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Marcus Damon Arntzen
01/27/1976 — 12/27/2008
From Richland, WA, US | Born in Richland
Marcus Damon Arntzen
Marcus Damon Arntzen, beloved of all, has gone back to his Heavenly Father.
Marcus was born in Richland, Washington on January 27, 1976, to Kathleen and Martin Arntzen. Despite being beset with complicated developmental disabilities including Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, he survived and thrived where medicine said he could not.
His life was never easy, and his fight was never over, but that didn't stop him from accomplishing more incredible things in an abbreviated lifetime than most accomplish with a long and lasting life. His light touched so many lives, more than we'll ever know. A blessing and a true inspiration to anyone who knew him, Marcus loved everyone, and you couldn't help but love him back. He held no hate or malice in his tremendous heart.
Marc enjoyed church, family, friends, working at Goodwill, 98.3 The Key, SpongeBob, and his favorite drink, Coca Cola. He was always there to mess up your hair, check the time on your watch, and he was singularly obsessed with everyone's birthday, which he always remembered. He graduated from Hanford High School in 1997 and was active from youth in Special Olympics and the ARC of Washington.
Marc passed away on December 27, 2008, surrounded with family and friends. At the time of his passing from respiratory complications, he was one of the oldest known living persons with severe Spina Bifida west of the Mississippi. Marcus survived constant negative medical prognosis, inspiring belief in the values of hope and prayer.
Marc is survived by his mother and father; brother Mike and his daughter Mackenzie; sister Karen Strait, husband John and their children Kayla, Jenna, and Jacob. He is also survived by his sister, Kristen, of Vancouver, WA.
Marc is in heaven walking, running, dancing, all of the things his earthly body prevented him from doing.
We wish to offer thanks to the health care providers at Kadlec Critical Care Unit and Intermediate Care for their gentle care, and also to his dedicated caregivers at Tri-Cities Residential Services. Their excellent care and valiant efforts gave us many more months and years than was expected with Marc.
There will be a memorial service to celebrate his life on January 10, 2009 at the Cathedral of Joy at 11 AM, which will be open to anyone who would like to share the joys and blessings of knowing Marc. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Marc's name to the local Special Olympics, the ARC of the Tri-Cities Building Fund, or the Cathedral Teen Mission at the Cathedral of Joy, 1153 Gage Blvd.
Marc, we all miss you, but for now we always have the memories. Bye, little buddy.
But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31
Mark will be very much missed by me, he always had a way to make me laugh and placed sunshine in my thoughts.
Our condolences on the loss of your son. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Kim and Sandy Fardell
The All of the Arntzens’
I’ll treasure the great memories
we had together. I was blessed to know Marcus. I know that he’s in Gods hands now. I pray for each and every one of you.
I will miss him dearly but know he’ll remain in my heart forever.
“Love you Marcus!”
I was so sorry to hear of this news. It made me stop and think of my time growing up at Cathedral. When I think of Marc, I can see his smile and remember his positive attitude and optimism. He had a great spirit and will be missed greatly. My thoughts are with his family who were such a rock of strength for him throughout his life.
Although I did not know Marc personally, I did get to know him through the loving words of his sister, Kristen. I am very sorry for your loss; Marc was a wonderful and inspiring young man.
Steve and I will always feel blessed to have known and helped care for Marcus. He always had a smile on his face and would do anything to try to help make himself breath better. We hope you have BIG lungs now in heaven!
Kathy and Steve Andrews
Respiratory Care, Kadlec Med. Center
I had the privilege of having Marcus as a patient after coming to Richland in 1976. In spite of serious medical problems, Marcus always had a smile. When I retired in 2007, Marcus had the thoughtfulness to come to my office to say good-bye. I feel especially honored to have known Marcus.
There are no words great or good enough to express my sympathy over the loss of your beloved son.
You know he is in a good place, smiling down on you and watching over you now. He no longer is struggling with his challenges. He is at rest, at peace.
I pray your hearts find peace and that the pain which will never go away fades with your joy-filled memories of his life.
My heart goes out to everyone in the Arntzen family. Marcus was a shining light to all he met, plus he had one heck of an impish sense
of humor. I’ll miss that grin!
Diane DeSte.Croix
Dear Marty and Kathy:
Sorry to read of Marc’s passing. I will never forget seeing you and him Sunday after Sunday at church. He was alwys smiling. I’m sure this will mean some changes in your life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you take this new journey.
Kathy, Marty and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. May God’s love for you help heal and hold you up at this time.
Steve & Jan Taylor and family
To the Arntzen family, I pray that you will be comforted by your faith in God, by the love and support from your friends and each other, and by the memories that will bring a smile to your face.
