Mark W. Tuthill, 58, of Bent Mountain, took his last ride on Friday, January 18, 2008 when he left his home on Bent Mountain. God's holy angels took Mark to his eternal home because it was time. Mark's warrior spirit had carried him through his courageous war against cancer and the devastating effects of its treatment.

Mark was born in Montclair, New Jersey on June 2, 1949 to the late Ralph W. and Irene McDonnell Tuthill. He was raised in a strong loving Catholic family in Essex Falls, New Jersey. Mark excelled in several sports, but especially ice hockey.

He chose an adventurous path on a Triumph motorcycle that he kept running on effort, prayer and scraps. He worked his way through UNCONN, NJIT, Putney (Vermont) and graduated from San Francisco State University.

After working and traveling arround, he settled in Rockbridge County in the 1990s where he worked as a mechanical engineer. Mark parked his Harley long enough in 2000 to pick up a "riding partner." She gave him farm and home experiences and he showed her the joy of the open road. Mark quickly became the farm "property engineer" building fences and reclaiming pasture land. He and his "riding partner" did it all together. After thousands of miles and countless projects, they got married and made their home together on Bent Mountain. Having the "patience of Job" served him well in life and in work, giving him the ability to stick with a project until it was right. Mark was known as a man of few words and those he spoke were meaningful. One of his greatest joys was encouraging his granddaughter in her school work and sports, especially soccer and skating.

Known for order, simplicity, and creative approaches, Mark could map a route for a trip that included national parks, five star hotels, pig path roads, and mom and pop diners. Mark was never lost; it was just a place he had never seen before. No road was off limits to him, but he remained the patient leader to she who followed. Being a master at crosswords, Sudoku, and map reading, he could busy himself as long as he needed if he had to "wait down the road" for her to catch up.

Mark treasured God's creations with a reverence of the American Indian whose culture he admired. Every sunrise, sunset, power of the ocean, the majesty of the forests and mountains, phases of the moon and courses of the stars and constellations, were ever present wonders to him. All the seasons were a comfort with each to be anticipated as it brought the changes in the weather and the land. Mark lived his life on the principles of fairness, hard work, honesty and freedom with a love for the wind in his face and a deep faith in God.

Remaining family includes his wife, Mary Margaret Hinton Tuthill, who loved him so; a brother, James and his wife, Ann; and their children: Jeff, Lauren and Caroline of Mendham, NJ; a brother, John and his wife, Rebecca, of Keane, NH; an uncle, Robert McDonnell of Point Pleasant, NJ; an aunt, Margaret "Peggy" McDonnell of Caldwell, NJ; several cousins; stepdaughters, Lucinda Mitchell and her husband, Coy and his daughter, Amber of Floyd, Virginia; Elizabeth Steffek and her husband, Steve of Salem; and his granddaughter, of whom he is most proud, Katryna Johanna Hinton Trusty of Salem. Mark's constant companion, Dolly, will miss him beyond words.

Gratitude is expressed to the physicians and staff of the Blue Ridge Cancer Center: the nursing care provided by Debbie McCorkindale and staff was superior. The call nurse, Angie, is a gem. A note of thanks to Maggie and the staff at Carlos Restaurant for all the years of the best seats and the excellent food. Also, we are grateful to Dr. Robert Patten Jr. and Kay. Thanks are given to Pastor David Skole and the congregation of the Christ Lutheran Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to be made to St. Francis of Assisi service dog foundation, 8232 Enon Drive, Roanoke, Virginia or Bent Mountain Fire and Rescue Squad, 9606 Bent Mountain Road, Bent Mountain, Va. 24059 or the Nature Conservancy in the Bottom Creek Gorge area.

A memorial service for family and friends will be held at Christ Lutheran Church at 2 p.m. Wednesday, January 23, 2008 with Pastor David Skole officiating. With each new weather and each change of the season, remembrance will be of Mark. As every other day, I love you and I'll see you later. I know you'll "wait for me down the road."

Arrangements are being handled by the Oakey's South Chapel, 540-989-3131.