Mark Andrew Atwater

Mark was a soft touch, a gentle-hearted guy who was usually good-naturedly on the long end of the jokes. He loved his kids (all of them) and his dogs (all of them). He also loved sports from a young age; basketball 2v2 in the driveway, Chicago style 16” softball, whiffle ball and of course the annual Atwater Toilet Bowl football games that started in Arlington and carried over to Arvada. Mark was also an avid skier and loved going up in the mountains to hit the slopes with friends. Whether for a day or on a ski trip, he was all in.

He loved hockey (both playing it and watching the Avs) and played probably a little too long before transferring to Zamboni driver to stay close to the game.

Mark had lots of good friends, many of whom were friends from high school. When you’re friends that long, things happen…job loss or change, moves, divorces, kid trouble, etc. and through all that, his friendships were maintained. Mark was a loyal guy and a good friend. He cared about his wife Leslie and took care of her until she needed to take care of him.

He was Mom’s favorite, although parents aren’t supposed to have favorites. We all knew it. He wouldn’t hurt a fly and was like Mom and Dad in this way. He wasn’t a font of emotional expression but would give you the shirt off his back if needed. He loved music and in particular The Marshal Tucker Band.

He passed away on May 2, 2025 after a long run with ALS, longer in fact than was expected. He is survived by his son Tim, his daughters Kristen and Jessika, his two brothers Rick and Lee, his stepchildren Chris, Celine, and Kyle, grandkids Tyber, Teegan, Theron, Zoei, and Amara, his cousin Paul, and his nieces and nephews Anna, Jackie, Chris, and Kenny. He was preceded in death by his parents, Norm (stormin Norman) and Marion (Big Mar) Atwater, and his loving wife Leslie.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, June 12, at St Ambrose Episcopal Church, located at 7520 S Boulder Rd, Boulder, CO 80303, beginning at 10:30 AM, immediately followed by a reception in the church parish hall. In lieu of flowers donations can be directed to ALS United Rocky Mountain.