Remembering Mark

Andy Favero Jones

2009-02-05T07:18:00.000-08:00

I remember being at Uncle Mark and Aunt Sheila's house one day and Uncle Mark motioned for us to come here and said he wanted to show us something. He led us to a closet in the hallway and he opened the door and pointed up to a small door in the ceiling. He said, "What do you think that is?". We just looked at him. With a smile on his face and his eyebrows raised, he went on to teach us about the "Ten O'clock Giant" who lived up there. Every night at ten o'clock the giant would come down and if there were any children still up, he would eat them. Maria and Nicole verified the story shaking their heads up and down. The ten o'clock giant still lives today.

I remember each Sunday going over to Grandma and Grandpa's house for dinner. The adults were upstairs visiting and the kids were downstairs doing kid stuff, but Uncle Mark was always in grandpa's chair sitting on the edge with his elbows on his knees intently watching the game.

When I was really little, I remember a story I heard that I thought was really amazing. Uncle Mark had gone to one of the hot spring resorts and while swimming in the pool, lost one of his contacts. Days later, after draining the pool, the resort called him up and said they had found his contact near the drain. I always thought Uncle Mark was really special because something that lucky happened to him.

Later in my life, I was at a Stake Conference general session. Uncle Mark, then the Stake President made a comment that I have not forgotten. He was teaching about the importance of attending your meetings, all of your meetings, that some day in one of those meetings you may hear something that will be pertinent to your eternal salvation and if you weren't there to hear it, you will have missed out and will not have that opportunity again. I have taken that to heart.

Uncle Mark was a fun loving guy who always loved to tease us. I missed out when you all moved to St. George. I wish I could have associated with him and felt his influence more in my life.
I am so sorry that he is gone. I am sorry that you don't have him to enjoy being with. I hope the time will seem to go by quickly until we are all reunited again.

Andy Favero Jones

Ashley McGinnis

2009-01-18T17:52:00.004-08:00

Mrs. Hadley.
im sorry about what happened, and i want you to know that if you need anything at all im always here.i know its hard right now but its life and things go wrong we just have to realize once it happens we cant change it no matter how bad we want to. life will just fall back into place. i really look up to you after i realized something like this happened to you but you still walked into the school with a smile on your face you are an amazing person and i want you to know that you are a hero in my life.:)i hope you and your family will help eachother out and keep your mind on the positive.i will pray for your family. "someday everything will make sense. so for now laugh at the confusion, smile through the tears,and keep reminding yourself everything happens for a reason and the world does'nt stop for anyone."

-ashley mcginnis

Dennis Hadley

2009-01-18T17:52:00.003-08:00

As Mark's older brother, I have many, many remembrances of Mark from the time he was born until the time of his passing. I could share several of those experiences. I could share experiences of the great love that we shared as we grew up together on a small farm in Taylor, Utah. I could share experiences of the usual brotherly arguments that we had. In fact, to this day I have a dark spot on my upper arm where Mark threw a pencil at me that stuck straight in like an arrow. However, I would like to share an experience that I had with Mark rather recently. We were at the Bountiful Temple for the sealing of our son, Jared, to his beautiful wife, Shanee. In a quiet moment after the sealing, Mark said to me, "They say that you know how successful you've been as a parent when you see how your grandkids turn out. Mom and Dad must be feeling pretty successful today seeing another grandchild sealed in the temple. In fact," he said, "all of the grandchildren who are old enough have come to the temple to make sacred covenants. Our parents have reason to be proud." I have thought a lot about that conversation since Anita called to say that Mark had passed away; and I would like to share that conversation with Mark and Sheila's grandchildren. If you want to honor Grandpa Mark, stay clean, keep baptismal covenants, prepare to serve missions and marry in the temple. As you do these things, you will bring honor to Mark and you will make his proud as he sees how successful he and Sheila have been as parents. As each grandchild makes sacred temple covenants, Mark will be proud because you are following in the path that he taught and lived.

