For all of us, Mark’s legacy is a lifetime of meaningful connections and memories. He made a lasting impact, whether you had known him for years or had simply experienced the joy of a few shared moments. Through his life, his work, and his faith, he will always be remembered. We invite you to share your story. Favorite memories, humorous antics, heartfelt moments, messages to family members—whatever it may be, you’ll be honoring Mark’s life and legacy.
To honor Mark’s life and memory, a public viewing will be held from 6:30–8:00 pm on Friday, February 18th. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday the 19th. Both the viewing and funeral will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Lake Oswego, OR. All are welcome to attend. There will also be a broadcast link available for those who would like to watch virtually. (Note: An event code is not needed to watch virtually. Simply click the view button and enter your name when prompted.)
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Humanitarian Aid Fund of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or to Doctor Matthew Taylor’s cancer research projects (in comments indicate: “Dr. Matthew Taylor’s research”). Hillside Chapel in Oregon City is helping take care of arrangements.
Funeral Service Address: 14903 Westlake Dr, Lake Oswego, OR 97035
Mark Wylie Hornibrook, 70, was a loving and kind man who radiated joy and faith. He passed away at his home in Wilsonville, Oregon on February 9, 2022, having been lovingly surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren.
Mark was born on December 28, 1951, in Loma Linda, California to Patricia and Rex Hornibrook. From an early age, he showed a natural inclination for building things. This resulted at first in bike ramps and treehouses, then in a summer job constructing homes, and eventually to founding and building great companies.
After graduating from Saddleback High School in Santa Ana, California in 1970, Mark attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where he received a BA in Architecture and the AIA Award of Merit as the student with the highest GPA of his graduating class.
Soon thereafter in Provo, Utah, he met Ane, who would become his best friend and the love of his life. Ane led the singing at Mark’s baptism when he joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and they were married one year later in the Salt Lake Temple.
Together, Mark and Ane raised five children—4 sons and 1 daughter. Proud of the amazing and compassionate individuals they have all become, Mark loved his family dearly and enjoyed every moment he spent with his children and his 19 adorable grandchildren.
As Mark and Ane were starting their family, Mark shifted careers from architecture to business. He received his Masters of Business Administration from the BYU Marriott School of Management in Provo, UT, and he helped found the company Forethought, where his ingenuity was on full display as he created industry-defining insurance products. He went on to create PreQuest in 1990 before starting Lincoln Heritage Funeral Planning in 2004, which was later named Precoa, The Preneed Company of America. For the last decade, Precoa has been the fastest growing preneed company in America, and it has been recognized numerous times for its values-based workplace culture.
Mark also loved to travel. It began when he backpacked across Europe as part of a Senior Project in college. In the years since then, he and Ane have ventured around the globe, sharing many sweet and fun-filled memories. Over the course of their journey together, they also lived in many places across the United States including California, Utah, New York, Indiana, South Dakota, Ohio, Texas, and Oregon, which is where they finally settled.
In 2012, Mark was diagnosed with Stage 4 Metastatic Melanoma and given 3-6 months to live. Innumerable tumors were found, yet with the power of countless prayers and the help of new cancer treatments, Mark survived for another decade. The cancer returned many times, and Mark was willing to try everything to fight it. This last decade of Mark’s life was challenging, but it was also filled with blessings as he and his family experienced more love, comfort, hope, patience, and faith than they ever thought possible.
Even during the hardest times, Mark had a wonderful sense of humor. With his quick wit and dry delivery, he made his family and anyone else who knew him laugh. He was an exceptional designer and gardener who created a beautiful backyard paradise complete with meticulously placed flowers and plants, along with a play structure and zip-line course (which he, of course, built with his family).
Through Mark’s example, many have been inspired to become better leaders, parents, and friends. His kindness and steadfast faith served as a model in his roles as bishop and counselor in the stake presidency, and he made it his quest to listen closely to any spiritual promptings he received and to have the courage to act in faith.
Mark is survived by his wife of 43 years, Martha Ane Hornibrook, his mother and her husband, Patricia & Conrad Zagwyn, and sisters Gail Pilen (Doug) and Julie Gardner. He is also survived by his five children and their spouses: Jon & Amanda Hornibrook, Michael & Heather Hornibrook, Tyler & Kelsey Hornibrook, Eric & Jessica Hornibrook, and Rachel & Tighe Racicot, as well as 19 grandchildren and many extended family members and friends.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Humanitarian Aid Fund of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or to Doctor Matthew Taylor’s cancer research projects (in comments indicate: “Dr. Matthew Taylor’s research”). Hillside Chapel in Oregon City is helping take care of arrangements.
Mark was an incredible leader who left an impression on everyone. I have learned a lot from his professionalism and good nature. I remember when I first started working at PRECOA, when Mark would speak at the All-Hands Meetings, I could tell the message that he shared was sincere and genuine. He inspired us to dream big, do more, and become more. He was passionate about the organizations mission and yet every word he spoke was so heart felt, kind and caring. His leadership will continue to have a permanent effect on my life personally and professionally. I've been blessed in many ways to have been in his presence. He will truly be missed!
Believing everyone deserves to be loved and cared for, offering opportunities and education for colleagues and those who trust them to create meaningful celebrations, has rippled all the way to Kentucky. To our family, because of this movement, Mr. Hornibrook’s movement, our family is better educating, better serving, offering countless loved ones to gather, or plan to, in the most beautiful of ways. Dear family, may Mark’s memory be forever eternal. May you know our gratitude for his passion, heart, and lastly, for answering ‘why’.
I. From Us to Mark. Goodbye my friend, your job is done. Your efforts great; a blessed one. Your light beams bright, so we could keep. Our strength when life gets dark and deep. Goodbye my friend, your courage strong. Worked every day, to right the wrongs. A soldier against the world of sin. Portrays your life, and glory win. Goodbye my friend, your faith so sure. With future outcomes, such a blur. Your will undaunted and heart unveiled. We all could see, that Christ prevailed. Goodbye my friend, as loved ones be. You have always been there for me. With Godlike love and patient care. Your Spirit displayed Christ’s presence fair. II. From Mark to Us. Farewell my friend, so short a time. So much at stake, a challenging climb. But Father gave the Holy Ghost. To lead us back to His Heavenly Host. Farewell my friend, the Temple Gates. Are beautiful symbols where Heaven waits. To receive those faithful, who work with care. And rejoice with the loved ones, already there. Farewell my friend, the work is true! I felt it, lived it, and loved it, too. God’s plan for us is without a flaw. To fill our hearts with a hopeful draw.Farewell my friend, our love is safe. From Satan’s scornful and spiteful hate. For sealing covenants are secure. Holy Spirit of Promise, shall endure. Farewell my friend, until we meet again. III. From Mark to Jesus. Hello my Friend, I will not grieve. Our Father created us to leave. My fight is over, the battle won. Through You my Savior, the Begotten Son. Hello my friend, our service sweet. For in Thy name, our efforts meet. The souls of men whom yet we’ll see. The blessings of Gethsemane. Hello my friend, a joyful stay. Awaits my soul at Judgment Day. A perfected body with glorious flair. Will be complete with a full head of hair. Hello my friend, ‘tis only brief. This mortal sojourn, then relief. To reunite with God Above. Because of Thy Eternal Love. IV. From Jesus to Mark. Come on my friend, it’s time to go. Your mortal life, was full you know. You must depart and leave this pain. To live forever in eternal gain. Come on my friend, I fought for men. To give them more, than what might have been. I would not shrink and did stand tall. So souls can see I’ve done it all. Come on my friend, My doctrines’ pure. Though the world fights truth, My path is sure. There is no other way to go. For only through Me, the Father you’ll know. Come on my friend, your love for Him. Has grown much brighter, in times so dim. Because of suffering, you came to see. What I have truly done for thee. Come on my friend, Come be with Me.
I met Mark when we first moved to Oregon in 2003. I was working full time and attending law school at night. He was the bishop of our congregation. He saw me as a rough stone rolling—full of potential but raw and sharp. He pulled me into his leadership circle (bishopric) and began to mentor and guide me. He unlocked me from a prison of self absorption as I toiled under family, work and graduate school responsibilities. He called me to help him serve and minister to others. My eyes were opened to my blessings and opportunities and to the privilege and necessity of committing my life to the service of others. He allowed me to see, visit, help, and come to love the vulnerable and forgotten in our community. People were more important than projects or projections to him. He gave me a new vision of and for myself. Mark saw life through the "eye of faith." (Ether 12:19) He saw people not as they were, but as they could become. Mark was a designer and a creator. When Mark and Ane saw the house that would eventually become their home, Mark saw potential, but there was so much work to do. After months of designing and remodeling, Mark's vision became a reality. Mark also had faith that the master carpenter, our Savior, could shape and mold others, including himself, into the men and women that they had the potential to become.
Our condolences to Mark’s amazing Wife and Family. My husband Andy and I remember spending some time in the Medical Center while on the 2019 Precoa Bahamas Cruise Ship. While we waited to be seen we had the opportunity to engage in a very nice conversation with Mark and his beautiful wife. We shared our Beliefs and what we all valued the most in our lives. My husband Andy and I are so happy that we had a moment to spend with Mark. I believe that His Vision for Precoa and what it represents will continue for Years to come.
