Maurice Palmer Tippins

Mark was born in Gainesville, Georgia and spent the rest of his childhood, adolescent and young adult years in Albany, Georgia. Mark was heavily involved with Scouts and received his Eagle Scout with a focused effort in supporting the Special Olympics and was awarded Georgia’s Outstanding Youth of the Year award, He graduated from Westover High and attended Darton College. He joined the U.S. Army to attend nursing school at Walter Reed Medical Center where he met and later married the love of his life, Mindi.

Mark and Mindi moved to Salt Lake City, Utah where they raised their two boys and recently celebrated their 25th Anniversary. Mark spent the majority of his nursing career working in psychiatric care, primarily supporting the homeless with mental illness. He was trusted by his patients and respected by his colleagues for his easy and kind approach in a challenging field. He advocated for his patients on and off duty including asking for donations for toothpaste and sunblock while at the dentist or dermatologist. He later finished his Bachelors of Science in Nursing and had accepted a new career path with Shriner’s to work with children with Cerebral Palsy but was diagnosed prior to starting.

Mark could fix almost anything. He enjoyed working on his ‘67 VW Bus and any other vehicle he could get his hands on. His most cherished possession was his ‘59 GMC long bed truck that his grandfather bought brand new. Mark beautifully restored a 115-year-old log cabin in Circleville, Utah. He enjoyed cooking and grilling. His love for the outdoors and camping was shared often with his boys and a campfire in Circleville had become a ritual when we were all together.

Mark had a beautiful and bright smile, an easy laugh, a large heart and a great sense of humor. His pride and joy was his family. He loved being a father, husband, brother, son, uncle and friend. He was a bright light that lived to serve others. His compassion and drive to help kept him busy, always. He applied most recently to volunteer as a nurse for a summer camp for kids with cancer.

Mark was predeceased by his father, Mell Tippins and his beautiful little sister, Karen Mulford. He is survived by his wife Mindi, their children, Chandler and Noah, his brother Jim (Dani), his sister Dawn (Todd) and his beloved mother Pam. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your local homeless shelter or Shriner’s. A celebration of life will be held Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at 12:00 at the Fort Douglas Post Chapel, 120 Fort Douglas Blvd, Salt Lake City, UT with a gathering at the Commander's House directly following.

Mark so perfectly stated his intention right after he was diagnosed. "Cancer only wins if we let it rob us of joy."