Mark Thomas Dinges

December 3, 1950 ~ April 7, 2025

Carnation, Washington

Mark’s smile and his laugh are imprinted in our hearts and minds forever

Mark was born in Lincoln, Nebraska to Ray and Pauline Dinges, the eldest of three children. During his childhood he lived in Lincoln, Millard, and Omaha, Nebraska. Mark’s favorite childhood home was the country property the family affectionately refers to as the Acreage. Spending some of his early youth on the five acre property instilled a lifelong love of the outdoors, adventure, and an appreciation for wide-open spaces. One of his favorite memories from the Acreage (besides flying through the air on a rope swing in the hay loft), was when he and his dad built a go-kart together. Mark loved nothing more than hurtling down a steep gravel country road like a rocket ship, laughing and shouting, wind in his hair, hands gripped tightly on the wheel, grinning from ear-to-ear. Experiences like this ignited a passion and thrill for speed that remained with Mark throughout his life, eventually leading to a period of competitive go-kart racing. Mark was always chasing that next surge of adrenaline whether behind the wheel of a go-kart, an automobile, skiing down a mountain, or even behind his walker…yes his walker! In his last years, his caregivers were often heard shouting,“slow down Mark!” He’d reply with his impish grin, “I feel the need…the need for speed,” a favorite quote from the movie Top Gun.

In the mid 1960’s Ray and Pauline’s entrepreneurial spirit took the family to Kirkland, Washington where he graduated from Lake Washington High School in 1969. A lover of the outdoors and an adventure seeker, Mark reveled in everything the Pacific Northwest had to offer including hiking and camping on the Olympic Peninsula, salmon fishing in the San Juan Islands, sailing or boating on Lake Washington or Puget Sound, and cruising the scenic highways.

As a young adult Mark’s quest to explore new opportunities led him to a host of hands-on jobs. He logged giant trees in nearby forests, netted sardines in Sausalito Bay, California, drove heavy-duty trucks across Washington, and operated a forklift in a large warehouse. He was at home behind the wheel and had a natural gift for handling machinery, a passion he enjoyed immensely.

Mark’s love of the outdoors and creativity ultimately guided him to his true calling in landscaping. With a keen eye for design and an old fashioned German work ethic instilled by his parents, he built a successful landscaping business transforming ordinary spaces into vibrant, flourishing gardens. He thrived being engulfed in nature and was most content with his hands in the dirt, sun washing over him, breathing in the Pacific Northwest air. He loved the challenge of turning his clients’ vision into reality, and they adored him for it. His pride and joy was his bright green John Deere tractor. He loved nothing more than climbing into the seat to maneuver it around, and was often found in his favorite attire no matter the season: a t-shirt, cargo shorts, and work boots. We often teased him about his bare legs sticking out even during frigid temperatures, but it didn’t bother him a bit. He just grinned, tossed his head back with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes and laughed.

Mark’s recollections of the Acreage left such an indelible impression on him that he eventually found his own version nestled on a hilltop in Carnation, Washington. His 15 acre property featured a variety of plant life including blackberry bushes and a prolific apple tee. To Mark’s delight, wildlife was always present. Deer, bobcats, mountain lions, and even the occasional bear passed through. Eagles and other birds of prey were often seen flying high overhead.

From his perch on the hillside Mark enjoyed spectacular views of the valley where cattle and sheep often grazed below the snow capped Cascade Mountains. Mark had a front-row seat to the moon rising over the valley. He enjoyed stargazing and meteor showers, and on rare occasions the Aurora Borealis danced across the night sky. His home filled him with peace and awe, and his family loved visiting and sharing it with him. They’re incredibly thankful he found such a beautiful place that filled his heart and soul with joy and contentment. It’s fitting that the new owner now calls it, “Heart’s Haven,” a true testament to how special it is.

Mark’s home in the valley extended to the historical Quaale dairy barn, often referred to as the “Big Red Barn,” a local landmark on his property. In 2017 he secured a grant to save it from being demolished, which you can hear Mark talk about through the link listed below.

