On January 18, 2010, a beautiful life came to rest. Mark John Yates was born on November 24, 1967. He was here for 42 short years and touched many lives. When he was nine years old, Mark moved from Wisconsin with his family to La Mesa, CA, where he grew up. He graduated magna cum laude from Humboldt University in Eureka, CA 1991. That same year, Mark moved back to San Diego and met his future wife, Jennifer Shelton. In 1992, Jennifer brought Mark to Columbus, IN to meet her family. Mark loved southern California, but when they visited Bloomington, Mark said “I could live here, especially if I worked in that building (the Courthouse)”. Jennifer and Mark married in 1993, and began their family in San Diego. He received his Masters Degree from NewSchool of Architecture in San Diego, and upon graduation began searching for work in the field of architecture, which was his dream since childhood . They moved to Bloomington in 2003. Shortly after moving to Bloomington, Mark began work in the Monroe County Building Department and later the Planning Department (in the Courthouse). In August 2004, Mark was diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia, and in June of 2007, underwent a bone marrow transplant in Seattle,WA. Mark loved art, designing, antiques and nature and was an avid birdwatcher, always making sure the feeders were full. He adored his family and their daughters, Abigail and Sophia and cherished his wife and best friend, Jennifer. Mark never wasted time and was always busy planning his next project. Mark shared his beautiful outlook on life with everyone he came in contact with. He was and remains an inspiration to all. Mark leaves behind his wife, Jennifer, daughters Abigail and Sophia, his mother Shirley Yates, a sister Lisa Coombs (Brandon), two brothers Steve and Matt (Laura) Yates, father -in-law Tom Shelton (Sara), mother-in-law Betsy Hinson (Liston), sister-in-law Amanda Waddle (Rob), his bone marrow donor, blood brother, Michael Jewell, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and wonderful friends. He was preceded in death by his father , John Milton Yates. He stayed in touch sharing his great sense of humor and sensitivity through his CaringBridge.org Web site. Mark created this blog to share his journey in hopes that it would touch the lives of others. He was absolutely successful in the journey of his life. A celebration of Mark’s life is planned for March 21st, in Bloomington – which would have been his and Jennifer’s 17th wedding anniversary, and the beginning of spring which he always looked forward to. Our hopes are that family and friends will gather that day to celebrate the happiness that Mark brought to our lives. It is impossible to express how much he is missed by all. Our love for Mark will never end. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Yates Children Education Fund at Chase Bank in Bloomington, IN, account #2948248253. The Funeral Chapel of Powell and Deckard 3000 E. Third St. Bloomington, IN 47401, is handling the arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.pdcfuneralchapel.com

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