We Lived in the same ward as as the Hornibrook’s for about six years. We were instantly welcomed into the ward, and Bishop Hornibrook became a mentor to my husband Jesse. I was blessed to be Ane’s visiting teacher at the time, and both of them exemplify Christ like love-which we witnessed in church settings and within their home. You could see the strong bond that they had, and what a great team they were. We’re so grateful for our time that we were able to get to know this great couple. Sending all our love to Ann and the family.
I feel so grateful to have worked with Mark and to be a part of the company that embodies his values and approach to life. I feel like it’s rare to work at a company where you can truly be yourself. You don’t need to pretend to be something you’re not or be scared when you’re not perfect. Even more rare is to work at a company that pushes you to be your best self. Mark cared more about how you were doing in life than he did about how you were doing with your work tasks and responsibilities. His consistent messages about kindness to others and to yourself along with life advice on how to find true, lasting happiness has had a lasting impact. I wouldn’t be able to recall all his sage wisdom, but I will never forget how you could feel that he meant what he said with all his heart and that he loved you. Yes, this makes me want to be a better employee, but more importantly, it makes me want to be a better person, a better father, husband, son, and friend. Thank you, Mark. You will be sorely missed, but your impact on my life, and countless others, will never be forgotten.
I've started and stopped writing this probably a half-dozen times over the last year and could never quite get the words from my heart on to the page in the right way. And while I haven't written until now, I've thought about Mark a LOT over the past year. I've thought about the legacy he left. I've thought about what kind of husband he was for Ane. I've thought about what kind of children he raised and how much I admire them. I've thought about his kindness. I've thought about his funeral and the things shared about him and by him through what he wrote. I've thought about and been inspired by his life-long commitment to following "the feeling". I've thought about how well he understood the worth of each individual person and treated them as such. I've thought about how I can't remember a single message from our work all-hands meetings that was about work…..it was always about things that are more important than work. I've thought about his Christ-like, individual love for everyone. I've thought about his quick wit and sense of humor. I've thought about his love for travel and how excited he'd get to roll out Precoa's new incentive trip locations and how you couldn't help but smile watching him talk about it. His enthusiasm and passion was infectious. I've thought about how lucky I am to provide for my family in a kind, loving environment and with people I love….because of what Mark helped create. And I've thought about how I want to be more like the person he was. His impact on my life has been tremendous. So while I haven't written until now, I've thought about Mark a LOT over the past year. And I know I'm not alone in thinking about him often. He left a mark on so many people. Mark went about doing good and made the world a better place, wherever he was and however he could. So while his time on earth is gone, the wake of love and kindness he left behind him is still being felt and seen by so many of us who had the blessing of knowing him. Lots of love to everyone in the Hornibrook family today.
We have loved getting to know Mark and Ane over the past almost 20 years. What a wonderful example of loving and honoring your spouse, working together, and playing together! That beautiful yard they designed and built together! We watched them support each other through times of crisis and times of joy. Last summer of 2021, when the Single Adults from our church were to have a huge event, which had been postponed several times because of Covid, Mark and Ane wanted to host one of the events in their yard, and Mark wasn’t feeling very well. They pushed forward with plans, amid doctor and hospital visits, loving, serving, reassuring, and making sure the activity was a wild success. We will miss Mark’s contagious smile and his friendship. God be with you ‘til we meet again. We love you.
I went through the last 8 years of messages with Mark, it’s been a quite tearful to try and summarize a relationship with a person who is that special to me. In 2015, he gave us a gift of a board game called Pandemic. For the next several months, I felt his teaching as he and I discussed the game and strategies. He reminded me of eternal principles like, we can't save the whole world at once, but we can save some of it. He also taught me to build off of the talents that I have. He asked hundreds of questions in the way that the Savior would, to help me feel the right balance of love, responsibility and confidence to move ahead. His prayers in every meeting brought the Spirit. Most importantly, he taught me how to ask the right questions during times of personal revelation. He kept an eye of faith whenever things came his way, asking how he can align with the Lord. Rather than asking “why me” or “why now,” he would ask why do I get this opportunity and how can I use it now to reflect the light of the Savior. He was earnest in his revelation-seeking, diligent in acting upon it. He testified everywhere he went, and was open about the contrast between his life without the Gospel and his life with it. In all of this, he loved Ane and his family in a Christ-like way. Jenny and I will miss him greatly, yet treasure the teachings he shared and will be forever grateful that we could walk the covenant path together for a season.
Mark was not only a beacon for his company, he was also a groundbreaking, creative businessman who advanced the funeral and insurance professions. His life’s work benefitted his colleagues, family, acquaintances, competitors, and millions of consumers. He will be missed but his presence and influence will not be forgotten.
I met Mark about 5 years ago when Outlook Group joined Precoa and his welcoming smile and kindness were the opposite of what I assumed would be at the forefront of a company as successful as Precoa. Beyond that, having only known Mark as the survivor who beat all odds, more than once, gave me the false confidence that he might just live forever. Throughout my first year at Precoa, I was repeatedly caught off guard by how genuine everyone was, not just colleagues, but everyone in leadership, each and every person. Having been through a merger before, I was prepared to face a new round of hustling to prove myself, all while Precoa was focused on welcoming us and celebrating what we could bring to the table. I may not have immediately realized it, but I now know how valuable the culture and purpose are for all of us. Instead of working long hours, long days, and long weeks to make sure we hit some number at all costs, we hustle to do right by the families and the partners we are supporting. We get to make decisions for the right reasons, and work with talented and caring people, which brings a much greater sense of accomplishment than any job I have had. You’ve taught me that working for a purpose brings results too, probably more consistently, and I know that I don’t ever want to go back to a place where we don’t have the privilege of working for a purpose. What we have here is special, and I am thankful every day that Mark, (along with Bret), created this wonderful place where we can enjoy both working hard and playing hard.
I am so sorry. Mark was an authentic, caring craftsman. Loved by many. And a giant in the industry. He always made me smile and was always kind enough to laugh at himself. My wife and I send each member of the Hornibrook family our love, our sympathy, and our sincerity when I say my life is richer and better because of Mark Hornibrook.
Tyler (A) shared your news of Mark's passing yesterday. Though I only knew him in recent years, his strength, faith, and dedication to family and and friends was so inspiring immediately. May all continue to be better for having known him! My love and prayers, Ramona Anderson
I never had the opportunity to meet Mark, yet as a Precoa team member, I have been impressed and inspired by the quality, care, and professionalism shown by the entire entire organization. As its architect, Mark's heart and goodness is obvious and far reaching. Blessings, healing energy and love to his family.
We became friends with Mark and Ane during our time in Batesville, through work and raising our children who were in school together. But for us, Mark was more than just a good friend. When our builder baled and left us with a shell of a house, Mark was there for us. He knew how to build roofs and brought together a team from the community and put a roof on our house in two days. Just one great example of how he was always there for others. He will be sorely missed. All our love to Ane and the family.
Uncle Mark is a tremendous example of a true disciple of Christ. He shows love for everyone and takes the time to share positive insight, give advice, or just simply listen and lend support. He is a quiet, calm, friendly, wise man that always has a smile for you. He makes you feel comfortable and safe in any situation. He leaves a lasting legacy of truth, honor, humility, comfort, grace, love, kindness, and all Christlike attributes. I love you, Uncle Mark! Until we meet again! Love always, Ginny
I feel like I ran into Mark in a lot of different places. Work, church and the airport were the most frequent encounters. No matter how busy he was or where he was off to, he would always take time to stop and say hello. I really appreciate his example of kindness and taking time to connect with people. He lived by his principles every day.
Mark may not have remembered me, but I certainly remembered him. I served as a missionary in his ward, and his smile and kind encouragement made a difference in my life, along with the lives of all those that knew him. Even though I spent the most time with him about 3 years ago, I never would have guessed that he was battling cancer at the time, as he continued to work diligently in helping others. Many prayers for the family!
President Hornibrook, Thank you for the many years of service. Your love and devotion to the members of stake were shown time and time again. On a personal note, I wanted to share an experience I had with you. A few weeks after you were put into the stake presidency, I had a temple recommend interview with you. At this time in my life, I had been debating and praying about getting a job to help support my little family. I struggled with the thought of someone else taking care of our two boys. You eased my mind during that interview. I arrived at the stake center and was shortly greeted my that big Hornibrook smile. It was a welcoming sight. You started off by asking me a few questions about myself and my family. Then jumped into the temple questions. You stopped after a couple of questions and asked me what I did for a career. I replied that I was a stay at home mom. You continued with a few more questions then stopped again. Again asked me a personal question… “so, you don’t work and stay home with your kids”. I agreed with that statement. You then asked me one more temple question and stopped…. You looked right me and said “I feel impressed to tell that our Heavenly Father loves you and wants you to know, staying at home with your children is the right choice”. I still remember the felling I had when you said those words to me. A burden lifted from my shoulders and I felt the love from you and our Heavenly Father. I’m so grateful you. Thank you for all guidance thought the years. Stake conferences, ward visits and especially girls camp. Words that’ll never be forgotten. I know you’ve touched mine and my families lives.
