1985 ~ 2025
After battling years of depression, Mark Douglas Huynh passed away on July 24, 2025 in Sandy, Utah. He was born in Provo, Utah August 14, 1985 to Tuong and Lorene Crabtree Huynh. Eventually, his family moved to Washington State where he lived until he was 15. Mark loved the Pacific Northwest and being outside in nature. When his family moved back to Utah in 2000, he loved hiking in the nearby mountains.
Mark had a great desire to learn and excelled in school. After graduating from Copper Hills High School in West Jordan, Utah, in 2004. He attended The University of Utah, and Salt Lake Community College, then graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Utah Valley University. Mark went on to get a Master’s Degree from Brigham Young University in biology. He also completed two years of medical school at the University of Colorado. Mark had a natural talent for teaching and taught biology at Utah Valley University, where he was loved by his students and colleagues. He was awarded the university’s Teacher Excellence Award in 2021. Eventually Mark left teaching to work in the medical tech field for the company bioMerieux.
Mark married Melanie Wilkes in October 2020 and became a stepfather to her daughter Maddi. They loved being outdoors, traveling, spending time with family and friends and taking care of their elderly dog Kona.
Mark was always athletic and besides hiking, did snowboarding and martial arts. He earned black belts in both Kung Fu and Tai Chi. Some of his hobbies were watching old movies, reading, writing poetry, playing drums, wood working and of course, building anything with Legos.
Like our Savior, Mark lived a life of service and did anything to help his friends, neighbors, and family. He held many callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including ward clerk, Elder’s Quorum president, Sunday School teacher and Priesthood teacher.
Mark had a great way with people. He had a quick sense of humor, and people were naturally drawn to him. He took a sincere interest in others and made friends easily. Mark also had a great love for animals. His pets meant a lot to him, especially his and Melanie’s dog Kona. He regularly donated items to the animal shelter.
Mark is survived by his wife Melanie Wilkes, stepdaughter Maddi Roden, his parents Lorene Crabtree Huynh Fullmer and Tuong Van Huynh, his stepfather David Fullmer, his stepmother Trang Pham, and his siblings Amber Huynh, Michael Huynh and Jonathan (Aeon) Huynh.
In lieu of flowers please donate to your local animal shelter in remembrance of Mark.
Services for Mark will be on Saturday August 2, 2025 at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E. Dimple Dell Rd. Sandy, Utah 84092. Visiting with family from 10:00-10:45. Funeral service at 11:00.
Mark will be missed. It was a joy knowing, teaching and working with Mark.
May the Lord bless you each in the days to come.
We express to you and your family, our heartfelt love and support for what you’ve been asked to go through.
We pray for your comfort and peace and for your family to be blessed
Ken and Debbie McCarty
I am so sorry to hear of Mark’s passing. Even though I wasn’t in his life very long, he was a big part of my life. I loved him despite everything that happened between us. He was a wonderful person with the biggest heart and the best jokes! The world was brighter with him in it. He won’t be forgotten by me or anyone else that knew him.
I'm heartbroken. Mark was so special, so bright, so funny and zany, and had a huge warm smile and an even bigger, warmer heart. We played in a band together in high school that went through various phases and names--he was the drummer and I was the singer. We won an award at battle of the bands one year. Mark showed me all kinds of amazing art, movies and music. He was truly a jack of all trades, both interested in and adept at exploring both the arts and sciences. Our little literary magazine clan in high school, guided by the wonderful teacher, poet, and art historian Joel Long dramatically changed and improved my troubled teen life, it helped me move forward as a critical thinker and artist—Mark, Michael, Hayley, Marie, Beth, Victoria, Ryan and so many other burgeoning minds at Copper Hills High were absolutely fundamental to who I've become. Mark's unique and curious soul definitely shaped me, lifted me. I always hoped and just foolishly assumed we'd all reconnect someday, but I moved away after high school and got swept into other paths, and I feel so sad Mark and I hadn't spoken in so long. Just a few days ago he attended my niece's birthday party and I heard he was so sweet with my niece and nephew. Mark deserved to keep exploring the beauty of outdoors he cherished, he deserved to keep teaching (his professor reviews at UVU are sparkling). Mark deserved to live. I wish I could have hugged him and told him how much he meant to me those years ago. I wish I could have taken him to dinner and asked him to stay. I wish I could have somehow known to ease his pain. Sweet handsome Mark Huynh, sending you my love now wherever you've gone. I'm so sorry it was so hard. We will always love you.
