Mark P. Hummels, 43, of Phoenix, devoted father, adoring husband, loving brother and son, and true friend, served as an organ donor on his passing on January 31, 2013. Mark was born December 2, 1969, in Bakersfield, California, and grew up in Greeley, Colorado. Classmates and teachers remember him as an incredible personality who made everything he touched beautiful and golden. Mark was at once a mischievous handful, a terrific student, and a brilliant athlete, co-captaining his high school swim team and setting a still-standing school 400-meter freestyle relay record. Upon graduating high school, Mark was honored with the award of a prestigious full-ride Boettcher Scholarship, which he drew on to attend Colorado College in Colorado Springs. After a year studying in Mexico, Mark graduated Phi Beta Kappa with highest honors in 1993 in Political Science and Spanish, going on to receive his Master's in Journalism from the Graduate School of Journalism at the University of California, Berkeley in 1997, also on a full-ride scholarship. After finishing at Colorado College, Mark met his wife Dana while he was working the Arts and Entertainment beat for the Colorado Springs Independent. Mark was paid primarily in free concert tickets, which he used to take Dana on dates, and a mutual love of live music cemented their bond. They married in 1996 while Mark was studying at Berkeley, and they honeymooned in Sausalito and on Alcatraz Island. Mark also worked as a reporter for the Santa Fe New Mexican and the Albuquerque Journal, covering police news and the political beat. In his book "American Carnival: Journalism Under Siege in an Age of New Media," now Emeritus Dean Neil Henry, one of Mark's professors at Berkeley, captured Mark's own reflections on his experience: "I came to realize that government officials are so well-trained in obfuscation and spin that it's next to impossible to get a real answer to most questions you ask them. This continues to drive me absolutely nuts with people in general, and with people in positions of public trust especially. I came to think of reporting 'both sides of the story' as either 1) reporting 'both' sides of the octagon, or 2) giving 'equal time' for the Republicans and Democrats to each tell their lies. "I met a lot of lawyers while working on stories, and I came to think of them as the people who really understood what's going on, and the ones who can make real change in the final analysis." His reporting experience propelled Mark to resume his studies, entering the James E. Rogers College of Law at University of Arizona, where he is remembered as a larger-than-life presence. Mark served as the Case Notes Editor of the Arizona Law Review, and he graduated in 2004 with highest honors, first in his class. Admitted to the Arizona Bar after earning the highest score on the bar exam, Mark served as a law clerk for then Arizona Supreme Court Justice Andrew D. Hurwitz. In 2005, Mark joined the Osborn Maledon law firm as an associate, and the members voted him into their number in 2010. From the start he made an impression, endearing himself to his colleagues as quirky, unique, fiercely intelligent, and consistently sunny. Mark was the best kind of lawyer, highly capable in his practice and caring to his core about the community. He was President of the Phoenix Chapter of the Federal Bar Association and highly regarded by the State and Federal bench. He was recognized by "Benchmark Litigation" as a "future star" in litigation. To judges, attorneys and other professionals, he was a trusted counselor in ethics and disciplinary proceedings. Mark also gave back to the community at large, serving on the training committee for the Arizona Town Hall and providing pro bono legal services to those who could not afford counsel. Mark was a devoted family member and involved neighbor. He loved, respected, and adored his wife and children. Despite distant separations, he remained close to his loving extended family. He had a vast and diverse group of friends, as he easily connected with people from all backgrounds and walks of life. His loss will be deeply felt by the countless people in Phoenix and around the country who knew him and loved him. Mark is survived by his wife Dana and their two young children; his parents Ken and Letha Hummels of Greeley, Colorado; his brothers David Hummels of West Lafayette, Indiana, and Robert Hummels of San Antonio, Texas; and many other loving family members and friends. Charitable donations to the community in his memory and honor may be made to the Mark Hummels Memorial Fund at the Arizona Community Foundation, www.azfoundation.org/hummels. Donations for the welfare, education and care of Mark and Dana's two children may be made to the Hummels Children's Fund in person or by mail at Alliance Bank of Arizona, 2901 North Central Avenue, Suite 100, Phoenix, Arizona 85012.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
10 years. I think about Mark everyday. An extraordinary man, an exceptional human, quite probably the finest person I've ever known or will know. Peas & love, primo
George Larson
Friend
January 31, 2023
We had the honor of serving at Mark's memorial reception, and spent the evening providing comfort to his children, nieces, and nephews. It was so clear that your family is close and loving and will be a great support to each other as you grieve the loss of an exceptional man. Our prayers are with you.