Those who knew and loved Mark will always remember him for his kindness, generosity, fun-loving and adventurous spirit, keen sense of humor, exuberance for life, devotion to family and friends, reverence and love of nature, quick wit, contagious laughter, mischievous ways, and impish grin, which touched all who knew him. His “look” could melt hearts. He had a unique way with language and possessed an uncanny way of knowing when to insert a unique word or clever phrase at exactly the right moment, wearing the perfect facial expression. Mark also had a natural talent for storytelling, often leaving friends and family with tears rolling down their cheeks, or as he would say, “laughing our hair off.” His departure leaves behind a huge void in all of our lives. He will be deeply missed.

Mark was blessed to have deep meaningful friendships, some dating back to high school. He was the kind of person you could always depend on for help, a good time, or to just hang out and enjoy the moment. He didn’t like imposing on people and never wanted to be a burden, even as his battle with Parkinson’s gradually took away his independence and ability to communicate. He faced his destiny with remarkable grace, bravery, and even humor, never losing his compassion and concern for others. His family is in awe of his strength and are thankful that many knew him before Parkinson’s, a devastating disease, slowly robbed him of his essence and dimmed his light. To all who journeyed through life with Mark, thank you for sharing his laughter, his dreams, his spontaneity, and for adding richness to his story.

Mark left this world during the early evening hours on Monday April 7, 2025 at the young age of 74. He was surrounded by love and the comforting presence of his sisters, Jan and Paula and his adoring niece Danielle. Mark spent his last six years as a resident of Aegis Living—two years at Totem Lake and the last four at Bellevue Overlake where he fought a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s. His last day on earth was filled with love and the sounds of his favorite songs softly drifting from an acoustic guitar. A gentle rain fell outside his windows. Periods of sunshine peeked through big fluffy clouds against a blue sky while birds serenaded nearby. It was a beautiful and peaceful spring day, a day he would have enjoyed. For that, his family is forever grateful.

Mark is survived by his sisters Jan Dinges, Paula Grassi (Peter), his “favorite” niece Danielle Grassi, and a host of cousins throughout Washington, California, Nebraska, Illinois, and Wisconsin. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

A celebration of Mark’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests donations to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research or the Bellevue Botanical Garden in Mark’s name. To further honor Mark’s memory, his family encourages you to live your life with an open heart and a generous spirit, to treat others with kindness, and to venture outside to enjoy and appreciate the wonder and beauty all around us.

Mark’s family extends their heartfelt appreciation to the Aegis Living community for their kindness, patience, and compassionate support. Their concern and care for Mark was extraordinary and ever-present. His family is forever grateful to the many selfless caregivers who shared in his laughter, his struggles, and helped him through his days. The family is also grateful for the support of Continuum Care, specifically Margaret and John, and to Braden for lifting Mark’s spirits with his beautiful voice and acoustic guitar.

Warm appreciation and immense gratitude go to Beth Maloney, Mark’s business associate and dear friend who shared countless laughs with Mark through the years. Her ability to move mountains when faced with the impossible was invaluable to Mark and his family. “Thank you” will never be enough.

Thank you, Mark, for the many signs you’ve sent, letting us know you’re safe and with the angels and our Heavenly Father—the soaring eagles, a bright colorful rainbow, the most spectacular sunset we’ve ever witnessed over Lake Washington and the Olympic Mountains the day we said our last goodbye, the vase of pussy willows, the red cardinals and more. We’re so grateful for the comfort these signs have brought us.

We aren’t ready for the finality of your departure and miss you so very, very much. You’ll have a place in our hearts forever and ever. Even though our hearts are breaking, we’re thankful you’re at peace and your pain is gone. Your new adventure has begun. No doubt you’re careening down a steep country road in Heaven, wind in your hair, grinning once again ear-to- ear.

We love you, Mark, our brother, uncle, son, and friend. Safe travels, until we meet again.