Dennis Hadley

Kyrie Chapman

2009-01-11T14:20:00.001-08:00

Dear Mrs Hadley,
We are so sorry to hear about Mark. That's not an easy thing to go through losing a close family member. I went through the exact same situation when I was 8 1/2, my dad had a heart attack from diabetes. And that was really hard on my mom, and my brother and sister. My younger sister and I didn't understand alot for being so young, but we both knew that there were going to be alot of differences not having him around, and that it was going to be tough to get used to. The easiest way for me to handle it, that's helped me through just about everything, was to just remember all the happy things about him, not the sad times when he had been sick, but all the happy memories he brought to us. I know it'll be really hard on quinn, and matt, exspecially sheila, but tell them to hang in there, it won't hurt forever, our loved ones will always hold a special place in our hearts, and we will never forget them. Its been really hard on our family this christmas break too, our family dog, sammy, turned out to be having problems with her kidney's, she was getting to much protein and that caused her to become animic, it broke my heart to see her suffer, but we knew it was time for her to go, and so did the vet, we lived with her for 11 years, and so she was even like a sibling to us. And we had to put her down because she wasn't going to live much longer, so it was the most humane way to do it. And again, going threw that was tough, but thinking about all the silly things she did, makes me happy to know that she's in heaven, and she's not sick anymore, that shes perfect. I know matt too, and sheila, they're really neat people. Matt was my old boss at burger bar, and Sheila is my moms old home teacher. My mom says she'll call sheila and they can go do some fun girl stuff. So I'm sorry about the loss, everything will be okay, not okay cause he's gone, but that when he left, he knew you all loved him very much, and still knows that today. We love you guys!!

Love, Kyrie, and the Chapman Family. P.S. I love that you love Celine Dione, she's my hero!! I love her music. :)
-- -*-kyrie-*-

Ammon (lil plig)

2009-01-10T18:50:00.001-08:00

The first time I met Mark was on the black ridge in St.George in 1985.He was just starting the framing of a home & Sheila was helping him snaplines this concrete floor when I asked him if he was hiring he didn'thesitate, he told me to show up tomorrow. With my bell bottom pants mylong sleeve shirt, I showed up. With it being June in St. george he knewwhere I was from, but I didnt think he knew. I didnt want others to knowthat I was from Short Creek cause I didnt want the police to take meback there. He had seen enough of them around that I just fit that image& He being curious just asked me strait up are you a plig, when I saidyes the nik-name was born "Lil plig". I wasn't offended because from themoment I met him I knew it wasent in his character to offend, I thinkeveryone who knows him knows that. His entire body was full of goodhumor & fun jokes. Even the day he married my wife & I he told me to"always have a good sense of humor throughout your marrage". I thinkthis man has meant more to me than anybody ever will in my life time. Iloved him like he was my dad. I spent many years working with him. Hebaptised me into this church & confermed me. He invited me to a youthactivity where I met my wife to be. Later when he married us he asked mehow does it feel to choose who you can marry? I told him I felt mychoice was right. He said but here in the real world you can only chooseone (wife). How can you put Work, Family time, Base ball, Scriptureknowledge, Hunting, Jokes, many many one linners, & Grand kids into onemans brain is mind boggling, "He will never be duplicated". Nicole & Ilove you Sheila, Maria, Nicole, Anita, Quinn, Matt & your families. Ihave many more stories about mark, we'll talk some other time.

love your brother & friend,
Ammon (Lil plig), Nicole, Kiersten, Kylee, Kiara, Kloe

Taylor Buchanan

2009-01-09T13:05:00.000-08:00

hey Mrs. Hadley

I'm very sorry to hear about wat happen i hope that ur doing okay, and can't wait to see you back :)

love, Taylor buchanan

Ross and Betty Rae Bishop

2009-01-09T13:04:00.000-08:00

Dear Hadley Family,

Ross and I have very fond memories of Bishop/President Hadley. First of all, he was our Bishop until he was called as the Stake President. I remember having such mixed feelings when he was called as the Stake President because he had been such a good Bishop and we would miss him so much. But we enjoyed him as our Stake President so much and he was so good and kind to us. I remember being upset over some things that had been said during the week after it had been announced that Bishop Hill would be released and Ross had been called. You know how you have to not say anything and many insensitive people make it very difficult for you. Anyway, I went over to President Hadley's house -not a very considerate thing for me to do - I should have made an appointment - but he was so kind and gracious and took time right then to listen to me and put my mind at ease. I'll always appreciate him for that. We will all miss Mark but we can feel the peace that has accompanied your family. You have great faith and you will be blessed and will continue to be blessed because of your dedication and devotion to the gospel

