Mark Acord Obituary

Mark Acord, 55, died at home in Woodland Park on Sunday, Feb. 14, with his wife, his daughter, his sister and his friends at his side. Mark was born July 4, 1954, in Moline, Ill. He fell in love with music at an early age, and by the time he was 14, he was playing trumpet in a funk band in the Quad Cities. He went to the University of Northern Iowa, and received his degree in music education in 1976. He played trumpet in a jazz trio, but when he picked up a bass guitar a few years later, he was hooked. The bass was the perfect instrument for him - he liked to say it was the brains of a band, while the drums provided the heartbeat. Mark and his wife Deb started their first rock band in 1983, playing clubs and concerts throughout Iowa and Minnesota. In their most popular band, Hero, Mark was the front man and bass player. Mark and Deb were married in 1976, and when they honeymooned in Colorado, they vowed to relocate here. In 1986, Mark and Deb made their move to the mountains and Mark continued his musical career. He played with local bands Beauty and the Beasts, Cadillac Jack, and the Rhythm Method. At the same time, he began teaching in a studio at Rice Music. His students were important to him - he often used part of the lesson time to talk. But he also wanted his students to excel, and when any of them won scholarships to colleges or honors or awards, he was thrilled. He developed an innovative approach to the bass guitar, teaching theory and improvisation and encouraging his students to play Bach as well as Metallica. In recent years, he moved his studio several times, ending at ProSound Music, and with each move, his students followed him. In recent years, Mark was the bass player for the Channel Cats, a blues band that played clubs throughout the Front Range and hosted a blues jam session at downtown clubs. He also began working at Woodland Park Middle School, leading sectional practices for trumpet and French horn players. He designed a blues jam session for beginning players, and placed his youngest students next to area pros on stage. Mark loved music. He met his wife, Deb, in college, and she quickly learned that a day wasn't complete for him until he practiced three or four hours. Mark also loved the mountains. With Deb and their daughter, Alexa, he explored Colorado's wilderness. He named his favorite place - a hidden backcountry campsite in the Lost Creek Wilderness - "heaven." He was a dedicated weightlifter, an accomplished fisherman and a strong hiker and backpacker and he carried Alexa and her backpack until she was old enough to manage on her own. He often said that preparing for a backpacking trip was the most fun part - he was a self-professed "gearhead" and he loved knives. He often read about world religions, mysticism and physics and was a champion campfire builder - a skill he demonstrated on his last camping trip last summer with Deb. He was a relentless supporter of his wife and he idolized his daughter, whom he called "Leca." In the end, he was still thinking about music, and even asked Dale Creel, his friend and fellow Channel Cat to help build a stand for his bass guitar so he could play it sitting down. On the day before Mark died, he was humming a blues tune. Mark is survived by his wife, Deb; his daughter, Alexa; his parents, Merle and Marilyn Acord of Princeton, Iowa; his sister, Marsha Acord of Mount Vernon, Iowa, and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandparents. A celebration of Mark's life is being planned for a later date. Donations may be made for his daughter's continuing education at Acord Education Fund, ENT, PO Box 15819, Colorado Springs, CO 80935.

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Published by The Gazette on Feb. 19, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Mark Acord

11 Entries

Sean Pyrtle

December 14, 2020

I studied bass with Mark weekly at Rice Music from 1999-2002. He wrote/signed my letter of recommendation for a scholarship in 2002 for a summer program at the Berkeley School of Music in Los Angeles, CA. Most of my knowledge of the the fingerboard and scales/modes are to thank, because of Mark. He could teach you anything you wanted to learn, on bass or treble clef. He would break down parts for you on the bass, then on the piano, then on the trumpet. It seemed to me that his knowledge/ability of music was limitless. He was the kindest soul. I’ve read others say this, but it’s true. He would play the theme to “the Mickey Mouse Club” on trumpet for my little sister Mikahla whenever my Mom came to pick me up from lessons. We adored him. Mark helped define my taste for how the bass should be played, how it should sound. He would encourage me to get up for his blues jams at the library or Fall River Music, even when I was nervous. He thought me every from how to play the bass in a band, to what scales you can play over specific chord tones, to what strings to use (DR for life), to how to get “your” sound from any amp in any room, and how to set up your own instrument. Mark was the real deal. He sold the “sizzle and the steak.” I miss and think of Mark often, even in 2020! Rest in piece forever, Mark!

