Obituary of Mark Richard Hess

Mark Richard Hess was born on November 4th, 1956 in Memphis, Tennessee to Paul and Janey Hess. He grew up in both Tennessee and Indiana, graduating from West Lafayette High School in 1974. Mark attended Purdue University, where he was a member of the Purdue Glee Club; then traveled to Florida and eventually found his utopia in Oregon; there he finished his undergraduate at U of O in Geography, continuing on to earn his Masters in Urban Planning. Mark moved to Portland and pursued his career as an Urban Planner for The City of West Linn and then Multnomah County Planning Department for many years. Also continuing his love of singing with Portland's Gay Men's Chorus and a number of other performance groups, as well as frequent karaoke hot spots with friends. Mark moved to Sarasota Florida in 1996, where he worked for the City of Sarasota as their Chief Planner for a number of years. He met his partner John Tillery in Sarasota and they both returned to the Portland metro area in 2006. Mark's health took a turn as he battled with cancer his last few years. He passed away in his home on Sept. 29th, 2011. He is remembered by his partner John Tillery, his brother, Paul Taylor Hess and sisters, Cheri Hess Walker, Lydia Hess McClaran and Valjo Sansavero, as well as his many friends and extended family. Mark has touched many people with his generosity, love and extensive intellect in urban planning. He will be missed greatly. In honor of Marks Life there will be a memorial gathering on Sunday, Oct. 9th at 1:30 pm. at the home of Mark and John. 2221 N. Menzies Dr., Portland, OR 97217 - on Hayden Island.