Mark David Annas passed away at Raleigh, NC on April 29, 2016 at 12:15 in the morning at the age of 61.
Mark was born August 30, 1954 in Helena MT. He graduated from Helena High in 1972 and went on to earn a BS in Psychology and Education from University of Montana in 1981. He earned his Masters of Social Work from University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. He worked as a Social Worker for the Department of Veteran Affairs. Mark enjoyed racket ball, hiking, skiing, and bicycling.
Mark is predeceased by his parents Samuel and Doris Annas, his sisters Linda Heyes, Pamela Annas, and brother Steven Annas.
Mark is survived by his loving wife Nanette Annas. They were married in Twin Falls, ID on June 28, 2003.
Mark is lovingly remembered by his daughter, Kaela Cappelano, son-in-law, Colin Cappelano, grandson, Jasper Cappelano all of Raleigh, NC; his sisters, Karen Annas of Helena, MT and Vicki Annas-Salcido of Tucson, AZ and his nephew, Michael Stoyanoff of Helena, MT.
A Funeral Mass will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 13, 2016 at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, 1502 Shirley Road in the Helena Valley. A reception will follow in the social center of the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Mark’s name may be made to Adventure Cycling, 150 East Pines Street Missoula, Montana 59806.
To offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Mark please visit below.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Friday May 13, 2016
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Immediately following the Funeral Mass
Friday May 13, 2016
Social Center of the church
1502 Shirley Road
Helena, Montana 59602
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Diane Pedersen says
To Marks family,
I was sorry to learn that Mark passed away. We were classmates and friends through grade school and middle school. At 61 he was way to young to die. My sympathy to his family at this difficult time. Diane Richter Pedersen, Helena Montana (Class of 1972)
Jim Wing says
Sparky (Mark) is a true friend. I am very proud and fortunate in to have had such a friend. As the saying goes “only the good die young ” and that is certainly true with Mark. I’m thankful I was able to spend a few days with my pardner and his family in NC a few weeks ago until we meet again. Thanks for the good times, Buddy!
Veronica Wing says
We are going to miss you, Mark…You have been a dear and constant friend. Thank you for being our son’s wonderful Godfather and for being a part of all of the major events in both of our kids’ (Mark and Lauren) lives. We will never forget you…we love you. ~Bon
Sean Clark says
Mark is a wonderful human being, caring, thoughtful, compassionate, and many other outstanding qualities that we should all hope to have just a few of. I will miss Mark and hope that all of his family and friends can find peace and are able to always remember the good times when they think of Mark. God Speed Mark
Becky Petrashek says
I always enjoyed Mark’s visits to The Kalispell VA. Mark was one of those special people that instantly made you feel comfortable. He was always very considerate and caring. My life is richer for knowing Mark. My thoughts are with you.
John E. Andrew says
Like many of Mark’s friends I was fortunate to meet him in grade school, share adventures with him in high school and at the University of Montana. He kept in touch through class reunions and through the years making the long drive from Idaho to appear at various functions in Helena. I thought Helena was again blessed when he and Nanette moved back to work and look after family and I was lucky to find a cycling partner to chat with on the occasional ride. Mark was the best of the best, he won’t be forgotten by his many friends.
Julie Massaro says
Nanette,
I am so sorry for your loss. I miss saying “Hi Neighbor” to you and Mark and was saddened when I read that he had passed away. My prayers are with you.
John Patrick says
Mark was such an honest and caring man. He was so interested in what other people had to say, even the gibberish. Always an analytical and entertaining person to be with, his smile and sense of humor lit up the world around him. We have so many great memories and I know that we will share them with each other over the coming weeks and months. I will add Disc Golf to the list of sports which he enjoyed. He threw with amazing distance and accuracy and calm competitiveness, particularly during his Beaker Championship duals with nephew Michael.
Becky Foster says
Oh, Sparky! I am so sorry to hear you have left us. You were such a joy to know and even though I hadn’t seen you in ages, your sweetness and light will always stay in my mind. Happy trails, dear friend.
Marilyn Kelly-Clark says
I remember many great conversations with Mark in the basement coffee house of the Episcopal church behind Hill Park back in our high school days. I have not seen him in many years, but have never forgotten him. He was a sweet and caring soul. Prayers to his wife and family; he is gone much too soon.
Judy Baker says
I don’t remember a time when seeing Mark that he wasn’t smiling; that sweet attentive and meaningful smile that was Mark’s alone. He was a thoughtful and tender friend and I never think of him without smiling myself. I, along with many, many others will miss him dearly. But I will certainly not forget him.
Judy Harris Baker (class of ’72)
Bob Liston says
This is such a loss to Mark’s family, friends, and people he has worked with. He is one of a handful of people I have known that seem to immediately accept someone with unconditional respect. He is incredibly kind, thoughtful and cares about the things that really matter. When we reconnected with Mark, and met Nanette, a few years ago, it was like there had not been a thirty + year gap. I have always considered Mark a dear friend and there is a gap in the universe with his absence. My deepest condolences to Nanette and all family members.
