22 Jun Mark Olsen Sloan

September 13, 1962 to June 8, 2023

Mark Olsen Sloan died peacefully on June 8, 2023, after a protracted illness. Mark was born September 13, 1962, in Salt Lake City. He came into this world with limits that few understood and lived through trauma that few could survive. He was adopted at birth by Scott and LaRue Sloan, who loved and supported him throughout his life. Scott and LaRue were told Mark would never graduate from high school or read with any proficiency. Through grit and determination, his mother helped Mark defy those odds. He graduated from East High School and was a voracious reader of the technical magazines and mechanical catalogs that were his passion.

Mark was a walking encyclopedia of fast cars and engines. His home was filled with work benches and tools that he used on a myriad of projects. He found joy working on his Chevy Chevelle, building and rebuilding his remote-control truck, and riding his bike. He also loved the F-1 car racing video game and rebuilt his video game racing seat to fit his 6-foot-5 frame. 

Mark had a spectacular memory, often startling his family with remembrances of what “used to be on this corner” or who “used to work there.” His memory also could be a sad burden, since he lived through many experiences that we know he would have preferred to forget. He centered himself by focusing on memories of celebrations with family, childhood boating at Pineview reservoir, riding his Tote-Gote and time with his former-wife, Nancy, whom he loved dearly.

Mark left a legacy of unconditional love. Despite his sometimes-prickly way with people—he desperately wanted friends and would freely open his house and share his resources with others.  He loved his family and taught them what real loves means — it is work and continual forgiveness — and can be as exasperating and inconvenient as it is rewarding. 

Mark consistently defied predictions of his future, even after enduring significant setbacks, including time spent in prison for non-violent offenses. After receiving a terminal diagnosis with a life expectancy of not more than 3 years, Mark stated “I just want to be strong enough to ride my bike and feel that freedom.” Thanks to compassionate caregivers, he lived that dream for eight more years.  The family would like to thank Diana Roberts, Steve Sine, and Rex and Cathy Carroll for being persistent advocates for Mark, and for looking past his disappointment and aggression to get to know the charming, interesting, and caring person he often was. They made a huge difference in his life and were extraordinary resources for his siblings.

Mark is survived by his brother Brent Sloan (and Shauna); sister Holly Sloan (and Colby Smith); birth-mother Barbara Thornton, who found Mark more than 30 years ago and has remained steadfast through many ups and downs; nieces and nephews Scott (and Sarah), Chelsea (and Jeff), Sierra (and Jake), Brighton, Summer (and Aaron), Sasha and Weston. Mark mostly observed his nieces and nephews from afar, often intimidated by their successes, but he was in awe and felt pride to be part of such a fun and accomplished extended family. We all learned much about ourselves from Mark, including how to be more compassionate and less judgmental. 

Mark’s symbol was the eagle – representing freedom that too often eluded him. Now he is free and soaring.