Mark Adam Whitaker (51) of Saratoga Springs, Utah passed away on Saturday, January 25, 2025. He had spent the preceding days in the company of many loved family and friends while he was hospitalized.

Mark was born in Anchorage, Alaska on December 28, 1973 and in that frontier inherited an adventurous spirit. He was the third child in a family of six children. His family moved to Gallup, New Mexico in 1977 where he lived through the rest of his childhood. His home became a small wildlife park to all the critters he would find and bring home such as horny toads, snakes, tadpoles, turtles, rabbits, and his cat Rascal, better known as "The Luh." As a mischievous kid who loved a good joke, he was a challenge for his parents, who now marvel at the person he matured into.

After graduating from Gallup High School in May 1992, Mark moved to Provo, UT to attend Brigham Young University. He served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Denver, Colorado South from 1993-1995.

Shortly after returning from his mission, he reconnected with Erin Sullivan, whose family had lived down the road from his in Gallup when they were kids. She was beginning her freshman year at BYU in 1995, the same semester he returned from his mission. The two of them instantly formed a strong friendship there. Later, they began dating, fell head-over-heels in love, and they married on August 15, 1997 in the Mount Timpanogos Temple. They graduated from Brigham Young University together in April 1999.

During their marriage, Mark and Erin lived in Provo, American Fork, Lehi and ultimately settled in Saratoga Springs, where they have lived for almost 20 years. Mark and Erin welcomed four sons of whom he is endlessly proud. He was first and foremost a devoted husband and father. He loved his wife and boys fiercely. They loved and laughed and played, learning and growing together as a family.

As a lifelong educator, Mark began his career as a middle school science teacher in the Alpine School District. He was the boys Track Coach and Student Council Advisor, in addition to being an engaging classroom teacher. In August 2003 he earned his Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from Brigham Young University and began his first position as a school administrator at West Hills Middle School. He later transferred back to Alpine School District where he was an assistant principal for two years before becoming the principal at Mountain Ridge Junior High (2008-2018) and Lake Mountain Middle School (2018-2024). Mark started his dream job in July 2024 as the Director of Secondary Curriculum for the Alpine School District. He was an exceptional school leader, and during the course of his career he was recognized with a variety of distinguished awards.

An avid lover of animals and the outdoors, Mark was an enthusiastic fisherman and hunter from a young age. He received his first bow when he was about 10 years old and would practice shooting targets in the backyard of his childhood home. He shared his passion for these pursuits with many of his friends and loved to tell the stories of his adventures, mishaps, and successes. During his time as a member of the bishopric in his ward, he was also able to share adventures with youth in his congregation.

Mark is well known for his gift in telling a good story and his ability to build anticipation and get a hearty laugh in response. He was also an attentive listener and had a unique ability to find a way to get to know and connect with just about anyone he met. Mark was surrounded by his circle of family and life-long friends who treasured their time with him.

Mark is survived by his wife Erin (Sullivan) Whitaker and children Everett, Reece, Tait, and Camden; his parents Joe and Judy Whitaker; and siblings Dan (Jennifer) Whitaker, Brian (Kim) Whitaker, Robyn (Scott) Dunn, Kevin (Jill) Whitaker, and Kate (Kin) Smith.

A visitation to honor and remember Mark, and to offer condolences to the family will be held on Friday, January 31, 2025 from 6:00-8:00 pm at the Saratoga Hills Stake Center, at 776 W. Lighthouse Drive, Saratoga Springs, 84045. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at 11:00 am at the same location and can also be viewed online at https://zoom.us/j/92748701068.