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Mark Javorka, 60

Mark Javorka, 60, beloved husband, son, brother and uncle passed away peacefully and went to be with his Lord, surrounded by his family at home in Colville, Wash., Thursday morning, May 25, 2017. A paraplegic since age 16, Mark exemplified courage and fought bravely through a lifetime of medical obstacles. All who knew and loved him now celebrate his freedom and peace with great joy.

Born Sept. 7, 1956, to Edward and Janet Javorka, Mark joined sister, Linda, and the family moved to the wilds of Montana. Mark spent his early childhood exploring the woods and banks of the Big Blackfoot River behind the Lincoln Ranger Station, where every day brought new adventures.

The family moved to Colville, Wash., in 1967, and Mark attended the Colville public schools, graduating in 1974. The outdoors was always calling and Mark always answered. Even after his accident, he pursued his loves of fishing and hunting with great devotion, and his truck spent countless days locked in four-wheel drive, carrying him up snowy mountain roads.

Mark worked a full career at the Department of Natural Resources in Colville, serving as communications officer. It was here that he met his future wife and the love of his life, Dorothy “Dot.” After his retirement, Mark took the chance to pursue his other great passion in life: music. He was a fan, student and historian of classic rock music. He built and launched Silverpine Studios, a venture that allowed him to meet musicians and immerse himself in sound engineering and audio production. One special memory for Mark was the night he recorded his niece, Kerri, doing violin and classical vocals in his studio.

Over the past few years Mark grew to enjoy the simple, but beautiful things in life. His backyard became an oasis and a place to meet friends or play “ball” with his crazy pup, Rocky, while Dot created magic with the flowers and fruit trees. Always with a heart for the underdog, Mark never compromised his values and remained politically active, recently serving as a member of the local Democratic party caucus.

Mark is survived by his wife of 38 years, Dorothy “Dot” Javorka of Colville; his parents, Ed and Jan Javorka of Hayden Lake, Idaho; his brother, Michael Javorka; sisters Linda Grytdal-Gardner and Lisa Javorka; his nieces, Kerri Joy Javorka, McKenzie Javorka and Kristen Grytdal-Dobson; his nephews, Scott Grytdal, Kurt Grytdal, Davis Kennedy and Henry Kennedy; and many many great friends.

Friends and family will gather in Colville this summer to remember and celebrate Mark’s life. Date and location to be determined.