Love, Ross and Betty Rae Bishop

Todd Barrow

2009-01-09T13:03:00.000-08:00

Dear Hadley Family,

I am so sorry to hear of Mark's passing. What a great, great man! I remember what a great time we all had as Preists in the Taylor 1st ward. So many memories - The rabbit hunts, the snow mobile trips, the Havasu trip and who can forget all the practical jokes! What a great example Mark was as a Bishop, and as a friend! What an honor and blessing to have known him.God bless you all, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

-Todd Barrow

Diane L. Baker

2009-01-09T13:02:00.000-08:00

Dear Sheila and Family,

I was so sorry to hear about Mark's death. It was such a shock. I remember Mark as out Bishop and Stake President. He was a very good man. I went to your blog site and saw those wonderful pictures of your family. It is so great that you were all able to be together for such a moment. I don't have a special moment like all of the other people, but I do remember him being a great man, so I sure that he was just as great a husband and father. You have a beautiful family to proof it.

Love, Diane L. Baker

The Miracle of the Family Pictures

2009-01-07T17:29:00.000-08:00

As you share your stories of Mark with us, we'd like to share a few of our miracles with you. Just weeks ago, the day before Thanksgiving 2008, against all odds, we were able to gather everyone for these family pictures. It was raining all day and we even cancelled the pictures a few hours earlier thinking another day would be better. But something told us to get them done come rain or shine so we called the photographer back and wrangled the troops. As we stood together for the family photos above, the rain stopped just for a minute, the sun gleamed, and for a moment we were able to capture this last glimpse of us together.

This one (below) is perfect. Mark just smiled and enjoyed every moments of his restless grandkids not cooperating with our visions of a glorious grand kid picture. He seemed so happy, so content. I remember thinking how calm he was and proud he looked to be in the middle of all the action.

We were done, finished, packed up and ready to go when I thought I would impose upon the photographer for one last shot (below). It was last minute really. Everyone had started walking back to the cars. I was thinking I shouldn't have asked because we had already kept the photographer so long, but I couldn't help it. This last idea is the most priceless photograph we have now. Mark and Sheila were "looking back" at everyone of us one last time when this was taken (we were all standing behind the photographer). We were laughing and smiling at them and I was thinking of how much they loved eachother and enjoyed eachothers company. At this moment I was loving watching them together and was taken aback by their genuine happiness just in being together. There were issues and problems all around us, but when they turned around, I didn't see any of it. Every eye was on them, every face was smiling at them, every heart heart was touched by them. I am so grateful we have this moment to last us forever.

We have felt many such tender mercies on our behalf this week and pray for them to continue. It is becomming difficult to take the first steps back into life not only because we do them with out Mark here, but because we feel the angels that have held us, sheltered us, and attended to us, pulling slowly away as we enter the world again.

It has helped so much to have your prayers. We feel them, we need them, and we need you. Continue to send your stories of Mark. Thank you all for your support.

Jake and Jacey Leany

2009-01-07T16:57:00.001-08:00

You are most definitely in our thoughts and prayers.So sorry for your loss... that is heart breaking.

Bonnie (Ellis) and Joe Slater

2009-01-07T16:56:00.002-08:00

Hi Quinn.
We are so very sorry about your dad. I can't imagine what you and your family are going through right now. We're thinking and praying for you. I just love your dad. Hang in there.
Love, Bonnie (Ellis) and Joe Slater

Wendy and Rich Winget

2009-01-07T16:56:00.001-08:00

Dear Quinn
Holly told us this morning the sad news about your Dad passing. Please know we are keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
We love you,
Wendy and Rich Winget

Katie from Australia

2009-01-07T16:55:00.002-08:00

Nic, I am so sorry to hear that happened. I was in shock when I read the obituary and realized it was Quinns father!! Our thoughts and prayers are definitely with you!!

Erika Loveland

2009-01-07T16:55:00.001-08:00

My mom told me last night. I am so sorry! You will be in our prayers.