Mark was one of the most genuine, sincere, kind, thoughtful, humble, and inspiring humans I've ever met. He will be sorely missed by all of us at Precoa but my heart especially goes out to Ane, his children, and his extended family. We take great solace that Mark lives on in all of his kids and that he is now at peace.
Everytime I spoke with Mark he was genuine, honest and always positive. A kinder man never walked the earth. He had a way of making you feel special like you were the only one in the room. I will miss our conversations. I always felt better about myself after talking with him. He was a warrior and I will never forget him.
Mark, the quiet man that we all knew was in charge!!! He certainly left his mark on most of us. RIP
Two memories come to mind immediately when I reflect on my interactions with Mark. First, when in classic Precoa fashion we got to experience a Hornibrook talent show in the form of a lip sync. Kicked off by Tyler and joined by Eric, Mark emerged from the offstage darkness with that ginormous smile that rarely left his face and sang, "I've got the magic in me...when I hit the flow, the girls come snappin' at me." Topped off by Michael sliding onto the stage to rap, I don't know if I've ever laughed so hard. Second, each time that Mark shared a message at All Hands Meeting, he would finish it with, "I love you." I remember it felt awkward hearing it for the first time in a business setting amongst a large group of people. Eventually it became normal and expected. I've heard many messages from Mark and Bret over the years, and although I have a hard time remembering the content of what they shared, I can picture them clearly as they close their thoughts with "I want you to know how much we love you, how much I love you." That feeling I will never forget. I didn't know Mark well personally, but even so I knew that he loved life, his wife, his family, God, Precoa, the funeral profession, the families that we serve to make their hardest moments a little easier, and even me. His outlook on life, his principles and his values are interwoven into the fabric of Precoa, and we are all better for it. Thank you, Mark, for your shining example of love.
I first met Mark in the early 90's when I was working for Monumental Life and he was with Prequest. We had a meeting with him to discuss a possible working relationship. It was my pleasure to work with him again from 2013-2018. During this time I uttered his name aloud every Sunday in the Prayers of the People in my church. I have continued to hold Mark in high regard. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.
Lifting your family up in prayer during this time of sorrow. May you find peace and comfort knowing he is in a better place.
Whenever I was in a meeting with Mark, he had this genuine and heart-felt way of making every person in the room feel seen, heard, and valued. Mark's sense of humor and kindness exuded from him and uplifted everyone who worked alongside him. He was an inspiration to everyone--to take time to be genuinely kind and connect with those around you. Mark's legacy with truly live on.
As a Relief Society President, I had a difficult situation with a family President Hornibrook knew. He was always available to my calls for advice and support and his gentle counsel. I will remember him with fondness for the time he spent with me and I am sure with many, many others with his kind and warm heart. Thank you, President Hornibrook. Well done.
I've struggled to put into words the impact Mark has had on me, my family and those around me. Thinking back to the first time I met Mark, I was struck at how kind, genuine, sincere and caring he was. I think back to the first escapes trips and Mark and Bret were personally greeting every attendee regardless of the time of day attendees arrived. I recall the messages of love and gratitude Mark delivered at meetings and during the escapes award ceremonies.. Always from the heart. Always genuine. Always about love. I am convinced the company he and Bret created is the only one of its kind and this is one of the many ways Mark's legacy will continue on. It is a legacy that not only touches those of us who get to work at Precoa or partner with Precoa, but it is one that touches our families, friends and so many others. To the Hornibrook family, there are people lifting Mark and your entire family in love and prayer all over the country and very likely the world. The unknown numbers of people you have been able to touch is hard to imagine. Thank you.
Mark ment the world to our family. He taught us gospel truths in his loving way. He ministered to us without judgment. He was so generous with his time with us thru our trials and showed genuine concern. We knew he loved us. One lesson he taught me....I remember like it was yesterday. We sat and discussed financial supporting our adult children and my concern if we were doing the right thing. He shared Mosiah 4:16-27. Mark said that this is confirmation that what we were and have been doing is the right thing. He will be missed. We loved him. We love Ane. Our prayers will be with the Hornibrook family.
Mark - you were a fantastic example and leader to me. I have fond memories of driving to Home Teaching appointments is Greensburg. Thank you. God bless Ane, your kids and rest well.
The image that comes to my mind, when I think of Mark, is a "gentleman" always with a smile, asking you if everything is fine. going the extra mile to make you feel special. The trip will not be the same without him, he was always waiting by the hotel to welcome you. My deepest condolences to his family and the Precoa family. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Such great memories of Mark being so caring, thoughtful & driven to make everyone better professionally & personally both at Forethought & Precoa. No goal was too big! Prayers for all!🙏🏻
My favorite memory of Mark was when I got to be a fly on the wall in the Hornibrook kitchen in Ohio when the final statement balance came back on a business loan Mark and Anne had taken on themselves to pay. Most people would have filed for bankruptcy, and certainly that would have been a far easier path, but he and Anne didn't. They took the highest road there is. Being there in their home as that letter was opened, read, and the pride and relief that they had beamed as they talked to Tyler and myself about it has always left an indelible imprint on me. It dug in deep and changed the very idea of what honor was to me. On what responsibility looks like. That doing the right thing is possible even when the odds seem impossible. I love the Hornibrook's for many reasons, but that example is one that I have thought about often and has affected the way I have approached many, many things in my life. This world is diminished with Mark's passing. God bless you all and know that you are loved very much. (And also the time that Mark yelled at me and Tyler for trying to go sledding at 3 am! Yes, Mark yelled at least once! I cherish that too.)
I used to own a flower shop in Lake Oswego, OR. Every so often Mark would order a flower arrangement from my shop. One Saturday, I had a HUGE flower arrangement: 3-4 gallon-size glass vase filled with water and 60 very long stemmed roses, not to mention the greenery. I figured the weight of this was, easily, 75 pounds! My usual delivery guy got sick about an hour before this was to be taken to the recipient. How in the world was I going to get this delivered? I thought and thought: "Who is a big strong guy who could help me deliver this arrangement?" I came up with the perfect tall, strong man: Mark Hornibrook! I called Ane and explained my situation. She brought [Bishop] Mark to the phone. He said, "Sure, I'll be right over." He fired up his family mini-van/SUV, buckled his 4 year/old granddaughter in the car baby seat (this little girl would be the chaperone), and drove to my shop. He and the chaperone came in and I showed him the huge, heavy, beautiful roses arrangement. He looked at it and said: "OK, no problem, let's go." I took the chaperone by the hand while he reached out and picked that 75 lb. arrangement up like it was a glass of lemonade, and we walked to the "delivery van." At the recipient's home, he walked it up the 6 or 7 steps to the front door (no way could I have done that, even with a normal-size arrangement), into the house foyer and put it on the table while the chaperone and I stood by and watched—beautiful! Thank you, Bishop, for your help all those years as my bishop. Rest easy, dear friend. -Gail Robeson [Sutherland].
On one of the company super trips my friend and I ran into Mark & Ann walking along the streets of Rome. They asked how the trip was going and if we needed anything. We mentioned we were looking for gelato. Mark not only told us about a place he and Ann loved, but offered to walk us there. It was several streets away. We were a little surprised because this was so generous and so out of their way. They then made sure we got inside ok and had everything we needed. After they left my girlfriend and I talked about how amazing that was they noticed us with so much happening on the trip. That’s just who Mark and Ann are. Another experience I’ll never forget of Marks kindness was on that same trip. Several individuals had very early flights home as early as 5 am. As my friend and I were bringing our luggage down the last flight of stairs, I looked down and to my surprise Mark was there. At 4 am, saying goodbye and helping those that were leaving. I get tears in my eyes every time I think about his being up that early, with ongoing health conditions, just to make sure we left ok. He has impressed me always with his kindness. I have always felt noticed and listened to whenever I’m around him. I am so grateful to have worked under his influence and direction for all of these years. He’s truly a great leader & man.
Mark Hornibrook was such an important mentor in my life. As a teenager I spent so many hours in the Hornibrook home and felt the warmth of Mark's generosity, patience, support, and encouragement. He always had a delightfully optimistic and wholesome sense of humor and I enjoyed his way of saying things. (Eric and I thought it was so funny how he suggested we soften our language using the word "tushy" rather than the more crass "butt"). I'll never forget the one on one conversations I had with Mark when I met with him as my bishop to talk about my life and my spirituality. I am grateful for the many moments he was generous with his time and patiently nurturing as I found my way in the world. One of my most vivid memories with him was when he took our priests quorum to hike Mount Saint Helens. It was a long hike filled with beautiful views and teaching moments. Some of these interactions I remember clearly and others have faded away, but mostly I know that he cared deeply and that made me a better person. Thank you Mark! Till we meet again!
I haven't worked too much with Mark but he was always "a giant of a man" to me. Not only in stature but in the Gospel. He was always kind and gentle and shared that winning smile. Most recently I worked with him with the Single Adult Conference last August. He had not been feeling well up to the conference but about 1 week before, he got "a second wind" as he said. He was able to sail around his yard and prepare it just as he wanted it for them. He and Ane cared deeply for the Single Adults and stayed the course for this conference. Shortly afterwards, his stamina waned. I loved him as a friend and priesthood leader. I will always remember his last conference talk that he spoke about how the Holy Ghost spoke to him. It was wonderful for me.
