Mark Stephen Derr

Mark Stephen Derr August 16, 1975 - February 26, 2019 Our beloved son, Mark Stephen Derr passed away Tuesday, February 26, 2019 after suffering an inoperable stroke. He lived only a short forty-three years; the last twelve as a paraplegic. Mark grew up with a loving family. He is survived by his parents, Phil and Lynda Derr of Bend, Oregon, three brothers, Adam Derr and wife Becky of Bend, Matthew Derr and wife April of Huntington Beach and Michael Derr of North Carolina. He is also survived by nephews Gavin and Cameron Derr of Bend, Oregon, Phillip Derr of North Carolina, Derrick and Jacob Derr of California and his neice Angelique of California His is also survived by his beloved Grandma Alice Lencioni, Uncle Gary Lencioni , Auntie Barb Lencioni, cousin Chad (Kristin) and their two sons. He is also survived by the love of his life, Heather Joy Beane. He loved Adam and Beckys boys as if they were his own. Gavin and Cameron were his buds and he was their Unkie He loved spoiling them and never missed an opportunity to take them bowling, to the batting cages, trips to DQ and Powells Candy Store, to movies and to IHOP for breakfast after a sleepover. Monster truck races or motocross races were also favorites. He hated missing any events that centered around his nephews. Gavin will always remember Unkie Mark as his personal baseball mentor. Cameron will remember rides on his Unkies wheelchair and countless other episodes that brought smiles and laughs to everyone. Mark spent his childhood in San Mateo, California where he attended grammar school and high school. He graduated CSU-Chico and spent his last semester of college at Mt. Bachelor on an internship and decided to start his career in Bend. He became disenchanted with his career choice and pursued a new career as a plumber. The day after receiving his Journeyman card he suffered a life changing accident on a motocross track in Sandy, Oregon that left him paralyzed from his chest down. Reinventing oneself as a paraplegic is not easy. But, with the help of many docs and nurses in Bend and in Denver Colorados Craig Hospital he learned to live independently. He lived alone on his ten acre property. His dogs were his family and although we didnt dig it, his snakes filled one of his bedrooms. Mom was his caregiver and Dad was his handyman and gardener. His brother Adam and family were his cornerstone. Mark loved the outdoors, especially camping, waterskiing at Lake Berryessa, snowboarding and dirt bikes. He was once referred to as our "wild child" because of his zest for life. Yes, a wild child with a big heart and a standup son. And then came the Alley Scrapers Car Club. The car club took Mark into their arms and he blossomed. We cant say enough about what this did for him. You may have seen him driving around town in his blue and white Chevy C10 pickup. It has a Corvette engine, airbags, and wheelchair hoist. Zipping along the roads, going to car shows and winning a trophy here and there was a powerful thing. We feel blessed knowing these men and women. Life was good when they were together. God Bless the Alley Scrappers!! Mark is now pain free. He loved Jesus. He read the Bible daily and prayed each night. Strangely enough, we believe his prayers have been answered. His Mom and Dad, his not so little brother Adam, wife Becky and his loved nephews, are going to miss him madly. As a family we are thankful for the loving care he received at St Charles Hospital during his final days. We are blessed having such wonderful docs and nurses in our community. Being self-sufficient gave Mark dignity. Rest in Peace our son. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Marks memory to Craig Hospital, 34255 Clarkson Street, Englewood, Colorado 80113 c/o Craig Foundation or St Judes Childrens Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept 142, Memphis, TN 38148 or a charity of choice. Funeral Home: Niswonger-Reynolds Funeral Home 105 NW Irving Ave Bend, OR US 97701

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Mark Stephen Derr

August 16, 1975 - February 26, 2019