Amy and Dan Earnstrom

2009-01-07T16:54:00.000-08:00

We love you all so much! You are all in our prayers and thoughts. Please let us know if there is anything we can do.
Love Amy & Dan

Ciara McClean

2009-01-07T16:53:00.002-08:00

Quinn and NicoleI am so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you and your family. We love you and miss you.
LoveCiara

Mindi Redd

2009-01-07T16:53:00.001-08:00

That is so very sad, and of course you, Quinn and his family will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Adrian and Jane Musters

2009-01-07T16:52:00.001-08:00

Quinn,
Tara Orrock called me last night and gave me the news about your dad. I am so so sorry. I don't really know what to say other than You and Sheila and the rest of your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. I can only imagine how hard this is for your family. I just pray that you will be given some peace, comfort and understanding. Let me know if you need anything at all.
Jane

Kevin and Jan Roberts

2009-01-07T16:30:00.001-08:00

May we express our appreciation to you as friends and neighbors as well as our sympathy for your loss. Mark has been a wonderful friend and mentor to me. He is and powerful example of a Christ like man. When he was called to serve he did so without seeking any recognition to himself. He was such an example of a person who loved life and loved his family. He was always good for a laugh. Luckily I was never one of his targets, but he could also call upon God for answers to problems in the Ward or Stake. We now look forward to the opportunity to see him again.Our prayers and thoughts are with you.

Kevin and Jan Roberts

Sarah Sinks

2009-01-07T09:45:00.000-08:00

Hi Nicole,

I am SOOO sorry to hear about Quin's dad. My prayers are with you and your family. My uncle died the same way at 60, it was like our world flipped upside down. If there is anything I can do for you let me know. Consider yourself hugged.

I hope you an Quin are doing alright, and again let me know if I can help you out at all.

Sarah

Kami

2009-01-07T09:35:00.000-08:00

Mark was such a nice guy! I knew him from State Bank. We ate at Burger Bar all the time of course. He will definately be missed at the bank!

-Kami

Monica, Jake and Adelaide Thoma

2009-01-07T09:30:00.000-08:00

Uncle Mark was great! He was always telling a funny story, joke or playing a practical joke on someone. What a life filled with laughs. He always had a nickname for every one and made that person feel so special. He was always either working hard or playing hard. We will miss him very much. To our cousins and their families and especially to Aunt Sheila, we love you and are praying for the spirit to be with you always.

Monica, Jake and Adelaide Thoma

Francisco Ruiz

2009-01-07T09:29:00.000-08:00

I am sorry to hear of the passing of President Hadley. Back in 1995 under his recommendation I was called to be a Bishop for the then Spanish-speaking branch here in Ogden. Unfortunately the branch became a ward and we were then transferred to another stake within the city of Ogden. I remember being so scared and feeling unfit for the calling presented during our interview, however Pres. Hadley uplifted me with his great spirit and assured me of the wonderful blessings to come from serving in the church. Prior to our branch being turned to a ward and leaving the stake, we in the branch always felt the support and kind concern from President Hadley. I know of many people who loved him and the many of the members of the stake who under his direction always came to support the branch in its activities and needs. In many ocassions he helped the many Hispanic members of our branch. Thank you for sharing him with the rest of us. I for one will remember his kindness, friendship and support.
Sincerely,
Francisco Ruiz
International Armoring Corporation

Victor and Cindy Layton

2009-01-07T09:27:00.000-08:00

Dear Sheila and family,

We were so surprised and sorry to hear the news of Mark's passing. We want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. I always remember him as a kind and loving man and enjoyed the time around him when we were at family gatherings or the few years we played softball together in Ogden and Roy. He will be missed,Our Love and prayers are with you and your family at this time.