Guy Gertsch says
Though I was just in Helena for three years, my time at Fort Harrison was embellished by knowing of your kindness and helpfulness. I will always remember you for these traits, and the gentleness with which you administered them, Truly Mark, you remain one of the finest men I have ever known.
Guy Gertsch says
Although I left Helena two years ago, my several years there were filled with many fond memories of the people I worked with at the Veteran’s Hospital at Fort Harrison. I will always cherish the memories of your tutelage and the graciousness with which they were administered. The short of all of this Mark, is that I will always consider you to be one of the finest men I have ever known.
Tim McKeever says
I met Mark in 1966. I was working my first job as a substitute carrier for the Independent record. My “boss” Jeff Schuller introduced us as we waited for our stacks in front of the Wise Penney. Everyone called him Sparky back then too. Being a Catholic School kid, working around those “groovy cats” from public school was a real treat. Sparky was the grooviest! Later, we roomed together in an apartment on Highland just off Davis Gulch. Mark was a truly kind and empathetic person. All from the heart. He also had a wicked funny sense of humor. When we were roomies, Spence Burnham (RIP), was selling a car, and for some reason used our phone number as the point of contact. The first night, we got a call and Sparky unleashed one of the funniest sales pitches I have ever heard. We thought it was from someone put up by Spence to make sure we gave all of the particulars of the car (later confirmed), but boy did Sparky lay it on! We both laughed until we were crying!! I have often thought about that over the years. Adios, my old friend! I will always remember you!
Cynthia Wilder says
We are so deeply sorry Nanette, Kaela, little Jasper, Vicki, Karen & Michael! Our hearts are breaking over the passing of our special, amazing cousin Mark! Mark was such a gentle soul and we have such precious memories we will cherish. “Sparky” was one of a kind and one of the nicest guys one could ever meet. May God Be With ALL of you and comfort you in your time of deep sorrow. Lots of love & hugs, The Wilder’s (Cindy, Scott, Tamara, Shawna, Cannon & Kane)
Morgan Maynard says
Mark!!! Not fair at all! I ll never ever forget the bike ride you, Corrie and I took to Canada. I asked Corrie, “why do u call him, Sparky?” As we helped him get out of his sleeping bag, roll up his tent, get his coffee going, put toothpaste on his brush…. Corrie said, “You’ll figure it out.” Miss u Buddy.
Doug Kasman says
One of the good guys is no longer with us. RIP dear friend.
Lisa Bigby says
We are so glad we got to know Mark…He was very friendly from the first day we met…He always had a smile on his face like nothing ever bothered him…Mark always to my husband and I that we would beat the odds and to remain positive…We are still in total shock to hear of your passing and you will be Truly Missed.
Sally Neal says
I was so sorry to hear about Mark. We were classmates in junior high and high school and Mark was a kind, fun-loving friend to so many. Rest in Peace.
Sally Kranich Neal (class of 1972)
Heidi youmans says
Word of Mark’s death came as sad and shocking news to us. He was a fine and caring man…. A pleasure to know…. The kind of person who made the world a better place. He will be keenly missed and per preceding comments, he will also be fondly remembered by many. We admired his attentiveness and kindness to Doris (his mom/our neighbor) and we will remember humorous stories he told us about growing up in the ‘hood. Our heartfelt condolences to you, Nanette, and to the rest of the family.
Steve Spaulding says
I was lucky enough to know Mark from grade school. He made us all happier people , with his smile and genuine interest in everyone. Let us all remember the good times we had with Mark aka Sparky.
Scott Nelson says
Sad you’re gone Mark. But now you’re riding the best bike on the best trail for just the longest time…
Bill Campbell says
I had the honor and pleasure to work with Mark during part of his time in Twin Falls, ID, and we also developed a friendship (as he did with so many). Other than connecting once at a retirement of mutual colleague of ours in 2010, I didn’t see Mark after he went back home to Helena in 2007 or 08. Sadly, I lost touch with him (wish I hadn’t), however, I appreciate the times we were able to connect over coffee, on a golf course once, a Thanksgiving dinner. Precious memories. My heartfelt condolences to Nanette, Kaela, and the rest of his family.
Jim & Nikki Kern says
We are shocked to learn of Mark’s passing! He was always so cheerful, optimistic and funny. Loved his cigars during a good game of poker. During his time in Twin Falls, our daughters became best friends. We cared so much for his family! He will truly be missed on earth but we know he will never leave our hearts! Our condolences to his family!
Carolyn Pelletier says
Karen Annas and Family – I am so sorry to read of Mark’s passing. What a shock! Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I know he will be deeply missed by his family and friends. I am sure there are many wonderful memories to help you all through this difficult time. My deepest sympathy.