Mark Aaron Landoe

Mark Aaron Landoe was born to Jim and Leslie Landoe, January 21st 1980 in Tacoma, Washington; the fourth of five children. Mark spent his formative years in North Tacoma and enjoyed school and playing in the neighborhood with his many friends. Here he participated in the Junior Rose Society, where he first gained his love of roses. This love was fostered by his grandparents, Aletha & Doug Fields who grew prize-winning roses. He spent his teenage years in Puyallup, Washington where he was active in singing in the high school concert choir. He loved his dogs, Daisy & Jack and swinging on the massive rope swing that hung in the yard. His playful personality and joking nature, kept home life light hearted and joyful. He sang everywhere he could get away with it. He liked Harry Connick Jr. music and could croon with the best of them. He developed a love for the guitar and became a prolific guitar player and songwriter. He performed at friend’s weddings and family gatherings. His voice was soothing and comforting. Some of his favorite songs to sing were, “Sweat Pea,” “If I Ain’t Got You,” “Hurricane,” “Mrs. Jensen,” and “Writing this Letter.” His music will be cherished by all who were privileged to hear it. He served an honorable mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the people of the Santiago, Chile mission. It was a difficult and sometimes dangerous mission, where he recounts in one of his missionary letters that he had rocks thrown at him while out doing the Lord’s work. He loved being a missionary despite the challenges. He participated in the Running Start program in high school, which set him on a path to higher education, where he was able to graduate from the University of Washington and pass his CPA exam on the first try. He tried out for American Idol and made it through several auditions until he was asked to sing, “Don’t You Wish Your Girlfriend was Hot Like Me.” That was a no go for him. His love of music was overshadowed only by the love he had for his children. His daughters, Maddie and Marlow Landoe, were his true loves of his life. They had his heart from the moment he saw them and would often be found singing to them and encouraging them to develop their own musical talents. Some of his favorite songs to his children were, “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,” “Baby Beluga,” and the “Mama” song. Mark was a friend and brother to many. He often had no idea the impact of his love on those around him as he willingly served his friends and family without a second thought. As a youth, he could be found roofing a neighbor’s house, or mowing the many widow’s lawns that lived in the senior retirement park next door. Beyond that, he would take the time to listen the widows and their life’s stories, which became inspiration for some of his songs. It wasn’t unusual for his sister to call and find him home baking cookies for members of his church that he regularly visited. He worked for Weyerhaeuser and SuperValu for many years and ended his final work at Multi-Care as a senior accountant. He had dreams and aspirations of starting his own business. Unfortunately, his physical and mental health presented challenges to realizing his dreams. Towards the last few months of his life, he enjoyed the time he spent playing with his daughter Maddie and attending church with his family. He was hopeful that life had more to offer him. He will be missed and loved by many. He is survived by his daughters, Madeline and Marlow Landoe, his parents Jim & Leslie Landoe, his brothers Joel & David Landoe, his sisters Mary Underwood & Shauna Ploeger. He is also survived by his 98 year-old grandfather, Rudy Neuner & his wife Elsie. Not to be missed are his brother-in-laws and his 12 nieces& nephews. They all adored their Uncle Mark. We believe that Mark would want us all to stay close to our families and to find out what we love and do it. Mark your songs will make us yearn to be with you again.