Mark R. Chown

Mark was the eldest and beloved son of John and Ruth (Nordine) Chown. His life was marked by moments that showed his extreme intellect and talents despite the many challenges he faced throughout his life. Mark was a gifted musician and trumpet player. A brilliant composer and arranger who wrote meticulously detailed musical scores by hand. An avid scratch golfer who scored a hole in one and also won the 1988 club championship at Lake Bluff Country Club. A mathematical genius who loved numbers and for years kept complex spreadsheets to track the winnings of every professional golfer in every tournament around the world. A sensitive soul who connected deeply with animals, especially the family’s Irish setters Rusty and Dixie. The one who most loved family traditions, especially during the Christmas holidays. A meat and potatoes guy who made the world’s best gravy. A lover of classic 1970s rock, especially Pink Floyd and Chicago. 

Mark Richard Chown was born May 28, 1957. He grew up in Escanaba, Mich., and graduated from Escanaba High School in 1975. He graduated Cum Laude from Central Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in music education and also graduated from CMU with a master’s degree in music composition. He taught elementary and high school band before his health declined and he returned to Escanaba.

Mark is survived by his father, John Chown; sisters, Karen (Collier) of Bloomington, Ill., and Amy of Atlanta, Ga.; and brother, Kevin of Los Angeles, Calif. His surviving family members also includes brother-in-law, David Collier; niece, Arianna Collier; aunt, Audrey LeLievre; uncles, Paul and Dick Nordine; and family friend, Lori DeMars. He is also survived by many cousins from the Chown, LeLievre, Nordine, Wassberg and Hogler families. He was preceded in death by his devoted mother, Ruth (Nordine) Chown; grandparents, Clemens and Florence Nordine and William and Margaret Chown; uncles, Joseph and John Nordine, Don Chown and Rudolph Hogler; and aunts, Janet Chown and Margaret Hogler.

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Monday, May 15, at the Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba. Funeral services celebrating the life of Mark will follow at 12 p.m. Monday in the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel. A light lunch will be served afterward in the Anderson Funeral Home fellowship area. The family would like to thank the staff at Pinecrest for their compassionate care of Mark, and the many friends who supported Mark and the Chown family over the years. The Anderson Funeral Homes are assisting the Chown family and online condolences can be sent at www.andersonfuneralhomes.net.