Mark Lee Thompson, 65, passed away in the early hours of May 16, 2024 surrounded by family. Mark was born May 12, 1959 to Milton Lee and Janet Gaye Thompson in Kennewick, WA. He grew up in the Tri-Cities alongside his 3 siblings, Marie, Mitch, and Matt, and his foster sister Debra Lynn.

Mark spent his youth playing sports and in nature. He had many fond memories of his childhood. Some which included hunting and fishing with family, participating on swim teams, in water sports, and even the Whiskey Dick triathlon in Vantage with his brother Matt. Mark enjoyed football and played on many teams throughout his life. He took pride in lettering in Varsity football as a Kennewick Lion his freshman year of High School.

Mark spent most of his career honing his skills and craftsmanship as a contractor. He was creative, paid attention to detail, and was truly a jack of all trades when it came to construction and landscaping.

Mark will undoubtably be remembered for his love of nature and animals. He had his own little animal sanctuary with pets of all kinds, and he loved to teach and share about them to anyone who came by. Between his Bobcat Tucker, his giant tortoise, his many tanks filled with exotic fish, his snakes and birds, there was something for everyone, and too many to name. His dogs, Lil Man and Taz, were true companions.

Mark was known as a gentle soul, and would never turn away an animal or person in need. The greatest lesson he taught those in his world, whether it be humans or animals, was kindness. He cared deeply, and always wanted those around him to feel loved and important. His heart wanted you to know you were special, and that you mattered. His capacity for love and kindness will have a lasting imprint on so many.

Mark had four children, seven grandchildren, and one great-grandson, all of whom he loved dearly. His "grandbabies" were the light of his life and cherished any time he got to spend with them. He doted on them and spoiled them as much as he could. His favorite title, and the one he was most proud of by far, was Papa. If you knew Mark, you knew he didn't really say goodbye, for Mark it was, "Peace, be safe, and I love you."

Mark is preceded in death by his father Milton Lee Thompson, grandparents Walter "Tex" and Dorothy Thompson, Gail and Alice Gardner, brother Mitch Allen Thompson, sister Marie Dixon, and son David.

Mark Lee Thompson is survived by his son Christopher (Angie) Thompson, daughter Danika (Denning) Mills, daughter Danielle (James) Herries, siblings Matt (Ann) Thompson and Debra Lynn Cook, and grandkids Lizzy, Joe, Abbie, Olivia, Judah, Isaiah, Bella, and great grandson Dean.

He will be forever missed and memories with him cherished.

Please join us in sharing memories and releasing butterflies in honor of Mark at the Kennewick Rose Garden on Saturday, June 29th from 8-10am.