Mark Howard

Mark Maxwell Howard, 58, of Long Grove, IL passed away unexpectedly, Wednesday, October 22, 2014.

He was born on June 11, 1956, to Howell and Mimi Howard in Evanston.

Mark attended New Trier East High School and graduated with a BA from Montana State University. He also earned a degree in illustration from the American Academy of Art in Chicago. Mark was an exceptionally talented artist whose creativity found expression in oil paintings of African Wildlife, decorative murals, as well as children and pet portraits. Like his father, he was an avid tennis player, photographer, fisherman, horseman, and he pursued these activities on a family ranch on the Shoshone River near Cody, Wyoming. Mark was a loving and devoted husband, father, son, uncle and friend to many. His positive outlook and generous spirit left a lasting impression on those who knew him.

Mark is survived by his loving wife of 22 years, Stephanie (nee Spence) Howard; children, Alexandra Foss, Samantha Spence, and Hailey Elizabeth; siblings, Howell (Mary Mendenhall) Howard, Lynn (the late James) Hurley, Paul (Antje) Howard, Douglas (Colleen) Howard, and Deeda (fiancé Joe Vertone) Howard; mother Mimi (nee Foss) Howard; nieces, nephews, many cousins and many beloved pets.

He was preceded in death by his father, Howell Howard.

Visitation will be held from 4-8p.m., Sunday, October 26, at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 149 W. Main Street, Barrington, IL 60010.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11a.m., Monday, October 27, at St. Mary’s Parish, 50 N. Buffalo Grove Rd., Buffalo Grove, IL 60089, where there will be a second visitation held one hour prior to the service at church.

Burial will be held privately.

To benefit Mark’s children, donations can be made payable to “Stephanie S. Howard” noting “Children’s College Fund” on the memo line, c/o Tim Philippsen, BMO Harris Bank, 520 Green Bay Road, Winnetka, IL 60093, 847-784-3953 or Orphans of the Storm, www.orphansofthestorm.org.