I didn't have the privilege to have spent many hours together with Mark comparative to his family, work colleagues and friends within the area. I met Mark first when I was serving as a missionary. Mark and Ane reached out to my companion and I to help teach someone who would also become a close friend to them. I didn't think too much about that experience other than it felt unique at the time because it was my first few months serving as a missionary and Mark and Ane were the first people I had met that had a remarkable and spiritual story about how they met the friend I was introduced to help teach. But from that moment on I was able to be placed in the path of Tyler, Michael, and Eric and was able to serve their friends and family later in my missionary experience and form a relationship with them. I became more and more aware of how I happened to keep running into the Hornibrook family whether it was watching them counsel with Ward members using a T.V. and graphs (something that I still think is super efficient and should be done more!), Eating Skyline Chili in the once home of the author of the book Clan Of The Cave Bears (I would have never thought chili on spaghetti could have tasted as good as it does), or being willing to spend countless hours helping us teach a good friend of theirs the very gospel principles Mark lived for (that friend also became someone very special to me as well). However I became most aware of my path leading towards the Hornibrook family when we as missionaries were scheduled to eat dinner with Mark and Ane on a very rainy evening, something I was particularly excited for due to me now having a growing history of bonding with their family. We got to the house and after waiting for a little while with no answer we were prepared to head home for dinner when Mark while leaning on a cane opens the door. He apologized to us for the wait but he had explained that he had just gotten back from the hospital due to his cancer coming back out of the blue and that he had been sleeping while Ane was running an errand for them. We told him that it was completely fine and that we are sorry we woke him and that we could always come back, also that if there was anything we could do for him we would love to help. This was were I was taken back a little bit, Mark actually wanted us to come in. I didn't understand in that moment why he would want soggy missionaries interrupting his recovery, but he just wanted the company. We sat down and he wanted to know how the work was going and how our day was. Now this is important to note that throughout my missionary service to this point I was in the middle of a great personal searching and longing to become closer to Heavenly Father and The Savior, I wanted to become as close as I could possibly get and experience miracles and great confirmations of my faith. I wanted so badly to live my life as closely intertwined with God and know for a surety a life possible where that can happen. And as Mark casually wanted the company and to know how our day was, I just wanted to ask him, "Brother Hornibrook, how can I become closer to our Heavenly Father?" He seemed relaxed when he told me ALL his experiences with his faith and our Heavenly Father. Experiences that were miraculous, some heart wrenching, and everyone spoken with such an affirmation that I knew in that moment they were true and very personal to him. I was changed forever after that night. He taught me that I can have a personal friendship with Heavenly Father, The Spirit, and The Savior, he taught me that "The Spirit has an opinion on just about everything" and I can tell you that is very true because after that night I sought as earnestly as I have ever been to have that friendship Brother Hornibrook spoke of out of experience and I can happily and ever joyously say that I do have that friendship and I do have my faith confirmed and it started that night with Mark wanting company and shedding tears with me about the hard longing of the soul to know Heavenly Father. I have passed on his teachings and parts of his life stories to many many people and I am blessed to have known him and have been able to call him and Ane frequently and be in touch since that moment and I was especially grateful to have spoken with him on the phone in December to tell him how much I love him for what he did for me and how much he permanently changed me. I will miss him and always cherish his family.
I wanted to share a little story close to my heart, but a little background first! Ane and I were roommates in the mid 70's. She was a student at BYU and I worked at a newspaper in Provo. Our friendship has lasted through the years and no one is more special to me than Ane. We grew close during those first years sharing our southern roots and our journeys. Ane was a part of my meeting my husband, Phil! She worked with his sister and we both went in to see the store and possibly sell ads for our different companies to the boss. So there is something to great people being placed in your life at just the right timing! Ane has been to Utah many times through the years to see family and we always met for lunch and caught up on our latest! Phil and I didn't know Mark very well, but just after spending time off and on through the years, we knew that they were a match made in heaven! They were so much alike, always greeting with a warm smile, of gentle nature, genuinely interested in listening to every word! They were such a great couple struggling to make a business dream work while raising a beautiful family. I believe they moved 15 times, until they landed in Oregon to stay, to grow the company and win the hearts of many! So now the little story! We had never been to see them and in 2016 flew to Oregon to stay with them a few days and then to the coast! My daughter and her 2 young boys, Nixon 6 and Watson 4, at the time, stayed with them also and then our family came for a visit later, before leaving for the coast! It was a Sunday! We went to church together and we then were eating lunch together in Mark's Garden of Eden that he had created through the years! We were talking so much and not watching the children who had left the table and grabbed a little wagon and pulling each other all over, when suddenly they came barreling down the hill in the wagon right into the flower bed, mashing some of the lovely flowers! We were so embarrassed! Mark and Ane just laughed and Mark gently helped them get going again in a better direction! That was so Mark! His sense of humor, gentle spirit, carried on as if nothing had happened, ignoring the flowers that had been crushed. He loved life and people and little people! The next day, we said our tearful goodbyes and headed with our family to the coast. Waking up to new surroundings the next morning, Watson came running to me saying, Grammy, where is the fun yard and all the toys. He and Nixon had felt so at home with Mark and Ane, the yard, the dog, two of the granddaughters playing with them that they wanted to go back! And that is the way our sweet friends made everyone feel! They both have always been great examples of what marriage, love of God, family and friends should be. We will be watching from afar as so many gather with Ane and family to give tribute to Mark as our hearts say goodbye for awhile to one of Heavenly Father's best! Love to Ane and all.
I have searched my memory for a specific memorable moment with Mark but all I have come up with is the memory of how he made me feel. Whether in temple recommend interviews or short interactions at church or book club couples nights or when discussing being a seminary teacher - Mark always made me feel like he liked me;that I was important to him;that there was no place else he would rather be than chatting with me. He radiated Christ-like love. You could not be around him and not feel it. He also gave me a great bit of advice for teaching seminary with this phrase, "You aren't going to hit a home run every class but somedays you will." I will be forever grateful that I had the privilege of knowing Mark Hornibrook.
We express our love and condolences. We appreciated Mark’s energy, enthusiasm, and genuine kindness. He seemed to always be smiling which was uplifting and contagious, which would undoubtedly brighten our day. This world has lost a wonderful man and treasure, and we will miss him.
I'll never forgot when I went on my first incentive trip and met Mark for the first time. I was astonished that he knew my name and the funeral home I was selling with. He had never met me before but knew everything about my situation. I was so impressed and grateful I had the chance to meet him. He was an incredible man and a wonderful example to me of persevering through tough times. I'm grateful for the opportunity I have had to meet and work with him and his wonderful family!
He always has a smile and a warm hello every time i was in his presence .. he truly appreciated your hard work and .. i appreciate him taking me to places i only dreamed about .. thank you Mark for making me a world traveler.. you will be missed. Praying for the family
Mark was always consistently positive and warm, cheering those who met him. I am thankful to him for sharing this joyful mode of living. I know that his spirit lives on in the next generation of Hornibrooks, who share his gift of presence and the ability to make others feel seen and appreciated.
I have been thinking all week of specific memories of Mark and while I have some good ones I more remember memories of feelings. Through parties at his house (he remains the only person who has convinced me to drink egg nog), great vacations through work, church talks, church classes, and personal conversations I always felt inspired. Mark made me want to do better and be better by his example and kindness. I remember a marriage class he and Ane taught together where it was so clear they had a deep love for one another and also had a lot of fun together. So grateful to have known him and to have been touched by his kindness, love, and integrity. All my love to the family.
From the moment I first met Mark, I knew that I would never come across a more loving, caring, sincere, and honest human being. His calm and gentle demeanor always put me at ease. He had a gift of making everyone feel that everything was going to be ok no matter what storm was approaching. Mark was brilliant when it came to insurance and customer service. He always wanted to do it the right way, no matter what it cost the company. In closing, I would just like to say that he touched my life in such a positive way. When I think of him, a smile comes across my face and a calmness takes over my body. My thoughts and prayers go out to Ane, and the entire Hornibrook Family. It's time to pick up his baton and carry on the mission!
Early on in my time at Precoa, we had a mix-up where Mark and I ended up in the same conference room for different meetings. He was looking for an Escapes meeting, and I was supposed to be chatting with our newest interns. When Mark popped his head in, I thought he might identify the mishap and continue on. However, Mark took the opportunity to welcome everyone to Precoa, ask each person a little bit about themselves, and then shared a little about himself too. I remember everyone in the room being shocked that the co-founder of the company took the time to chat with us. This was just one instance, but over time, I came to find that his thoughtfulness, genuine interest in others, and ability to engage and make others feel important were values that he embodied each and every day. Mark will be greatly missed.
I remember sitting with Mark during the job interview process. At one point I asked him what he loved most about Precoa. Without hesitation, he said "the people". And he meant it. I will remember him for that and I will be thankful forever for his example of caring for people first, always.
While I am very sad that Mark has passed, I am also so very grateful that I had the honor of meeting and knowing him while I was serving families through Precoa. I learned so much from his wisdom, truly enjoyed his humor and I continue to be inspired by his vision of service to the world. His life enhanced the world.
It saddens me that Mark suffered so long with Melanoma, because that’s what killed my wife and yet I’m glad he got longer with his family and they with him. My most sincere condolences to all who loved him the most.
