Mark Randall Tingey

Mark Randall Tingey, a devoted follower of Jesus Christ and a loving husband, father, and grandfather, returned to his Heavenly home at sunset on May 21, 2026. He was joyfully reunited with his father, mother, brother, grandson, and many loved ones. His passing followed a courageous journey with melanoma of the brain and spine.

Mark was born June 24, 1955, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Gerloan Judd and Melvin Newell Tingey. As a young boy, he was cheerful, curious, and deeply attached to his mother. Because of his chubbiness, he was affectionately nicknamed “Porky” by his siblings, a name his mother did not appreciate. In Kindergarten, his mother got a call from the school notifying her that Mark wasn’t in attendance. His mother said, “Oh, yes, I saw him leave. There must be some mistake.” As she looked around the house, sure enough, there he was hiding under his bed. Mark was known to eagerly wait down the hill each day for his mother, a public health nurse, to return home from work. He was, by every account, a devoted “mama’s boy.” Mark also cherished time with his father, often accompanying him on sales trips for Restaurant Store & Equipment, enjoying conversations and stops at diners along the way.

As a youth, Mark excelled academically, taking accelerated courses in high school to jumpstart college. He loved sports and recreation, especially basketball, water sports, golf, and riding motorcycles. He treasured time with his siblings, particularly learning from his older sisters and fishing trips and movie outings with his revered older brother. His first job was at the local McDonalds. Perhaps that’s why he appreciated the nostalgia of the simple cheeseburger with chopped onions and pickles. During summers, he worked construction with his uncle.

Mark attended Brigham Young University, earning a degree in financial and estate planning. After his first year, he paused his studies to serve a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Minneapolis–St. Paul Mission. This experience profoundly shaped his life, strengthening his confidence, leadership, and testimony. Under the guidance of President Douglas Callister, Mark completed his service with honor and developed a vision of the husband and father he would become.

Following his mission, Mark focused on building a family and establishing financial security. With a strong entrepreneurial spirit, he founded Heritage Motors while attending school at BYU, a used luxury car business. This venture enabled him to purchase his first home and rent rooms to fellow BYU students. Driving a raspberry red BMW 320i, he caught the attention of Polly Jean Woodward, coming back from lunch as a commercial designer for Utah Office Supply. Polly purchased a car from Mark, drawn to his honesty and integrity, and their relationship quickly blossomed. After a five-month courtship and a shared spiritual confirmation, they were married for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on March 28, 1980. Together, they built a marriage of more than 46 wonderful years.

After graduating from BYU, Mark and Polly moved to Colorado with their newborn daughter, pursuing opportunities in the oil and gas industry through Mark’s brother, Steven. This led to the purchase of a Conoco gas station in Parker, Colorado, followed by the acquisition of Fugate Oil, a wholesale petroleum business in Fort Collins.

Mark later built Shurfast, a flagship Conoco station that became a beloved community hub, known for its distinctive style—plaid wallpaper, natural wood, and red barn lights—and its welcoming atmosphere. The store featured a slurpee machine, Polish cheese dogs, soft-serve ice cream, and warm homemade cookies. A daughter’s school birthday celebration even included a class field trip to the convenience store, where each classmate was invited to select a treat of their choice. In the early 1990s, in recognition of Mark’s exemplary character and enthusiasm, he and Polly were honored to represent Conoco Oil at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C. Mark frequently employed local youth and was known for his generosity, often providing food and fuel to those in need.

After selling Fugate Oil, he developed Carriage Corner, a gas station with a Taco Bell and carwash—the first of its kind to accept credit cards at the wash. Through these ventures, he formed a lasting partnership with Byron Collins, leading to successful commercial developments, including The Timbers condominiums and Harmony Club, where Mark remained active until his cancer diagnosis.

Throughout Mark’s life, he was deeply involved in his children’s lives and made them his highest priority. He faithfully supported their individual interests and intentionally created one-on-one time to know and connect with each of them. Some of their most cherished memories include daddy-daughter and father-son dates, annual summer trips to Lake Powell, spring breaks at Disney World, and extended family reunions filled with laughter and togetherness.

Mark faithfully served throughout his life in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, holding numerous leadership roles, including counselor in bishoprics, high counselor, and bishop twice—serving both young single adults and mid-single adult wards. He had a special love for the youth, often sharing time with them through waterskiing outings and spiritual mentorship, forming lasting lifelong friendships.

He also served in the first mission presidency of the Fort Collins Mission alongside Kelly and Sharon Brown. In a pivotal role, Mark assisted the Church’s land acquisition efforts for the Fort Collins Colorado Temple, combining his professional expertise with his faith. Mark and Polly were later called as public affairs missionaries during the temple’s development, coordinating extensively with city and construction stakeholders. After its completion, they served as ordinance workers for six years. They considered this sacred experience one of the crowning blessings of their lives. Many of their truest friendships have been kindled through church associations and service.

Mark is survived by his beloved wife, Polly J. Woodward; their four children: Annie T. Clarke (Chad), Melissa T. Poulsen (Ryan), Mark D. Tingey (Ashley), and Steven W. Tingey (Brooke); and his grandchildren: Sophie and Miles Clarke; Gage, Beckham, Remi, Forbes, and Cambridge (deceased) Poulsen; Avery, Oliver, and Penelope Tingey; and Reese and Parker Tingey.

He is also survived by his siblings: Sherrie Holbrook (Kent), Jolene Martin (Rawlin, deceased), and Shauna Fuhriman; and was preceded in death by his brother Steven N. Tingey (Gayle). Mark was a cherished uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Mark will be remembered for his unwavering faith in Jesus Christ, generous spirit, entrepreneurial drive, and deep love for family and community. His life was a testament to service, devotion, and joy.

In lieu of flowers, the Tingey family encourages you to donate to the local oncology team who assisted Mark in his cancer journey. Please consider donating here. https://www.uchealthnocofoundation.org/oncology/?utm_source=chatgpt.com. Select "I/We would like to dedicate this gift" option and input "Honoree" name so the Tingey family can be informed of all the memorial gifts received.

For those unable to join in person, Mark's service will be livestreamed. Follow the link here for instructions. https://zoom.us/meetings/93759130399/invitations?signature=bLyJe9zukiw9G3oq0YkwrTwnM-Yp9Kv7Wkw-S-gO8KM