Mark Alexander Southard

1943-2018

Mark Alexander Southard was born Nov. 6, 1943 in Littleton, New Hampshire. He was the youngest of three brothers. Mark had a love for skiing and was an accomplished ski racer by the time he was 10. His love for the outdoors continued into his adult life when he was a ski patroller during the winter and the craftsman of beautiful homes in the summer time. He graduated from Franconia College in the spring of 1965 and welcomed his first daughter, Stephanie, the same year. His daughter, Hannah, was born four years later.

Mark moved to Whitefish in 1983 where he continued to work as a ski patroller at Big Mountain and also continued his carpentry career. In 1989, Mark became the proud owner of Alpine Touch Spices. In 1993, Mark moved Alpine Touch to Choteau, Montana, where he and his wife, Vicki, ran the business until they sold it and retired on Dec. 31, 2012.

Affectionately known as “Mr. Spice,” Mark loved Choteau and was a member of the Choteau Country Club. He and Vicki also enjoyed traveling to Laughlin, Nevada, Orlando Florida, Deadwood, South Dakota, Cabo San Lucas and visiting friends and family in New England.

During the last four years, Mark and Vicki have persevered through health issues valiantly, Mark left this place surrounded by his wife and daughters Feb. 25, 2018, and is now joined by an army of loved ones both human and furry.

He was preceded in death by his parents Margaret and Elmer, his brother John (wife Mary) and his grandson, Asher.

He is survived by his wife, Vicki, her children Jeff Belway (wife Ale), Marnie Davidson (husband Troy), his daughters Stephanie Allen (husband Vince) of Crested Butte, Colorado, Hannah Roque (husband Raul) of Winter Garden, Florida, brother Jim Southard (wife Sally) of Peterborough, New Hampshire. Mark was grandfather to Elsa, Alden, Erika, Cristina, Brett, Sean and Justin. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Rod Larson, Seattle Washington, Colin Larson (wife Linda), Victoria British Columbia, Dave Larson (wife Piera), Cabo San Lucas, and Jane Bridgett (husband Bill) Calgary, Alberta.

Mark loved his furry family and is joining Sadie, Putter, Bunky, Woody and many others in his new home. In lieu of flowers, Mark’s family requests donations be made to Bright Eyes Animal Shelter of Choteau.

A celebration of Mark’s life will be held this summer in Choteau. Arrangements are in the care of Gorder Jensen Funeral Home of Choteau.

Condolences may be left at www.gorderjensenfuneralhome.com.