Mark David Madkour

Mark David Madkour, who lived with overflowing energy, optimism and kindness, passed away peacefully on a beautiful autumn day, Tuesday, October 24, at his family’s home, The Landmark, in Manchester, Vermont, after a brave battle against cancer. Mark, 63, was reunited with his parents, Dr. Abraham and Brenda Madkour, after living an extraordinarily creative and active life. He was a devoted and empathetic son, brother, father and friend, who left a remarkable impression on everyone he touched, while being the source of tremendous positivity. Mark was born on April 18, 1960, in Heidelberg, Germany, the third child of Abe and Brenda Madkour. Mark quickly developed a love of sports and music, demonstrating a unique talent on the soccer field and ski slope. His musical influences led him to learn the guitar, which he played on the Jerry Garcia-model Travis Bean. Mark and his six siblings attended Burr and Burton Seminary in Manchester, Vermont. Mark graduated from Saint Michael’s College in Winooski, Vermont, in 1982 with a degree in Economics and minor in Fine Arts, where he made many lifelong friends. After college, Mark’s entrepreneurial nature took him to Salt Lake City, Utah, where he worked building a business while also actively enjoying his love of skiing. He then relocated to Scottsdale, Arizona, and established Markour Funding and Investments, a privately held mortgage lender and advisory firm. Throughout his life, Mark focused on what was important to him – his love of family, friends, laughter and good times, of music and the Grateful Dead, of the outdoors, flowers, travel, skiing, penguins, Formula One and the New England Patriots. He lived an active, healthy and inspired lifestyle. He had the incredible gift of making everyone around him feel good, special and important. As Mark battled cancer for more than a decade, he never once complained or shared the painful challenges he was going through. Mark had the innocent enthusiasm of a youngster, always upbeat with euphoric energy and genuine sincerity. He had a tremendous exuberance for life which was evident every single day through his infectious personality. Mark is survived by his daughter, Jordyn Madkour of Scottsdale, Arizona; son Tayson, of Los Angeles, California, his fiancé, Jennifer Jenkins of Laguna, California, as well as his siblings, Christopher of Huntsville, Alabama; Tina and her husband, Marc Companion of South Burlington, Vermont; Michael of Santa Fe, New Mexico; Stephen and his wife, Jenny, of Oregon City, Oregon; Katherine of Manchester, Vermont; and Abraham of Charlotte, North Carolina. A celebration of Mark’s life will be held on Saturday, November 18, at 11:00am at Christ Our Savior Catholic Church, 398 Bonnet Street, Manchester, Vermont. A reception will immediately follow. Remembrances of Mark may be made to the Huntsville Museum of Art Acquisition Fund, the Weston Priory in Weston, Vermont, or the charity of your choice.