Jeanette Wood and Callie, HOPE Animal-Assisted Crisis Response
Jeanette Wood
February 19, 2013
I only had the pleasure of meeting Mark once for a couple of hours at a deposition. His kindness left such an impression on me. I wish this world was full of people like Mark. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Peace.
MJ Schumacher
February 11, 2013
So sorry for the loss of a loved one. May the Almighty give you strength and comfort during this time.
C Jackman
February 8, 2013
My thoughts and prays to family and friends. I'm a former Greeley Central Wildcat - Mark will be truly missed
Shelli Jones
February 7, 2013
I didn't know Mark but want to say thank you to him and his family for making the choice to be a donor. As a child of a parent who needs a donated organ there is no greater gift than the gift of life you gave to the people who received such a special gift. I will be saying a special prayer for Mark and his family.
Michelle Watson
February 7, 2013
We have survived the sudden death of a loved one and it was the love of our family and friends that gave us the strength to learn to live again in a new way. Your family is in our thoughts.
Jerry and Charlotte Rempfer, Litibu, Mexico
February 7, 2013
My whole life my dad has told me to be like Uncle Market. Thats who I will always strive to be. I love you guys so much.
Madeline
Madeline Anderson
February 6, 2013
I did not know Mark. But from what I've read, if you did, you were blessed.
Mark Oathout
February 6, 2013
Dear Hummels Family,
I did not know Mark, but everything I have heard about him from those who did tells me I would have liked to have had him as a friend and colleague. I am very sorry for your loss.
Dave Cole
February 5, 2013
Blessings to your family.
Kara Rasmussen Lanz
February 5, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Michelle Gallegos
February 5, 2013
Our deepest sympathy to your family in your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Lynn, Brandon, Bruce, Greg, Mike Wiggin
February 5, 2013
I never had the pleasure of meeting you. Sending my thoughts and prayers to your family, friends, colleagues and our whole legal community during this devastating tragedy. Rest in Peace Mr. Hummels.
Cheryl Rinck
February 5, 2013
Prayers of peace and comfort for your family, friends and firm.
Carol A. Foster, MD--Charleston WV
February 5, 2013
Mark was a great friend in high school. Even though we lost touch over the years, I feel like he was still such a big part of my life. Mark you will be incredibly missed. Rest In Peace my friend.
Laura Martin-Baxley(Bogdanski)
February 4, 2013
Mark and his family are part of our neighborhood in Orangedale, Phoenix. We are devastated to hear the news! Mark was an amazing father, loving husband and a huge asset to our community. He will be missed and our hearts go out to Dana, children and Mark's extended family.
Linda Gallie
February 3, 2013
Mark was the best person I knew. We'd known each other for 35 years. He was the best swimmer (he got me to try swimming butterfly & the IM). We were in Pack 207 & Troop 13 together (often sharing the same tent in summer at Camp Hillside). I started writing my "a's" the same way he did. He was the hardest worker, even when we were kids in Greeley, but he made it all look so effortless. He had the clearest mind, and was just so honest. He also laughed like my aunt. I miss that laugh. I am so sorry Dana, Ella & Rock, Bob & David, Mr & Mrs Hummels. My thoughts, Mom's (Louise) thoughts, Nick's, my nieces thoughts are all with you. I've told my nieces so many stories of growing up with Mark, they feel like they knew him. I wish they did.
George Larson II
February 3, 2013
I never had the pleasure of meeting you. Sending my thoughts and prayers to your family, friends, colleagues and our whole legal community during this devastating tragedy. Rest in Peace Mr. Hummels.
Nanette Kenyon
February 3, 2013
The angels are always near to those who are grieving, to whisper to them that their loved ones are safe in the hand of God. ~ Eileen Elias Freeman
February 3, 2013
so sorry about your loss sounds like a wonderful man
February 3, 2013
Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more