Sending my deepest condolences to Amber, Michael, Lorene and Aeon. Can't imagine what you're going through. Thanks for being in my life those years ago, all of you. I will be in attendance over Zoom, and I've been passing the info along to as many friends as I can. Sincerely, Whitney
Mark was a teen when I met him. So cute, shy and smart. So heartbroken by this news. My love and prayers are with you all. 💙 Peace be with You.
Mark was a good friend of mine my Freshman and Sophomore year of college. My roommates and I were friends with him and his roommates and we did a lot together. Mark knew how to be funny and serious, considerate and kind. He felt like family to me in those formative years and someone I could (and did) call on when I needed help and a friend. And he helped me study for my anatomy class (which bonds someone for life I think ;) While we didn't stay in contact in recent years, I often thought of him and wondered how he is doing. He will be so greatly missed my anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.
My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. My heart is aching for you and I pray you can find peace during this difficult time 💓
I am so sorry to hear of Mark’s passing. He was quietly kind and thoughtful and took the time for everyone. His amazing gifts were so very special and helped so many. As the Admin in Biology I was fortunate to know him as a student and professor at UVU. But more than that as a friend. He always treated me with kindness and took notice when things were rough in my life. I wish I could have repaid the same to him. I am so blessed to have known him and I am so sorry for your loss.
In light of this challenging period, we extend our heartfelt condolences and recognize the intricate nature of life, along with the various challenges that Mark may have encountered. Our thoughts are with Mark's family and all those affected by this loss. May he find peace, and may his loved ones find strength and support in one another as they navigate this profound journey of grief.
So sorry to hear about Mark's passing. May our Good Lord keep Mark in the palms of his hand and grant you eternal rest and peace. God bless.
Mark was a wonderful student, teaching assistant, adjunct, and lecturer. He went through that entire sequence at UVU, and he blossomed as he progressed up the ladder. He was really an outstanding lecturer. He and his students really enjoyed each other. A natural teacher. His passing is a loss to the world, but especially a loss to those of us whom knew him and those who were close to him. He was a wonderful person.
Sending my deepest sympathy for such a great loss. Mark’s friendship was a blessing to our family and his memory will be cherished by us always.
I had the blessing of knowing Mark in Denver, CO. I was in dental school while he was in medical school. We both served together in the same ward.
He is a kind and caring individual. Whether hanging out, a group date at a Latin dance club, or wanting to just watch our dog Bowie, he was an incredible soul to be with. He will be sorely missed.
I still remember when Mark started attending West Hills, because soon after all of the girls in 9th grade were talking about how he was the greatest thing since sliced bread. I wanted to be jealous, but once I got to know him I quickly saw how genuine and funny and effortlessly cool he was. He was the kind of person that could make everybody laugh but he never did it by putting somebody else down. We were never super close, but I always admired him.
Mark brought a lot of light and love into the world, which is now a lesser place without him. I hope his family and loved ones find comfort and strength in each other. There grief from losing such an incredible individual is immense, and should not be endured alone.
Huynhs – I’m so sorry.
I first met Mark in high school. We shared a handful of classes and cracked a few jokes, but we didn’t really start hanging out until my college years.
During that time, I heard Mark was teaching at his Kung Fu studio in downtown Salt Lake while I was attending the U. I admired his entrepreneurial spirit, so to help a friend out, I signed up for his classes to support his efforts.
