Mark Richard McWhirter, of Durango, Colo., age 60, passed away unexpectedly at home on Saturday, June 20, 2020. Beloved husband of Machelle McWhirter. Cherished father of Matt McWhirter (Victoria), Jennifer McWhirter (Seth Kelly), and Madison McWhirter (Tanner Reidy). Respected step-father of DJ Morris and Damian Morris. Loving son of Richard and Barbara Hintz McWhirter. Admired brother of Jeff McWhirter (MaryAnn), Mike McWhirter (Judi) and Steve McWhirter. A fun uncle to all. He is also survived by his former wife and friend, Karen McWhirter.

Mark was born on Oct. 16, 1959 in Wyandotte, Mich., to Richard and Barbara Hintz McWhirter. He grew up in Warren, Mich. and moved to Bloomfield Hills, Mich. as a teenager. Later on, Mark earned his degree from Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant, Mich.

Mark married Machelle Ready on Aug. 26, 200, in Maui, Hawaii and they were married for 20 beautiful years. They had many wonderful years in Yorba Linda, Calif., and recently moved to Durango, Colo. for Mark to fulfill his dream of living in the mountains.

Mark was a successful entrepreneur and owner of Pacific Metal Cutting. He was a generous philanthropies to many individual people and organizations.

If Mark's beaming smile didn't catch your eye, his joyful and adventurous soul would. He was a man who was kind to everyone, but his family had his whole heart, they were his everything. His work ethic and drive could not be matched. He was a passionate man who spent his downtime chasing the beautiful highs of life: fast cars, flying airplanes, river rafting, skiing. Any adventure, he was up for it.

Mark is forever loved and will be deeply missed.

Please join us for a celebration of life honoring Mark Richard McWhirter, which will be held on July 11, 2020, at 1 p.m. at Messiah Lutheran Church in Yorba Linda, Calif. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CHOC Children's Foundation or the La Plata County Humane Society.