Mark Douglas Champion

Mark Douglas Champion, 76, a longtime resident of Santa Monica, California, passed away on February 22, 2026 as a result of Parkinson's Disease. He was born in Lynwood, California in 1949 to Richard Anthony and Eugenia Lee Champion, and spent his formative years in Upland, California, where he attended Upland schools from second grade through his high school graduation in 1971.

Mark went on to attend Chaffey College for two years before transferring to UCLA, where he earned both a master’s degree and a doctorate in history — a testament to his intellectual curiosity and dedication to learning.

He built a steady and respected career with GTE/Verizon, where he forged lasting professional relationships over many years of dedicated service.

Mark spent the last eight years of his life at Brookdale assisted living home in Santa Monica, where his warmth and good nature endeared him to both staff and fellow residents alike. He will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

He is survived by his brothers, Richard (Natalie) and Philip (Kathy) Champion, Nephews Matthew and Joshua Champion and their families. He was predeceased by his brother Gene.