What a blessing it is to know the Hornibrooks. We met the Hornibrooks long ago in the Temple, and have the blessing of being friends every since. Love and support is all I've ever known of President Hornibrook. Kind and wise words were all he ever spoke to me. I'm eternally grateful for the blessings President Hornibrook has helped me to achieve. Don't forget to help the Holy Spirit hit me over the head when I'm not listening, love you and will miss you here.
Mark was truly “A Man for All Seasons”. So grateful to have known him. Many prayers of blessing and comfort offered in behalf of beautiful Ane and all the family. I am sure he passed this test of life with flying colors!
Mark Hornibrook was an amazing man filled with love, kindness, wit, intellect and joy. We are so very grateful to have been part of the many people whose lives were touched by his limitless generous spirit. Words cannot express all that we are feeling at this moment;both joy at having known him and profound sadness at our loss. We will always remember him with love and send a heartfelt embrace to Ane and all the Hornibrook Family As we mourn his passing, we take solace in the knowledge that he will forever be in our hearts. Lauren and Ron Nelson
Mark was the heart of the Precoa Escapes program. Kody and I had the privilege of filming he and Ane on a site visit in Alaska and he was so excited to reveal this next trip but even more, he was excited to share these experiences and connect with our attendees. He wanted them to experience everything a location had to offer, to feel appreciated and valued, and he put all of his effort into making sure that happened. While in Victoria B.C., we found a unique ice cream shop and he was so excited to share it with everyone that on the actual trip, he stood outside the ship and told all of our attendees to meet him there that night for the best ice cream and they did! He brought everyone together and he will forever live on in the Escapes program, bringing people together through the foundation he laid for the program so many years ago.
I wished Mark Happy Birthday last December. I will always cherish the way he responded. Thanks Steve! Your prayers matter. Thanks for thinking of me. I wish you the very best. With warmth and love, Mark. No words can ever express the affection and love that I had for this man! Thank you Mark for always thinking of others. May God grant you everlasting peace and give comfort over your beautiful family.
My spirit has felt the their spirit as I have been blessed to have encounters with the Hornibrooks. I miss seeing Ane on our temple shift. I will certainly feel the hole left by not seeing Mark anymore in this life. I would go away from meetings with at least a gem or two to ponder and his thought grace my conference journal. It warms my heart to have been in a stake Relief Society workshop where the couple shared their wisdom gained through experience about relationships. I always felt at ease in their home and presence. I felt genuine care and that I was heard. I met several times mostly via Zoom in preparation of the unique single adult Western States conference, Abundant Life, in 2021. We met on his back patio and while we gathered he offered for us to try out the ZIP line. So I did. I made it around two times at age 67, I checked off something on my bucket list. We have two places in common, though not at the same point in time: my mom was born in San Bernardino CA and I lived in Corvallis for 6 years. I too, am a convert, but he definitely shows such a depth in his relationship with Jesus that I marvel at. Till we meet again...blessings to all who are left to grieve and look forward to the resurrection and promised blessing of eternal life, if we just do our best to do our part.
Recalling Precoa functions, Mark was among the first persons attendees would see upon arrival and among the last persons to bid farewell. He was determined to ensure everyone felt valued. He made others feel like the only person in a crowded room. Always a warm, gentle smile and a soft demeanor that belied his tall stature. A true gentleman. He was a pioneer, a visionary, and a tremendous leader. But what I will remember most about Mark is his humanity.
My earliest memory of Uncle Mark was around age 4 or 5 when he married Auntie Ane. I didn't like him much because he was taking her away. Haha! That sure changed though. I remember visiting them at different times and places throughout my childhood. He was always a great example of what a good husband and father should be like. It wasn't until I was an adult that I really appreciated who he was though. I lived outside Seattle with my three young kids, and I was a single mom with no family near me. We visited Mark, Ane and my cousins several times because they only lived a couple of hours away. It was during those visits that I would get needed words of encouragement and advice from them, hugs, and most treasured of all, priesthood blessings from Mark for all of us. Those visits strengthened me through some of the most difficult times of my life. I am so grateful for who Mark was--a kind, loving, patient, loyal, humble leader and an unashamed follower of Christ. As my kids have grown into adulthood, they too have been recipients of Mark's love, wisdom, and priesthood blessings. These are treasured experiences that they will remember forever. For the past 10 years, we have watched Mark battle melanoma, mostly from afar. He has been a WARRIOR in fighting for more time with his beloved family. His spirit and fight remained strong even though his body was battered and broken from this vicious cancer. I am so grateful for his example in my life and can't wait to see him again in the next life. He is a true hero for the service he has rendered for so many of God's children both here and in the world to come. Well done, Uncle Mark! I love you and will never forget you!
I was hired at Precoa right around the time that Mark's diagnosis was shared with the company. As a new employee it was surreal to witness the strong emotional response and deep concern that was shared by everyone when they found out. I quickly learned how much influence Mark had on Precoa's brand and it was immediately clear that he left a lasting impression on anyone he interacted with. Over the years I always looked forward to our monthly all hands meetings and especially enjoyed them whenever Mark shared a message with us. He was a talented speaker and the stories he shared always resonated with me. Whenever he said he loved all of us there was no question that he was speaking from the heart.
It is hard to overstate the impact Mark and his family have had on my and my family's life. Little did I know as a teenager when I became friends of the Hornibrooks that I would get to spend 10 years working together. The way Mark lived his life was consistent in all areas of his life. He was a devoted husband who wholeheartedly cherished Ane, a loving father and grandfather who always found ways to gather his family, a dedicated follower of Jesus Christ who lived a life of priesthood service, and a visionary leader who always strove for top notch quality and service professionally. Known to my children as "the Boss," we got to work and serve together, plan incredible trips, joust in a gladiator pit, shoot off fireworks, and serve in the church together. One of my most poignant memories was when Mark told me about his cancer diagnosis. He was without fear - he said that he was curious to find out what was on the other side, but that the process of getting there didn't sound very fun and that he'd like to stay a little longer. I'm so grateful that the Lord saw fit to give so many more years after that day to continue to touch people's lives. You'll be missed, but your legacy and impact will go on.
You were a young couple newly moved into Baldwin Park II Ward, in So CA, Paul was Bishop. He was impressed to call Mark to be elders quorum president. Mark told him that the family was only in the ward for a year, and then they would be moving on. Our memories of what happened next are cloudy. We think he served as called for the months remaining until the move. We retain a bright image of that young family - both Mark and Ane - faithful and serving to their full capacity. When we found you again - after our move here - Mark respectfully always addressed Paul as "Bishop".
My mission companion had been in the area for some time and had gotten to know the Hornibrooks well. At some point they offered him their book and told him to come get it. He told me this on a fast Sunday when our plans fell through and suggested we go see the Hornibrooks to pick up the book. Sister Hornibrook wasn't home but President invited us in. We got to talking and before we knew it an hour had gone by. We learned about the dog who loved chocolate chip cookies and many similar anecdotes. What made the trip worthwhile was the story of Mark Hornibrook. He shared his journey of faith and how God cared about him. Even on matters as simple as "which can of beans should I buy?" He shared the story of the precursor to Precoa and how faith despite hard times led to immense growth and prosperity. He made an impact on my life and I'm grateful to have known him. He raised a wonderful family and I know he will be missed.
I am not sure anyone, least of all me, can truly capture the spirit of Mark Hornibrook in words but I will try. I will always carry with me the example that Mark displayed to all of us at Precoa, and I'm confident in his personal life as well. I came to know Mark and his family in 2009 when I was invited to join Precoa. I was immediately struck by the physical appearance of the man! It's not often that I have to look up to someone; little did I realize that I would have more reasons to look up to him than just physically. Over the last 13 years that I knew him, Mark displayed every character trait in a human that I could aspire to be. At his heart, he was a true example of Jesus Christ's humility and grace. My memories of these being on display are innumerable, but specifically I was always impressed with the way Mark would always greet EVERYONE with a smile and a hug. I can't imagine the number of tasks and decisions Mark had to make during a normal work day, but when he saw you it was as if his to do list didn't matter. He stopped what he was doing and truly listened. One would feel his concern immediately, which was displayed in his amazingly sincere eyes. In my eyes, Mark was a giant! A true leader. Precoa's success has been evident, and Mark's vision, along with Bret's, is now eternal. There is a reason that so many of us stay and will dedicate the rest of our lives and careers to his defined purpose of enriching lives through meaningful connection. Mark proved throughout his career, and more importantly his personal life, his commitment to this purpose, and I for one will be committed to the same for the rest of my life. Thank you Mark. Thank you Hornibrook family for sharing this great man with all of us.