Your cousin - Victor and Cindy Layton

Randy K. Chambers

2009-01-07T09:26:00.001-08:00

To Mark's Family;I literally wept last evening when I saw Mark's picture in a section of the paper I look to see if I am there every evening. Even know, I find it hard to keep my composure at work as I write this.I vaguely remember playing Baseball against Mark and Ron Moyes and some Plain City thugs back in the 6th grade. I don't remember where Mark played, I just remember that he had cool hair, and they always beat us soundly. Mark was a year older than me at Wahlquist Jr. High and Weber High School and I always remember looking up to him because he was always so nice to me. He was a very good athlete, yet he was always a gentleman.When I was a Junior, he was a member of the Elite 'Bouncers' club. I remember always being afraid to say 'hell-o' to any upper classman, yet Mark somehow knew my name and would always say 'Hi' back to me.I always thought Mark had the greatest hair ever.I could never figure out why his friends called him "Mook" or something like that. Sheila, if you know, please let me know as it will now drive me crazy until I meet him again.The last time I saw Mark was at a WHS Alumni game 10 plus years ago. The Class of '67 against the Class of '68. Mark was still very fit and had the same great hair. He was dribbling down the court by the west bleachers and I thought maybe I could steal the ball. I lunged at the ball, skidded out of bounds empty handed and crashed into the bleachers. Mark was still dribbling the ball, laughing too hard to keep going and just looked down at me and said "Chambers, what the H____"! He then passed the ball to Mike McMickell and still laughing helped me up. I consider Mark a true friend, and I am so very sorry for the great times you will miss with him, BUT, I do testify that I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you will have your Eternity Together.May God Bless you all.I am so very sorry, yet I am so proud of Mark's life serving our Savior and taking care of his Family.
Randy K. Chambers
Construction Manager
R. Ray Ward Construction

Max and Connie Staker

2009-01-07T09:23:00.002-08:00

Dear Hadley family,
We wanted to send a few thoughts about Mark. When we heard about Mark's untimley passing, we were both shocked and saddened.
We felt that he was a special friend of our family.
We thought that he was a wonderful Bishop and Stake President. He was always thoughtful and caring and we enjoyed his sense of humor.
We appreciate the guidance and advice that he gave to our children during their teen years.
We always enjoyed his talks, with his whit and wisdom.
We always admired your wonderful family. You was a shinning example of what an L.D.S. family should be like. We want you to know that our thoughts and prayers will be with you. May the Lord give you the strength and comfort to carry on. We send our love,

Max and Connie Staker

From Heidi Cook Garrick

2009-01-04T23:04:00.000-08:00

Dear Hadley Family,

This is Heidi Cook (Garrick). It has been a long time. Hopefully you remember me. My mom called me earlier this evening and told me about Mark's passing. I am was so sad to hear of your loss. I was in St. George today and would have stayed for the funeral, but my mom didn't read the paper til tonight and I had already left to come home (Riverton, UT). We both felt so bad that we missed the opportunity to attend the funeral and see all of you. We want you all to know that we are thinking of you and praying for you at this difficult time. I have some very special memories of your family and Mark. I came up to Ogden to stay with you many, many years ago, but I still remember it and all the fun I had. Mark used to always say, "Heidi, Heidi" when he would see me. We still laugh about that. He was always so kind to me and made me feel welcome in your home. I feel bad that Anita and I didn't keep in better touch over the years. Anita, I would love to hear from you! Email me sometime. I was so excited to see the picture of your family on the blogspot. You all look great! I wish I could have seen you all. My mom wanted me to let you know that she sends her love and is sorry for missing the funeral. Again, I am sorry for your loss and want you to know that I am thinking of you. Heidi

