For the past 16 months Mark has been facing the “Journey” of his life, sadly passing away on Monday, Dec. 9, 2013 at Whatcom Hospice in Bellingham due to complications from ALS — Lou Gehrig’s Disease. While he fought a brave and courageous battle since early August, this horrible disease finally won. Mark was 61 years young.

Mark was born on July 9, 1952 in Coupeville. He was the youngest of seven brothers, a position in the family he enjoyed and took great pleasure in announcing at just the right opportunity.

He was the last child born to Waldemar and Margaret (Herd) Mauden. Mark attended Oak Harbor public schools, graduating from Oak Harbor High School in 1970.

Following graduation, he explored a number of mechanical-related jobs while serving in the National Guard Reserve for more than nine years. During that time he developed his trade skills, took on managerial responsibilities for various stations and ultimately owned and operated Union 76 gas stations in Western Washington for a 25-year period. About the time full-service gas stations became a thing of the past, Mark transitioned to restaurant management and ownership with his wife, Beth. Together, they owned and operated four Taco Time restaurants in the area. Since 2000, Mark dedicated his full attention to the management of numerous property rentals throughout Skagit County. He was widely known for his fairness and for always going the extra mile for those needing a little help.

Mark’s enthusiasm and passion for the principles and work of Rotary International were immediately apparent since his induction into the Sedro-Woolley Rotary Club in 1995.

As an active member, he was quickly sought out to assume leadership and served as president in 2011-12. He diligently strove to live by Rotary’s four-way test. Mark was honored by his local club with Rotary International’s highest award — the Paul Harris Fellow Award. Mark’s passion to help others touched many individuals and agencies both locally and abroad. Beth and Mark traveled internationally to lend a hand with projects in Guatemala, Honduras and Africa as part of a Rotary Team Program. In 2012, Beth and Mark traveled to Bangkok, Thailand to attend the annual Rotary International Convention. Members of the Sedro-Woolley Rotary Club deeply express their sorrow for Mark’s passing. Mark Mauden will always be a prime example of striving to achieve the Rotary Mission — “service above self.” In addition to his tireless commitment to Rotary, Mark was a member of the Skagit County Republican Party, Skagit Golf and Country Club and Immaculate Conception Church.

Prior to moving to Burlington due to his failing health, Mark enjoyed the beauty and recreational activities of Big Lake with family and friends in his lakeside home. Summer evening boat rides, progressive dinners with guests and “Big Lakers” and late night campfires with a good cigar and little scotch were among a few of his favorites. Family ski trips, camping in the motorhome on a special fishing trip and golf on occasion will all be highlights the family will remember of Mark. His frequent caution, “Have fun but be safe,” will always be remembered. And he never missed a chance to bet on something, or at least consider the odds, which usually resulted in his favor!

With the tragic news of his disease Mark’s determination to fulfill his bucket list — visiting all seven continents of the world — was a real sense of accomplishment for both Mark and Beth.

Mark is survived by his wife of 26 years, Elizabeth “Beth” Hardy (Sabbia) of Burlington, whom he married on June 19, 1987 in Immaculate Conception Church in Mount Vernon. He is also survived by two children, Scott Babbitt of Big Lake, and Cyndi Ohrt and her husband Chad, and Mark’s grandchildren, Olivia (11) and Blake (10) of Seattle; three brothers, Ronald Mauden and his wife, Nadine of Wichita Falls, Texas; Brian Mauden of Wichita, Kan.; Galen Mauden and his wife, Patty, of Bremerton; a sister-in-law, Karen Mauden of Bellevue; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Wally, Nowell, Lance and his first wife, Virginia Hayes (Mauden).

The entire Mauden Family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff of Whatcom Hospice House, especially Roberta (Bert) Hunter, for her personal care to Mark’s safety and well-being. As Mark said to Bert: “I trust you with my life.” The compassion, patience and tenderness they demonstrated in every instance during Mark’s final days made such a difference.

Viewing will be available 7-9 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15, and 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 16, 2013 at Lemley Chapel. A funeral Mass will be held 2 p.m on Monday, Dec. 16, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Sedro-Woolley with Father Martin Bourke, celebrant, with a reception to follow immediately in the Parish Hall. Private family interment will be at Burlington Greenhills Memorial Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Sedro-Woolley Rotary Club, P.O. Box 726, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284. Arrangements and Services are under the care of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley. Please share your memories of Mark and sign the online guestbook at www.lemleychapel.com