My relationship with Marc began as his teacher when he was three years old. Since then, Marc has always had a special place in my heart and in my life. He taught me more than I ever taught him. Every challenge was met with determination, patience, and a sense of humor. To me, he will always be “Marcus A. Goof-Puppy” … my greatest inspiration.
Marty, Kathy, Mike, Karen & Kristen,
Marc was a special part of our lives as Jennifer came to daycare at your house. I will always remember him calling me back “Vickie” in a very deep voice! to show me something he had done on the computer. Jenny remembered that, too, and always thought it was funny the way he said my name. Marc had such a great sense of humor and the most beautiful smile that lit up our lives. I enjoyed his years at HHS where I would continue to see him daily. I have always remembered our great bike ride. He was such a blessing to all of us. We look forward to his smile and jokes in heaven. Our prayers are with you all.
Love, Vickie Kelly
I had the privilege of meeting Marcus once when I delivered a prescription to him. Just in the brief couple minutes I was with him, I could tell there was something very special in his heart. Needless to say, he inspired me. The love his parents showed him touched me in an unforgettable way.
Our condolences on the loss of your son. We always remember Marcus’ big smile when he came around Albemarle Court on Halloween for trick or treating.
Marcus was such a nice guy to our son Jon Robbins. He always had a smile on his face when you talked to him. It was always such a joy to see him at track practice and to see his competative spirit when he would compete in Special Olympics. We will miss you.
Tom and Sandy Knutzen
And Jon Robbins little Jon
It was just the other day Julia and I were talking about Mark! He was such an inspiration to us and all who knew him. His spirit will live on! Love and prayers to you all!
I was truly saddened when I had learned that Marc had passed away. However, I was also filled with incredible joy as I thought about the quality life that he had lived.
He was always available for a strong hello, a great handshake, and a smile that blessed all that were around him.
Our thoughts are with you during this time of loss.
Marty and family. Working with Marc at Goodwill was such a gift. Although we were together for such a short time, Marcus taught me so very much. He made me laugh, cry, and love. You all were always so good to me and have been in my prayers for so long. I can hardley wait to see Marcus again one day, standing tall, teasing, and I will always let him mess my hair. I love you all and pray that this hard time is made easier with the help of the Lord.
Mercy and grace. The two words I will always associate with the Arntzen family. My meager words will not be a balm to your wounded souls but please know you are held close in my thoughts. It was a privilege to know Marc and learn from his tender lessons.
It was my pleasure, and an honor, to have known Marc. I can’t remember a time at Cathedral growing up that Marc was not around. He lit up every room, and could make anyone smile. I know that he is in Heaven looking at everyone’s watch and bringing joy to each person he meets. Marc will be greatly missed, but I am comforted to know that he is watching over us.
Natalie and I want to send our love and prayers to Marc’s family. As we remember Marc, we remember his great smile and zest for life! Although we know family and friends will miss him, it is a Blessing to know that he is now with Jesus! Candace and Natalie
Marc was a very special infant who grew to be an inspirational young man. It was a privilege being one of his first teachers. I will always remember his smile and determination. My sympathy goes out to you, Kathy and Marty, and the rest of your family.
The Services Celebrating Marcâs earthly life were outstanding with a very sweet Spirit.
Thank you for thinking of others and honoring the world he lived in with the First Service. It reached so many. The tributes paid to Marc and his love and acceptance of others are really a tribute to your family. You have been his example and examples to many as parents and advocates in the community. Thank you. Mikal, Janet and John McKinnon
Thank you for sharing a special service. It was a very moving experience and showed me just how close the bonds of friends can become. It was very obvious just how much Marcus touched those he knew. A guy with a wagon load of challenges, yet a smile and kind words for those lucky enough to be part of his life, he left this earth after doing his part to make it better. It was very apparent during the slide show, just how full a life you gave Marc. It was clear you strived to let him live life to the fullest and gain as much independence as possible. You helped teach Marc to cope with the things he couldn’t change, but enjoy all that life has to offer. My deepest condolences to your family.
Dear Marty and Family,
Though I never had the pleasure of meeting Marc, I learned much about him from talking to Marty. From what I heard and later read about him, Marc seemed quite remarkable. Those of us who work with Marty on the Desert Ski Club Board of Directors would like to express our condolences for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jamie
I had the privilege of working with Marcus when he first came to TCRS. His smile and his wonderful sense of humor were inspirational to everyone around him. I remember when he “graduated” from RugRats to Spongebob, and how he always remembered my birthday. I was sad to learn of his passing but I can rejoice for him knowing that he is with Christ in heaven, filled with joy and peace. My condolences to Marty and Kathy and family as I know you will miss him greatly.
Guestbook for
Marcus Damon Arntzen