Mark Dee Burningham

Mark Dee Burningham, age 67, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2025 in Logan, Utah from complications of metastatic melanoma. After two decades of chronic health issues, he is finally free of pain, and his loved ones rejoice in this knowledge.

Mark was born a week before Christmas on December 17, 1957 in Murray, Utah. He was the fifth of seven children born to Marilyn Miner and Kenneth Alvin Burningham. Even as a child, Mark’s parents knew they could depend on him. His mother loved quiet moments rocking him and always had a soft spot for her strong son, often telling the story of how Mark stepped in to help his dad move cinder blocks as a young child.

Mark grew up in Sandy, Utah. He got into his fair share of mischief along with his siblings. He was a hard worker and made his own way. He graduated from Jordan High School in 1976, America’s bicentennial year. Mark loved learning about American History throughout his life, and shared his love for the Founding Fathers, the Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution with his children and grandchildren.

Mark served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Buenos Aires, Argentina, from 1977 to 1979. He enjoyed his time in South America and worked hard to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with the Argentine people, many of whom remained good friends throughout his life.

After finishing his mission, Mark continued his education at Utah State University, eventually earning both a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and a Masters of Business Administration. While at USU, Mark was popular with the ladies, but knew he’d hit the jackpot when he was introduced to Belinda Jayne Browning by a mutual friend. BJ’s passion for teaching children, Aggie football, and the gospel of Jesus Christ enhanced his life. He loved to tease, and thanks to her Montana upbringing, BJ could match his intelligence, wit, and capacity to love and serve others. They were sealed for time and eternity in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple on June 11, 1981. They enjoyed 44 years of marriage on this side of the veil and are anxiously looking forward to spending eternity together in the life to come.

Though their path to parenthood was not easy, Mark and BJ were blessed to welcome four children, two sons and two daughters, into their family. Though fatherhood required many sacrifices (starting with selling his beloved 1969 Camaro), nothing gave Mark more fulfillment than to watch his children learn and excel. He supported all their activities from football to soccer to school musicals and piano recitals. Though he worked long hours, Mark’s children always knew he had time for them. He’d take off work for Parent Teacher Conferences, birthdays, and any important events. He set an example of integrity, service, and industry that has served his children well in their chosen professions.

In addition to providing for his young family, Mark was also an invaluable asset to his parents. After his dad suffered a debilitating stroke, Mark and BJ built a house next to his parents in Richmond, Utah. Mark helped them with everything from their taxes to facilitating the sale of Ken’s Christmas Trees every winter. His children grew up with the luxury of having their grandparents nearby, knowing there was always ice cream, hugs, Hallmark movies, and tractor rides waiting for them at the end of the lane. His parents spent their retirement knowing that he was always nearby, willing to help no matter the need.

Mark spent much of his professional life working various jobs for Utah Power and Light and Rocky Mountain Power. When his job in Smithfield was downsized, Mark commuted to the Rock Springs Wyoming office for a time before joining his best friend, Terrell Spackman, and working for a few years in the Copper Top building in Salt Lake City. When the opportunity to move his family back to Cache Valley came a few years later, Mark embraced a change in career path in order to bring his family back to the place that truly was home to them. He spent the rest of his professional life working for Presto Products as a financial analyst before taking an early retirement in 2013 for medical reasons.

Mark was ever faithful in his testimony of Jesus Christ and was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in many callings throughout his life, including Scoutmaster, Sunday School teacher, Counselor in the Cherry Creek Ward Bishopric, Ward Finance Clerk, Trek Pa, Family History Consultant, Facilities Manager, and Primary teacher. He loved being with the little ones in his ward, and when he served in the bishopric as counselor over the Primary, you could often find him spending time playing with or rocking the babies in the nursery.

Of all the roles Mark filled in life, he would be the first to tell you that his favorite title was “Papa.” From the moment his first grandchild entered the world (born early like he was), Mark was a devoted grandpa. He broke the NICU rules and extended his hand to his tiny granddaughter, who gripped his finger and maintained her hold on his heart. Each of his eight grandchildren were his best medicine. He spoiled and teased, played and cuddled, and loved them unconditionally. His granddaughter Hattie coined the oft-repeated refrain “Papa, you’re so funny!” which he considered one of the greatest compliments he ever received. He looked forward to hearing “Papa Trix!” and getting hugs from his favorite little people. He met his grandchildren where they were. You could often find him lying on the floor next to his youngest grandchild, teaching him to blow raspberries and make popping sounds with his mouth. Mark never shied away from giving love in every way he was capable. Despite the fact that he was battling a multitude of health challenges and his grandchildren never knew him at full health, he made sure they knew his family was his greatest treasure.

There is a giant hole left in our lives with his passing, though we know there are joyful reunions taking place in heaven. Mark was preceded in death by his parents, older siblings Brian and Rebecca, father-in-law Gary Browning, and red-headed niece Debbie.

He is survived by his eternal companion, Belinda Burningham, his four children and their sweethearts: Benjamin Mark (Holly), Marinda Dee (Scott) Fowler, Anna Elizabeth (Alex) Gerke, and Nathaniel Browning (Kenzie), and his eight grandchildren: Lydia, Hattie, Graham, Walker Mark, Sophie Belle, Sophie Grace, Kenneth, and Henry. He also leaves behind his siblings Gary (Crystal) Burningham, Claudia (Bruce) Densley, Kim (Cindy) Burningham, Corinne (Dave) Eliason, as well as his mother-in-law Julie (Jim) Browning Edwards and siblings-in-law Audrey Burns, John Emery, Mark (Kym) Browning, Ronda Browning, Luci (Mike) Willits, and David Jack (Mike) Browning-Ramirez, along with several nieces and nephews and many, many dear friends.

Mark’s family would like to thank all those who have loved and cared for him through his many health challenges over the years and especially Danny, Natalie, and Debbie, who all went the extra mile to help make sure he received the relief and comfort he needed in his final days and hours.

A viewing will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 pm Sunday evening, May 4, 2025 at the White Pine Funeral Services building, 753 South 100 East, Logan, Utah. Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 5, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Richmond Stake Center, 135 West Main Street in Richmond, Utah. A viewing will be held immediately before from 9:30 am to 10:30 a.m. Interment will be in the Richmond City Cemetery.

Mark's funeral service can be viewed via Zoom at the following link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87037011553