That’s when I learned I had a lot to learn from Mark. As my lurpy self—who probably spent way too much time sitting in front of a computer (Michael, you know what I’m talking about)—who was trying to find his place in the world, Mark taught me to be more aware of my movements. To this day, when I’m walking around the house, I still find myself moving my feet in half-moon circles and can hear him saying, “Horse Stance!” and joking about going on secret ninja missions after class.
As my schedules changed, I had to stop attending Mark’s lessons, and we eventually fell out of touch as life took us in separate directions.
I heard that Mark had gone on to teach at UVU over the years, and I always thought, “Yeah, that sounds about right.”
When I heard the news, I looked up Mark and found some of the reviews from his students. Here’s just a few I found:
• “Makes biology engaging with his clear teaching style and genuine desire to see students succeed.”
• “Honestly, hands down, the best biology professor I have ever had. If you are willing to work and put forth the effort, he will provide you all you need to be successful—not just in his class, but in every class you will take.”
• “Mark is by far my favorite teacher. He is so good at explaining the material in a simple way.”
It was comforting—and a little overwhelming—to see how many others saw Mark the same as I did: kind, brilliant, endlessly supportive, and just exuding an air of coolness around him.
On Mark’s profile online, it says: “Always learning.” But the truth is, I was the one who learned from you. I’ll never forget the lessons I learned from you and hope I can pay them forward.
Wish I could have been there more for you, buddy. You will be missed.
When I first meet Mark Hyunh, I was his Bishop. This young man really impressed me with his compassion for others. As I meet with Mark he asked many questions about being a better individual and improving his discipleship. Mark was always there to help others in ways only he could help❣️ He noticed they (who came to him for help) had an initial desire for an immediate solution to their problems. He said Bishop I believe providing quick fixes can hinder personal growth and prevent them from developing their own problem-solving abilities. His maturity with critical thinking was well beyond his years. He realized effective guidance focuses on empowering individuals to take ownership of their challenges and cultivate the skills necessary for long-term success.
One strategy for fostering self-reliance of his was to guide individuals towards finding answers on their own, rather than directly supplying solutions. His approach helped many find themselves Mark is loved by many. He always fosters a spirit of compassion, encouragement, and love, for individuals become more resilient, self-reliant, and capable of overcoming future obstacles. Mark always thought of others before himself. Mark, as parent of Kyle our son we thank you for being a good friend and influencer in his life.
It truly was my pleasure to be called a friend of Mark. Mark always spoke highly of his motherss love and concern for him. He spoke a lot about his parents and his heritage.
We love you Mark and look forward to being with you again in the near future❣️❣️❣️ Till we meet again ❣️ Were sorry for everyones loss.
I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers and thoughts are with you.
When I first met Mark Hyunh, I was his Bishop. This young man impressed me with his compassion for others. As he and I visited from time to time Mark asked many questions about being a better individual and improving his discipleship.
Mark was always there and available to help others in ways only he could help❣️ He was ahead of his peers in critical thinking, structure, and assisting others to learn through his mentorship. I often marveled at Mark's initial desire to provide an immediate solution for others' problems. Knowing he couldn’t solve others' problems, he asked if we could talk. He said, Bishop, I believe providing quick fixes can hinder personal growth and prevent them from developing their problem-solving abilities. What do you think? His maturity with critical thinking was well beyond his years. We both knew God's plan of moral and mortal agency allows us to learn by our own experience. Most of our greatest life’s lessons come from things we would never choose." He truly realized, effective guidance focuses on empowering individuals to take ownership of their challenges, obstacles, and problems to cultivate the skills necessary for long-term personal success.
His approach helped many find themselves. I learned much from our conversations on life, our struggles to overcome ourselves. This reminded me of Mark, I will continue to fall short as I learn to be more like Christ. I understand that when He said, “What manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am” (3 Nephi 27:27), being “even as He is” includes having the heavenly vision to see my potential. Reaching that potential won’t be immediate. It likely won’t even be in this life. But I know by embracing the gift of repentance and focusing on Christ, I can look past the mistakes I make each day to see myself even as He is—even as I can become. We grow through our struggles in life and those setbacks will eventually be overcome. Mark is loved by all. He always fostered the true spirit of compassion, encouragement, and love in individuals with the hope that they would become more resilient, self-reliant, and capable of overcoming future obstacles.