It's hard to put into words how you feel about someone like Mark, when his impact is so deep and meaningful. I don't feel there are words sufficient to express my gratitude. I first met Mark in 2009 during my interview process with Precoa. My first impression was of how kind and approachable he was especially given he was the co-founder of the company and a founding pioneer of the industry. Mark seemed to have an authentic desire to know me and make sure I knew I mattered and had a role to play in the success at Precoa. I continued to feel this as the years past and I saw Mark and Bret lead the way they did (with their whole hearts). I remember many All Hands meetings in the small room of the old Barbur Blvd. office and eventually in the larger meeting rooms we have today where no matter the size of he crowd Mark would draw you in with his message of love. He was awesome at speaking to a crowd yet making you feel like he spoke to and cared specifically about you. Mark seemed to realize that work and careers are important but things that should help your family relationships, you connections and experiences with friends, and provide opportunities to grow and become more in life. I'll never forgot the emphasis Mark always put on kindness, on being the best at your craft, and progression in work and in life. One of the last times I remember seeing Mark was at the airport with Ane. I remember when we saw them, they both had big smiles and came to give both Jessica and I hugs and talk for a few minutes despite the rush of trying to catch a flight home. They asked about our family and you could feel the love Mark and Ane both had for us. Mark shared this love through words and actions often. Whether through dressing up as a corporate boss and showing up in a limo for a video shoot or staring in a lip sync with his sons at work, Mark made me laugh, helped me feel loved, and brought me tears of gratitude and love on many occasions. Mark seemed to be filled with purpose for his life and having an impact on anyone elses he came into contact with. His interactions with me and so many others was meaningful. I can't wait to see him again, I know I will. I hope Ane, Michael, John, Tyler, Eric, and Rachael know how much we loved Mark and how much we love them. A part of Mark is with each of them, and I'm so grateful in that way that Mark is still here. I'll never forget all I've felt and experienced from having Mark and his family in our lives. Thank you Mark! Thank you Ane and all the Hornibrook family!
I enjoyed getting to know you and your wife through the single adult program. You generously shared your beautiful home and yard hosting many conferences and activities. My husband and I will forever remember our beautiful wedding at your home and your attendance at my husband’s endowment and our sealing a year later. You and your wife will always be a loving example to us. Much love for you and your family!
So few were my opportunities to visit with Mark but they were always so refreshing and genuine. It has been an honor to work under his guise. Such a warming smile and true interest in his surroundings. My thoughts flood to his family as they muddle through the days to come.
I feel so fortunate to have many memories of Mark. One in particular I will never forget was in 2012. We were able to go Maui for an incredible Precoa incentive trip. This was just a couple months after Marks original cancer diagnosis and he wasn’t in great shape. If I remember right, some encouraged him to stay home and not go on the trip. Mark insisted. When I first arrived I caught Mark delivering multiple different guests luggage through the large resort. Even when he personally wasn’t feeling well, he will still putting others before himself. These types acts I saw from Mark are innumerable. Love you Mark, you’ll never be forgotten.
We found ourselves in Loveland, Ohio, just outside of Cincinnati with our two young girls in a new town and a new job assignment and in a widely spread out new ward. We were far from home and family. Along came the Hornibrooks. I can’t really describe the immediate connection, but we immediately felt like they were our family away from home. I’m sure we’re not alone in that feeling. We were invited over for family dinners on Sunday, Christmas gatherings, Thanksgivings, and other special events. We stayed with their children when they went out of town and they watched our Lauren and Emily for us. Mark was the person we turned to when we needed a father’s blessing or help on a project. On one occasion I bought a playground kit to put in our backyard. I wanted to surprise Serena and the girls when they got home from a summer trip. I figured it would be an easy project to tackle but realized when it arrived as simple raw materials, nothing pre-cut or drilled, that I was in way over my head. I asked Mark if I could borrow some tools for a project and he wouldn’t let the conversation end by simply handing over the tools, but probed to find out exactly what I had going on. He insisted he come over to check it out. He soon saw my plight and without hesitation spent countless hours over the next several days helping me put it together until the very end. One memorable moment I will never forget is when he was tightening a bolt on the swing set, the wrench slipped and hit his forehead, immediately taking off some skin…it had to have hurt like crazy. Most of us in that situation would follow that up with an expletive or two, but the only words Mark mustered to blurt out was “ouch, that really hurt.” That moment taught me more than 1,000 lectures. Here was a man who had learned to bridle his emotions and was so good to the core. The word meek comes to mind to describe him. I understand meek to mean something strong within that governs everything else about you. It’s an internal fortitude forged from knowing who you are and where your source of power and blessings come from–God, and then determining to never do anything that would offend Him. It’s born of gratitude and manifests itself in charity. Mark defined meekness for me that day (and many other times during our years of knowing him). I have worked on it since then and when an added measure of meekness is needed, the Spirit brings that memory back to me on occasion when I need a reminder of what that looks like. Mark also gave me some of the best career advice that today I still share with others as they begin their careers. He told me early on in my career to not chase the titles and advancement. Instead, gravitate to those opportunities which give you the best training and education, so that after about 10 years, when those more advanced leadership opportunities come, you will not feel like too much of an imposter because you did the grass root jobs that you’ll soon be leading. When our daughter Emily returned home from her mission in 2018, we decided to take the family on a trip to the Northwest. We flew into Portland and our first visit was to Mark and Ane. (Since Ohio we had kept up with them and in fact, we both ended up living in Oregon at the same time.) What an amazing back yard! It had Mark written all over it. I’m sure in its creation Mark had the opportunity through a project here and there to involve his family and many more lessons likely came out that his grandchildren will likely remember as I did our little project in Ohio. We love you, Mark and Ane. Thank you for setting such wonderful examples for us and blessing and touching our lives so profoundly.
So many memories, for me a life time of them. So many sweet moments, lots of laughter, good conversations and adventures. One joyful day we 3 siblings and Ane, went to Disneyland for the day. Mark was in remission and looked so healthy. We had a day that was perfect, even when we got drenched on splash mountain. Mark had to dump the water out of his shoes...which held a lot of water! He just loved Disneyland we grew up with it. He loved the creativity, beauty, magic and excellence, he, too was an imaginer!
I will be forever grateful for Mark’s living example of leadership in all aspects of life as a husband, father, grandfather, minister, entrepreneur and friend. Thank you for the memories and wisdom you have invested in so many lives. I am one of many who will never be the same because of his influence. A huge shout out to Mark’s family for sharing his time and life with us.
He was always so kind. He always had a huge smile on his face. His voice was always so soothing yet powerful and inspiring. He was a great leader and created a company culture, and most likely everything he was apart of, with love, respect, fun, kindness, and doing your best for the right reasons. My time at Precoa was all of these things and more and it started at the top with Mark and Brett’s example, and it ran all the way through the whole organization, it was, and is, and hopefully forever will be contagiously like this! This world needs more Marks and more Precoas!!!!! I hold Mark and his family with the utmost love and respect!! My thoughts and prayers are with them at this time!
It's hard to summarize the impact that Mark has had on me and my family. Mark helped shape who I am not only on a professional level, but also on a personal level. Whenever he spoke to Keddie or me, he made us feel like we were the most important people to him. He always made it a point to share how grateful he was for us as well as his love for us. He knew how to make someone feel special. Throughout my 9 years at Precoa I would always get excited when I knew that I'd get a chance to either interact with Mark or to hear him speak. His messages were always deeply impactful and vulnerable. Each year around the time of the Precoa incentive trip reveal, Keddie and I reminisce about Mark's trip reveal videos over the years. You could tell how much Mark wanted Precoa Escapes to be a meaningful experience from start to finish. To this day we still have quote some Mark-isms from past trip reveal videos. Mark built an incredible company, unlike any other I've ever heard of. I hope to carry on his legacy of Kindness, Progression, and Craftsmanship. He's an example who I will always love and look up to.
I remember Mark well as an astute businessman with energetic ambitions. I was honored that he along with his partners gave me the opportunity to become a member of the Lincoln Heritage Funeral Planning team in 2006. He was always someone who welcomed a good conversation and an open door to mentor. His knowledge was endless, and he shared it openly. My sympathies to his family, may he Rest In Peace!
Our experiences with Mark when we lived in Tualatin we’re always so positive. He was a good, kind and welcoming person who made you feel like a dear friend. He will be missed but his legacy of kindness will carry on.
Mark will be sorely missed. From the first time I met him, I felt loved. He had such a tender heart, and was good inside and out. I remember the first time in 2012 that he spoke to everyone in Maui about his battle with cancer. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room. Everyone felt of his love and could feel of his goodness. For the next ten years, he was a walking miracle. I’m grateful to have known him, and I’m grateful my family and I had the opportunity to pray for him. The Johnson family sends our love to the whole Hornibrook family. He will never be forgotten!
Mark is one of the best and most genuine leaders I’ve ever had the chance to follow. I’ve been incredibly inspired by his leadership, vision, love and faith during my time at Precoa. I remember that on the Allure of the Seas trip Mark spent some time to talk to my dad, who I had taken on the trip with me. My parents at the time were a little puzzled as to why I had decided to pick a career in the funeral industry of all things. Up to this point I had always felt like they’d hoped that I had taken my career in a different direction. Well soon after my dad spoke to Mark, he told me that he was so impressed with Precoa and the genuine leaders at the top. My dad could finally understand why I had decided to work for Precoa. He saw what I saw in Precoa, a place where people had a shared vision, mission and love for each other, which is thanks to Mark. My family has been so blessed as a result of this company he built and because of his example of leadership, service, faith and fatherhood. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Hornibrook family.