Obituary

2009-01-03T17:28:00.000-08:00

Mark James Hadley 59, passed away quickly on January 2, 2009, in St. George, Utah of complications due to a heart attack. He was born June 1, 1949, in Ogden, Utah to Eldon and Wreatha Vaurine Bingham Hadley. He married his kindergarten sweetheart, Sheila Favero, on October 14, 1970, in the Salt Lake Temple for time and all eternity.
Dad was most happy at home next to Mom, the love of his life. The two of them were together more than they were apart. Dad always had a joke for everything and every situation. He said laughter was the best medicine.
He served honorably for 2 years in the Great Lakes LDS Mission. He loved the Lord and His church. Dad has served faithfully in many church callings and will continue to do so. His church service callings include: Scout Master, Young Men’s leadership, Elders Quorum, High Priest Group Leadership, Bishop, Stake President, and Temple Veil worker. On Sunday, December 28, he commented that he had fulfilled the measure of his creation because he was released from his most recent calling as a Sunday School President in the Santa Clara 12th ward.
Dad attended Weber High School and Weber State College in Ogden, Utah. He loved farming and enjoyed his life’s work as a general contractor. Later in life he embarked on the adventure of being a restaurant owner in sunny St. George. He loved living among the red rock and blue sky and could never quite get the red sand out of his shoes.
Dad’s passion in life was baseball; he finally gets to see if there is baseball in heaven. He loved hunting and golf, being outdoors with his boys, and gathering his family together.
Mom and all of us are his best friends and he was always concerned about our well being above his own. He looked forward to the times we could all be together no matter where that was. The game is not over; it has just gone into extra innings.
He is survived by his wife Sheila, five children: Maria (Ryan) Johnson, Nicole (Dak) Maxfield, both of Ogden, Utah, Anita (Dennis) Adams of Richland, Washington, Quinn (Nicole) Hadley, and Matt (Meree) Hadley, both of St. George, Utah, 14 grandchildren, and two brothers: Dennis (Lana) Hadley and Blake (Julie) Hadley, both of Ogden, Utah, and thousands of others that have been touched by his life. He left an example and a legacy for many.
A gathering for friends and family will be held on Sunday, January 4, from 5-7 pm at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 W St. George Blvd. Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, January 6th at 11:00 am at the Ogden Utah West Stake Center, 2200 S 4300 W. Another gathering for friends and family will be held Monday January 5th from 6-8 pm and Tuesday January 6th from 9:30-10:30 prior to the services in Ogden. The interment will be held at the West Weber Cemetery under the direction of Metcalf Mortuary. Condolenses may be sent via the mortuary website: desk@metcalfmortuary.com. A blog has also been set up to share memories of his life: rememberingmark.blogspot.com.
In lieu of flowers Mom would like donations to be made to the Remembering Mark fund at America First Credit Union for the purposes of supporting his ten grandsons’ missions.

From Jerome Murray

2009-01-03T17:23:00.001-08:00

As I drove home January 2 from St. George I received some terrible news. That is, one of very best friends' dad ,Mark Hadley, had passed away. After the shock set in I immediately began to think about all the time I had spent with Mark. I have many memories and a lot of jokes, but I chose only to share this one story with all of you. As you know baseball is just about the greatest invention this world had to offer Mark. At least that is my perception of President Hadley. Quinn and I and about all of our childhood friends were on a baseball team. Mark was the coach and I had to be nine or ten years old at the time. Our team was Ok as I remember, but not as good as we would be in the near future. Mark was our coach and spent countless hours teaching us the fundamentals of this game that he so loved. I think that Mark had also just been made the Steak President of our Steak. So one hot afternoon we were at a ball park in Roy and I don't think we were winning this particular game. In fact, I think we were loosing to bunch of kids we should have been whipping. It was my time to bat and I remember that I had not gotten a hit yet this game and I was frustrated about it. So, as I walk up to the plate I saw the third base coach walking toward me. As I waited there I thought to myself that this needed to be a good at-bat for us to have a chance to win this game. Mark stood next to me and said "OK Murr, you haven't got a hit yet this game so this is what I want you to do." He had my full attention. "You swing as hard as you can at the first pitch and then YOU RUN LIKE HELL!" I tried to act calm, but in my mind my coach and my Steak President just swore in front of me for the first time. He said, "Can you do that?" I think that I just shook my head and went back to the plate. So I did what he said. The pitch came and I swung with all I had, put my head down and ran as hard and as fast as I thought I could. I made to first, save. I don't remember if we won the game but one thing I can't and never will forget are those words RUN LIKE HELL! As I think about the days when my kids will play ball that will be one of the many things I take from Mark. I will encourage them to RUN LIKE HELL. THis advice help me to give my best in sports and in my life.I will never forget You Mark. I pray that you family will be strong and find comfort in the things you tried to teach them. You will be missed. Thank you. Coach, President, Boss, Friend.Love,Jerome, Hailee, and Whitlee Murray

Mark Hadley

2009-01-03T09:32:00.000-08:00

Yesturday, on January 2nd, 2009, Mark James Hadley died of complications after having a heart attack. We would like to use this blog to create a living and growing memory of him and the legacy he left. Please leave comments and email your memories, thoughts, and feelings of Mark here so that we might keep him with us forever.