Obituary of Mark Steckline

Mark D. Steckline, 43, of Thousand Oaks, passed away on January 13, 2012, after a long and courageous battle with neuroendocrine cancer. After being diagnosed five and half years ago, Mark stayed focused on beating the disease while remaining a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and friend to so many. Mark dearly loved his family and is survived by his parents, Jack and Jan; wife, Jenifer; and children, Drew, Erin, and Trey. Mark is also survived by his grandmother, Flavia; brother, Greg and wife Christine; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, a nephew, as well as supportive friends. Mark was preceded in death by his brother Brad. Mark was born and raised in Denver, Colorado and graduated from Pomona High School and the Colorado School of Mines where he received his degree in Petroleum Engineering. He played football and was the NCAA II discus champion for the Orediggers. Mark earned his MBA from the UCLA Anderson School of Business in 1997. Mark worked for Arco in Long Beach and Los Angeles for ten years, and then Amgen in Thousand Oaks for another ten years before retiring two years ago to focus on his health and family. Mark loved to spend time with his family, and especially enjoyed watching Drew, Erin, and Trey play sports. He was an avid cyclist and loved early morning rides throughout the Conejo Valley. He cherished his three adopted dogs: Heather, Chloe, and Mia, and they provided a great sense of comfort to him and his family, especially in his final years. A memorial service to celebrate Mark's life will be held on Sunday, January 29th, at 10:00 a.m. at Newbury Park High School. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you adopt or rescue your next pet in Mark's memory or make a donation to Southern California Labrador Retriever Rescue. www.sclrr.org. Please indicate "Mark Steckline" on the donation. The family wishes to thank Dawn Wofford and Assisted Home Hospice for managing and relieving Mark of his pain, and giving us one more holiday season to share with him.