I will always remember Mark as uncommonly patient, kind, and friendly. He was an excellent mentor; his intelligence made him quite intimidating, but even his corrections were both gentle and useful. I never forgot that he cared deeply about the purpose of what we were doing. Mark gave generously of his time, even when he wasn't feeling well. He would film Escapes promotion videos or send all-hours planning messages, even in the midst of difficult treatments. I never heard him wallow or express self-pity. He always was ready with a hilarious remark and some pointed questions. The words that keep coming to mind when I reflect on Mark are selfless and service. I'm so grateful to have had his example in my life. My heartfelt condolences to the Hornibrook family.
I met Mark in the hallway the day I interviewed at Precoa almost 10 years ago. He took the time to stop and introduce himself. He wanted to learn about me, and it was clear he genuinely cared about my story. After a short chat, I pressed on with Ben Nagel to continue my interview. It was at that point that Ben shared who Mark was and about his recent diagnosis. I was floored. At every job I held previously, I was never given the time of day from someone as high up in the organization as Mark. For Mark to take the time to stop and introduce himself with everything he had going on, I knew Precoa was unlike anywhere I had worked before. It was a family, and I really wanted to become part of it. I am so thankful for the vision that Mark had to create such an amazing company. He has helped countless people in his life, and I am proud to be one of them. Thank you, Mark.
Mark and Ane have been our neighbors for years. We love them and will miss Mark’s warmth, faith and gentle kindness. I have passed your book on to so many others who find themselves walking down the cancer road. Your prayer life and deep faith have inspired dozens of friends in my life as well as our whole family. We carry your friendship in our hearts. With deep gratitude for years as neighbors, Betsy (for Jeff, Katie, Jack, Scott and Jamie) Taylor
I remember the first time I got to see Marks kindness. I was less than 5 months on the job and I don't think Mark even knew who I was yet. I had brought my best friend with me to an event and I wasnt a very good date as I had to leave her alone while I worked the event. Mark and Ane saw that she was sitting alone and joined her and ate with her. Afterwards she came to me and told me the story about a nice couple she met. That they discussed his cancer journey, her career in cancer research, and their families. She really enjoyed how open and kind they were. She felt instantly welcomed. It wasn't until after she told me the whole story that I asked what the names were of the couple she met. When she told me it was Mark and Ane I was floored. I couldn't believe that they had taken so much time to make a stranger feel so welcome. Four years later, and my friend still asks about Mark. His kindness and vulnerability made such a lasting impact on her and on me. Thank you, Mark.
I had only met Mark a few times through my husbands job, but every time I met him he was so gracious to us and happy to see us. One special memory I have was when Precoa sponsored a trip for their workers to Cancun. Bruce and I were walking down a hallway and here came Mark from another direction, heading somewhere. He saw us and immediately turned around and walked back to us just to say hi. He could have kept walking but that wasn’t Mark. He always went out of his way to let you know he cared about you like family. My favorite memory was that and us all like one big family lighting lanterns on the beach one evening. It was beautiful. We will miss him. He has treated us so well as well as the rest of the Precoa family. A big Thank you Mark.
The first time I met Mark in 2016 at Live Aqua I was awestruck by his kind, compassionate spirit. It was as if he had known me for years. His magnetic personality and gentleness drew many people to listen to his words of wisdom and unity. What a great loss! Our country needs more leaders like Mark! He will be sadly missed.
I was fortunate to work with Mark when the Communications Council would meet at his home once a month. There were so many things I appreciated about him! One was that he was not afraid to "think outside the box" when we'd come up with opportunities to serve that had not been done before ... he joined in exploring new ways to extend Christlike service to others. He was such a positive person! He was also open to learning and growing and had a humble, teachable spirit. One example of that was when the Council was working on a fireside series on "abandoning attitudes and actions of prejudice." President Hornibrook was wonderfully supportive, and even said something like "I look forward to learning about how I can be more Christlike in that way." It blew me away, because everything in him showed he already knew how to follow Christ's example! And what a wonderful couple Mark and Ane are! Steve's band played at a single adult party in their backyard, and they learned "Celebrate" by Three Dog Night because Mark and Ane loved it. I always felt that they were still just a fun young couple in love, even with many years and many children (and some challenging trials). Steve and I extend all of our love to Ane and the Hornibrook family. He influenced so many for good and will be missed!
We owe you our respect and gratitude for all you have given us. Jeane and I send prayers of healing to the family and Mark’s Precoa family.
While serving in the Lake Oswego Stake Presidency, the members of our stake had the privilege of hearing Mark speak. He was always so easy to listen to and follow as he had a way of making whatever he was speaking on easy to understand and apply to our lives. I appreciated his understanding of the scriptures and his ability to relate them to our day. One of the memories that stands out to me, was a few days after Dick had passed away Mark came to visit me and brought me a still warm loaf of Panera Bakery bread. He came as a Priesthood leader and friend and it was welcomed and appreciated - he knew what to say to help heal my heart. Thank you Mark - you have been a wonderful example of Christlike service and strength.
I cannot think of Mark Hornibrook without smiling. He was the epitome of a kind professional who always stopped to ask how my day was. No matter how stressed I was, I was instantly calmed by his presence. Mark was the type of man who would light up a room when he walked in. We are saddened that he is gone, but will always remember him. His light will live on in our memories. Tom, Derek, PJ, Sophie and I send our sincerest condolences to all of you;his loved ones. He will be greatly missed.
I remember the Precoa All Hands Company meeting at the Barbur Blvd locations in 2010. I had never been to a company meeting where the Owners made you laugh and cry. Many companies give upbeat sayings, encourage sales, and have the word Integrity in their mission statement. But Mark and Bret told stories from their heart and shared experiences that touched me and made me cry. At first I thought I was not being professional until I looked around and found I was not the only one who he touched. I love Mark’s sense of humor and the skits he would do with Bret or his sons. Mark had a way of touching you with his warmth. He made you feel valued and listened when you spoke with him. I admired when Mark shared some of the struggles and financial difficulties he experienced and how with the love and support of Ane, he worked to overcome them. He persevered in the face of difficult times which made him successful, a man of integrity, with a quiet inner strength. Mark was very accomplished and yet he had a humility which makes him a Great man. Mark lived and walked the talk. He is now in the arms of God.
It's been said that you either live your dreams or live your fears. Mark lived his dreams and made sure that you lived yours as well. Thank you for dreaming big dreams and including us in them.
What a kind, loving and inspirational man who lived his purpose each and every day. He will be missed yet his legacy lives on.
I have to admit- it is May and I still have your Christmas card hanging on our wall. I love looking at your family and the miracle it was to have those pictures happen. Thank you Mark and Ane for creating a gathering home and allowing space in your circle for so many of us feel like we have a place to belong. Ane- you have been such an amazing example of a loving and faithful partner. You are a great women! I will see you both in your children as they lead, create, work hard and grow their families. I will see you both in your grandkids as they move forward experiencing the world and share their goodness and light. I hope to document our family life with pictures and journals like you have. I hope to make a safe gathering space for those around us to feel love and belonging, as you have. Thank you for being the people you are. We love and care for you always!
When I think of Mark, this Psalm comes to mind. Mark made everyone feel loved, honored, valued and respected. He modeled these things. He modeled kindness, progression and craftsmanship. I loved his gentle strength as a leader, his sense of humor, his faith in God, his delight in his family and his co-workers. I remember all the times I was greeted by him and Bret on trips, no matter the hour of arrival or departure. His genuine interest in the lives of the people he talked with or worked with. His generosity. His steadiness in the face of uncertainty. What a delight to have known Mark! God bless you, Hornibrook family ❤️🙏🏻
Mark and Ane were our neighbors, friends and fellow saints serving in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints together. He always was loving, kind and gentle. He was a great counselor in the trenches. I had the honor of teaching two of his children in Seminary and they were kind and delightful. He always had others best interests at heart. We love him and will miss his influence in our lives.
I had the privilege of working with & learning from Mark in 3 separate environments. Work environment (PRECOA), Church environment (Single Adult Committee), and family environment (his son Tyler married my niece). Mark & Ane are 100% the same kind, loving, selfless people ALL THE TIME! I know their son Tyler Hornibrook best and as the saying goes… “By their fruits ye shall know them” Love this family, All of them💕 Prayers of comfort, support & thanks to all of them. Well done Mark
Mark was a gentle giant among leaders. He saw what had not yet been seen and pursued until the Precoa was birthed. Thank you and Bret!!! We are reaping the prosperity of your vision. Ed and I are sending healing prayers and hugs to your lovely wife and family.
Mark personified a man of great and empowering integrity in every facet of his life. He was able to transmit to others a mutual feeling of respect, love and appreciation for each and every person regardless of their status in life. Mark and Ane always made us feel like part of the family. Especially when we would see them Ane would speak up and say, "There are the O'Keefe's, that's my firms, because she was born in Mississippi"...!!! Mark would give us a big smile and warm welcome hug. Thank you to the entire Hornibrook family for your friendship, kindness and partnership. Justin, Teresa, and all of the O'Keefe family.