It truly was our pleasure to be called a friend of Mark. Mark always spoke highly of his mother, his father, and his stepfather as well as family members.
Mark was a very good friend of my son Kyle. Kyle shared many good experiences he had over the years with Mark. Mark helped him a lot through his teaching as an academic instructor. His tremendous teaching skills bridged the gap to grasp an understanding of his learning methods!
We love you, Mark, and look forward to being with you again in the future. We pray for you, your family, and friends ❣️❣️❣️
I knew Mark way back in the Martin Sortun Elementary days and for some years afterwards but unfortunately we lost touch along the way. I do remember he was always super nice, kind and accepting which I didn’t find in many people back then. Sending condolences as you navigate thru this very hard time.
I was just getting to know Mark at work, and I truly wish I had more time to do so. In the short time I knew him, his intelligence, quick wit, and his gift for lifting up those around him made a lasting impression on me. He had a way of making people feel seen and valued, and I always enjoyed being in his presence. Mark will be deeply missed- not just as a colleague, but as a genuinely kind and thoughtful person.
Saturday’s service was beautiful. It was moving to hear more about Mark’s life and the impact he had beyond the workplace. The stories shared reflected the same warmth, kindness, and humor we knew so well in the office. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of lifting up those around us—something Mark did so naturally and often.
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of Mark’s family and friends as you navigate this difficult time.
I recently found out about Mark’s passing and I am absolutely heartbroken. Words cannot describe the sorrow I feel for his family, and an even deeper sorrow now knowing that he lived in the darkness of never seeing the brightness of his own light.
Mark was one of my favorite professors; he truly had a gift for teaching, and imparted wisdom and perspective in a way that I deeply admired. He helped give me hope during a really rough period by giving me a pep talk about accepting the journey, bumps and all. He pushed me to be better academically and helped me develop as the scientist I am today. What were probably just passing moments for him were a core formative time of my life. He brought out the best in people with his charisma and magnetism.
I ran into him a few days before his passing after not seeing him for over half a decade - it was a serendipitous moment where if one small thing had changed in our days, we would have missed each other. I was so happy and excited to see him and was worried I was too uncool for him; he’s just the type of person that sticks in your heart no matter how long.
I keep imagining if I had done just one thing differently that day the butterfly effect would have had a different outcome for him. I never knew of his burdens, but I wish that I could have offered a moment of reprieve like he did for me so many years ago. No matter what, I feel grateful that I got to see him one more time. My heart is heavy with sadness and regret, and I extend my deepest love and condolences to his family.
Mark, I know you’ve found your way back to the peace and love you longed for in life. I hope you can now see the greatness of your light in all its glory and the profound impact you’ve had on this world.
You will be remembered in my heart. Teacher. Mentor. Friend.
Aeon and family: I am so deeply sorry for the loss of Mark. I hope he is now free. His effect on this world is clear, and shall live on through shared love and kindness.
Mark was one of my instructors at UVU. I am devastated by this news. He taught with clarity, humor and patience and he didn't care if he had to explain it a million different times if it helped you to understand. He was humble and always said "I'm not smarter than anyone" whenever we were blown away with how much he knew and how well he knew it. If I went to get help, he would pull his chair over and look at the material with me and teach me, but making sure I was following each step and that I understood. He taught me some study habits and testing skills that, I genuinely think saved me when I was in school. He was hilarious, he talked about his sister often and told us funny stories, when we were working on assignments in class he would play the best music. I asked him what one song was, he told me, and when class ended he asked me if I found it. He was one of the kindest people, one of the best teachers I have ever had. I could feel that he actually cared about us and our success, not just academically, but personally as well.
I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. I wish the very best to you all and hope you can find comfort.
Sending condolences from my family.
-your great niece, Kaylee.