worked hard and we both had so much fun working together.
I will never forget him and his great family.
God Bless them as they move on with their ives without him. I look to forqard. To seeimg him in heaven
Russell Milko
I got to know Mark playing HORSE at Mountainside. (We played together for about six years.) Though we were usually just a trio (Mark and the two Toms), every now and again a fourth would join us, and the first thing I’d tell that person was, “See the dude with the elbow? He’s gonna say he can barely shoot anymore, but don’t let him fool you; the guy’s automatic from 17ft.”
That was the Mark I got to know: Mr. Stubborn. The guy who, in spite of not being able to lift his arm, see, or even *stand* half the time, still managed to swish turnaround after turnaround.
Mark was my manager for a mere 2 years, but had enough impact on me to last a lifetime. Mark was so much more than a manager to all of us. He was a friend and mentor like few will ever have the pleasure to work for. Mark and I had many long conversations about his difficult challenge. Mark’s most common feedback centered around his need to push on for as long as possible in order to take care of his family. That is the Mark we all had the honor of knowing…a man who cared so much more for those around him than for himself. I can count the people I’ve known in my life who walk such a walk on one hand, including my own father.
I toasted Mark with a shot of Fireball last evening.
Godspeed my friend.
Mark began his career with GSK a few years earlier than me, abundant while we lived in different states, we often shared time together at the many,many,many regional & national sales meetings thru my 25 years. His friendship with me was special to me, because we could relate to so much about our work. It seemed like fate, that nearly every “awards banquets” our company hosted, our district sat next or very near his district table. Mark and his district members were always recognized for their achievements. When any of his team members were acknowledged for their achievements, he was always the first to “stand up”, “hug and high-five” his fellow colleagues, and everyone followed. Many times he would walk proudly to congratulate them, as soon as they left the stage. He was that proud and grateful for their achievements. When he became a manager, again, at every awards dinner, when his name was announced(which were many times) every district member at his table would stand in appreciation for him, and for the genuine person he was. I also noticed that as others began to stand, he would be cheered with a “standing ovation”.( I suspect it made him feel a little uncomfortable) because he always thanked and acknowledged his team for placing him at the top in achievements. Later in our careers we both left GSK and I was so fortunate to be assigned to him with another contract medical company. as my manager for over a year. He loved what he did in his career, as I did, and we often spoke about how fast time flies by in life, and that our lives are so short. He always brought out the laughter, fun, and good in our conversations. I know you touched so many people’s lives, and your friendship & memories will always be a part of mine. Rest with Peace in God my friend.
I worked with Mark at the end of his amazing career. Manager, Mentor and friend! He always had the most inspirational and uplifting things to say. I was so looking forward to riding with him this year and last we spoke he was optimistic he would be able. I will miss him a lot and all of my love, support and prayers to his family at this time of loss! I have no doubt he will be missed by many!
Dorrie my heart breaks for you and the family. Your in my prayers that you will find comfort in your memories and the love you shared. God Speed Mark. Love to you all
Dorrie as your big bro I feel inadequate in sending words of comfort. I don’t know what would ease your sorrow other than reminding you that Mark was a strong man who loved his strong woman unconditionally. Though I really didn’t know Mark all that well I observed the important thing. He loved you and his family. Enough said. Rest In Peace Mark
Wayne and Carol
We are so lucky to have known Mark. When our sons were playing sports together, he invited me to join his basketball group. Look at all the friends I’ve made through him. We all raised our glasses to him today after his beautiful service. Thank you Mark for your friendship and generosity.