Rikki Dee Hall

March 16, 2010

Mark is one of the kindest souls I have ever encountered. He always had encouragement when it was needed and refused to to accept any negativity for any situation. I only wish that I had spent more time in his presence as he always seemed to be able to make some of my darker moments brighter. "Thank you, Mark. That was very very zen of you." My prayers and love go out to Deb and Alexa.

Mark Smith

March 1, 2010

I recall when Alexa wrecked her car and called for her dad at work - Mark dropped what he was doing and went to help her. Mark was a great friend who dared to speak the truth from which others shied away. He made me a better musician and made me want to be a better man. Mark had words which made me feel joy ... for no reason at all he would declare " Molybdenum ! " ... or, " that's very Zen of you " ... Mark Acord, you are loved and missed

Paul Rydalch

February 26, 2010

I am deeply sadened not for Mark but for those who not be able and enjoy and be enlightened or inspired by his knowledge of life and his passion for music. I can't help but grin thinking of him making a stir and wakening people up on the other side. I would not be playing music if it wasn't for Mark. I will always be thankful to him. As a single Dad, I was concerned aobut bringing my children to our lessons. Not only did Mark encourage it but he would always tell me how very blessed I was to have 3 beutiful spirits. I think we talked more about theroy and life / philosiphy than we actually played during our lessons. I was always humbled by his kindness when I would call him asking for his help with a song and not only did he seem to enjoy helping me but he would never me never asking for any compensation. Thank you Mark for being a short but hughe part of my life. Love you Man.

Paul Coplen

February 25, 2010

One of the truelly amazing people that I have had the great pleasure of working with and became great friends with has left us. I am deeply sadend by his passing. My thoughts go out to Deb and Alexa. He so inspirational to all who crossed his path. The music scene in the Springs will be dimmer without Mark's presence. I will miss ya brother.

Roger Winter

February 24, 2010

Mark was one of the greatest guys to work with in a band. He was always patient and worked hard to improve musicianship throughout the band, but also improving friendship with band mates. Mark was a hard worker. Mark and Deb made managing a band look easy. Let alone they gracefully worked together as a couple in the same band. I learned alot from Mark in the Hero band and I have continued to forward on his wisdom that he brought to his fellow musicians with fairness, friendship, professionalism and fun throughout the work he would do. I have alot of fond memories working with Mark and Deb and it was an honor to be friends with two genuine good people. Mark knew how to do it right. I will miss him.

February 24, 2010

Mark was one of the neatest guys our family could know. He was an awsome bass player. My son took bass guitar lessons from him. Not only was he a great teacher but also a mentor to my son. He encouraged my son to continue with Scouts and earn his Eagle Badge. He would take time to just chat with him and find out what was going on in his life. Mark truly loved music and teaching music to anyone who wanted to learn. Our family will miss him.
The Murphys

Maureen Johnson

February 23, 2010

Not only will I remember Mark as a wonderful musician, but as Deb's great source of pride and joy. A great love story.

Eric Combs

February 23, 2010

OMG....what a loss to the local scene man....he was one of the ones that you knew .....from everywhere....ya know.....

A real Musician of the first order.

I had the great pleasure of working with him at Rice many years ago and also at Pro Sound recently.

The dudes sense of humor....his professionalism towards music and his compassion and passion for life ...........I don't know what to say.

The last time I saw him was full of smiles and laughter as was what you could expect with him.

....it is an honor to say I knew the man.

Jack Daniels

February 22, 2010

Mark was a wonderful member of the music community of the Pikes peak area. he will be missed.

Tim/Bec Bedard

February 21, 2010

Our beloved friend and family member. We still can't believe that you are gone. You will be missed by many.

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