Mark Orme was born on July 6th, 1962 to Myrna and William (Bill) Orme in Tacoma, Washing. He spent the early years of his childhood in Bellingham before he and his family eventually moved to Leone, American Samoa and later to Anchorage, Alaska. After graduating from Dimond High School in 1980, he attended Western Washington University and the University of Chicago for graduate school. He then moved to Seattle to work as a chemist in the pharma/biotech industry, and met the love of his life, Stephanie Belgel-Orme.
Mark loved and cared for his family above all. He is survived by his wife, Stephanie, three daughters, Chenoa, Sara, and Tessa, and sister, Natasha.
Mark was a passionate and dedicated scientist with a vision in pharmaceutical development. He was a talented leader and brought an enthusiastic and creative approach to his work through his breath of experience. He found nothing more rewarding than working with and mentoring other.
Mark was a member of the Corinthian Yacht Club for many years, where he raced sailboats and made lifelong friendships. Through his daughters, Mark also developed a love of soccer. He volunteered as a coach for Ballard Youth Soccer and Seattle United. Mark enjoyed help young players grow, as well as bantering and developing relationships with the kids.
Mark had a deep interest in pacific island culture that stemmed from his youth in Samoa. He enjoyed spending time on the North Shore of Oahu. His heart’s desire was to spend more time on the island.
Mark passed away peacefully at home with his family on after a courageous battle with cancer. He will forever he in our hearts and memories; at Mokulela beach, sunglasses in hand, tide in the sand, with a smile on this face and a twinkle in his eye.
Donations in memory of Mark can be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (www.pancan.org).