I remember hearing Mark's conversion story and how he learned what the Holy Ghost was and how it changed him and led him through his life. I was always amazed at his clarity he seemed to have with the spirit. The stories or experiences he would share about how the Holy Ghost spoke to him, it seemed to come so easy and frequently for him. It caused me to reflect more on how I could increase my sensitivity to the spirit. Mark's love of the Savior and willingness to serve Him was another great example for me. I would sit and watch both he and Ane how unselfishly they would serve and express their love to those they served. The late nights he would be hosting something at his home with the single adults and get a few hours of sleep, then be at an early morning meeting and then go strong in his calling most of the day without any complaining of being tired. He gave it his all when it came to helping others including his family members. The love they show their family members and the fun activities and traditions have inspired Julie and I to create some of our own traditions with our grandkids. I loved getting my temple recommended from Mark because of the spirit that was present and the discussions we would have. I remember a Sunday school lesson he taught on gaining exaltation. He taught it in a way that when I left it felt very attainable and it brought a sense of reality and truthfulness to God's great plan of happiness. The love he had for Ane was so strong and enjoyable to witness. Oh, one more thing. I have eaten more sushi because of him since he was so passionate about it and enjoyed it so much 😊
President and Sister Hornibrook have been extremely important to my growth and development throughout my youth. I have been blessed immensely because of their impact in sharing love and many hugs during difficult times. I remember feeling warmth every time I entered their home and wanted to become like them when I grew up. Mark was like a father to me and helped me to know what I should look for in a future spouse that I am now blessed to have. I looked up to him and felt he truly cared about everyone around him. I remember ward days at girls camp where my friends and I would hang out with him because he had a great sense of humor and we felt safe to be ourselves. I’m sure so many are blessed by his homecoming in paradise.
In thinking of Mark, the first thing that comes to mind is kindness. In every interaction I ever had with him or observed him having with anyone else, it was always coming from a place of love and kindness. That kindness has permeated it’s way through Precoa’s company culture and his legacy will live on in the culture of kindness that he created, and I’m extremely grateful for that.
It is hard to say goodbye to Mark. I knew and admired him from the time we were founders of The Forethought Group in Batesville, Indiana. That’s where preneed started for us. Mark was always the gentleman with the only computer we had at the time (we always checked to see if Mark had one arm longer than the other from carrying that heavy portable through airports). You could count on Mark to be a champion for not taking shortcuts and always doing the right thing. He was very intelligent and always kind. I had to run to keep up with him. He was inspiring. I am pleased, but not surprised, to read comments by folks on this website. He obviously was more than just the leader of Precoa, he was a friend to all who knew him, as well as many who may never have met him personally. I’m proud to have called him a friend.
I am so glad I got to spend time alone with Mark on one of my trips out to Oregon during the Precoa/ Outlook transition days. He shared with me his health journey and I was amazed at his courage and persistence. I left Portland with a profound respect and awe of Marks accomplishments and lesson in how you deal with adversity. My deepest sympathy to the entire family and thanks for including my son into the Precoa family.
I’m sorry, I know I’m a little late finding out about brother Hornibrook. I was one of the missionaries that served in his ward. I know nobody probably remembers me, but brother Hornibrook had a tremendous impact on my life. He is one of the kindest and closest to God people I have ever met in my life. I even had him sign his book he wrote for me. I don’t think I’ll meet anybody else as kind and as welcoming as brother Hornibrook was to me, a complete stranger.
I only had a chance to meet Mark in passing a couple times when he stopped by Precoa’s home office. What I remember was his kindness and his presence—he was completely focused on connecting with whomever he spoke. I’m grateful for the company he helped build, and my love and sympathy go out to the Hornibrooks and to everyone whose life he touched.
Mark and I shared the Bishops' offices suite at the stake center for several years. He came in as bishop of the Tualatin 1st Ward at a very difficult time. As I observed his interaction with ward members from the adjacent office and counseled with him on matters of mutual concern got an insight into this man of deep conviction and faith with a gentle and compassionate heart for the saints in his stewardship. I love him for his devotion to helping people and their families, to his own bride and extended family, and to the Savior, Jesus Christ. A man of courage with and ever ready smile.
From the first time I met Mark, I was touched by his genuine kindness and his authentic interest in others. He provided such a beautiful example of caring for people, and focusing on serving others’ needs. Mark not only preached the importance of meaningful connection - he lived it out. Through his work he has blessed the lives of thousands of families (ours included) and he’s given an example of what a life-well-lived looks like. From now on, when I think about connection and kindness, I will remember Mark and the impact he’s had on our lives.
Mark, you have influenced my life most positively. Since the day you moved into the house on Nodaway Ln and we became neighbors. I remember Sam Fitch and me helping you move all of your belongings and enjoying sandwiches/lemonade on the deck. Time continued on and although I moved away, we had the opportunity to catch up from time to time on either side of our white fence line. You have, and always will be in my heart. The positive effect you have had on my life will be with me forever. Thank you.
Mark has shown my family so much kindness and love. I will miss him dearly and will continually treasure the example he showed me on how to conduct myself as a man but more importantly, as a father. Thank you for everything Mark. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.
It was a pleasure to have had the opportunity to meet Mark in person. he certainly was a man that embodied Kindness. Prayers and blessings to his family. The good news is, we'll see him again someday. Thank you Mark for all you were blessed to make possible for your Family at Precoa...
If a picture is worth a thousand words, then the worth of an exemplary life lived cannot be measured or articulated in words or pictures;it has to be experienced. Well we all experience life but watching how you and Ane experience yours has been an amazing blessing in our lives. We can't thank the Hornibrook Family enough for allowing us to be a part of your life well lived. There are descriptive phrases that come to us like, "faith in adversity", "pushing through", "enduring well", and "charity never faileth". It's this last phrase that the Perez's will remember the most. Although I witnessed and experienced your charity dozens of times, the one memory that sticks out is at a Stake Conference Talk on Charity President Hornibrook gave at an evening session years ago. I was seething over a person I just tried to help after they had requested it, who completely turned against me and the act of kindness I was trying to convey. All of a sudden in this person's mind, I was the enemy. It so caught me off guard, that I couldn't help but be angry and frustrated by the way I was treated. These things normally don't get to me but for some reason, this one did. Within an hour of the event, I was listening to President Hornibrook speak on charity, which gave me correction and direction. This is what your talk was to me. It's not what you said, but what was conveyed to me through the Spirit of the Lord. I given/reminded to see that life had not been fair to you;as you gave of yourself freely, you were met with several injustices, challenges, even false and troubling accusations, which did not represent who you are. I remember pondering about your current difficulties and times when in the midst of difficulties, you and Ane offered charity, kindness, forgiveness, and mercy. To that point in our relationship, I had seen so many of your and Ane's experiences and thinking how unfair these challenges seemed to be for the both of you. Then my mind thought about the Savior, and how he took on all the unfairness and injustices of the world for all of us. I was whining about one, you and Ane were managing multiple, and the Savior absorbed them all. At that moment, you both stood with the Savior for me to receive the "sermon" that was meant for me that night. That has continued to be a lesson of a lifetime for me as I recall that message when life is challenging. We all have challenges, and how we go through them is what demonstrates, molds, and creates our character. Your sermon lived, captured and comforted me that night, which as mentioned above, is just one of dozens of life sermons you and Ane have played out for me. Thank you Mark and Ane, for the sermons you preach by the life you live. These are sermons that will never leave us.
I have the funeral program here on my desk. I like to see Mark smiling at me. It feels me with the feeling I always got around him - cheerful (slightly playful), caring, optimistic, generous, faith-filled. I want to be more like that. I want to be a deeper thinker, like Mark. I want to be creative and fun, like Mark. I want to be a more committed disciple, like Mark. I want to have a closer relationship with God and have faith like Mark. What a treasure to know him. It must be terrible to be deprived of all that light and sparkle, for any amount of time. How grateful I am to have known him a little. He's still inspiring me. Lots of love!
Mark was a wonderful human being! He will be greatly missed! Sending hugs and prayers for the entire Hornibrook Family during this difficult time.
From the moment I met Mark, and every moment after, he made me feel welcomed, respected, important, and valued. His presence was huge and inspiring and its hard to imagine him not being here. But I see his strength and leadership thru his sons, his grace and compassion and caring thru his family and everyone at Precoa. He touched so many lives and I am better to have know him. Gone from our world but never forgotten.
President Hornibrook was a stalwart person of faith anchored in our Savior Jesus Christ. He was always eager to share that faith in describing his journey through mortality. Especially in the last 9+ years he was not reticent to share his process, in quite a lot of detail, of getting answers to his prayers and concerns. Being open with that process helped lots of us see his humanity and the depth and breadth of his faith. He was definitely a "miracle man", having been granted almost a full extra decade in his life span considering his initial cancer prognosis. And although his many treatments would have exhausted others, he loved life and fought for its prolonging until all avenues were spent. If anyone has endured well to the end, it is Mark. On top of all that, he was one of the most generous people we have known, both with his time and his means, to build up the "kingdom" and strengthen individual lives one by one. Dana and I worked closely with Mark and Ane in serving with the Single Adults within our Stake and more broadly in the Portland and Vancouver Coordinating Council areas and we were able to see the scope of their influence for good throughout the Church and region. He will be sorely missed but his influence will be felt for a long time.
I wish I could have gotten to know Mark better, but in the interactions I had with him he was always extremely kind and genuine. His legacy is an extremely impressive one. The family he and Ane created, and the Precoa family he and Bret co-founded together. I know both meant the world to him. His legacy is indeed one of kindness. He genuinely cared for people, which is rare these days. He was authentic in every sense. My prayers go out to his family and friends. God Bless him.
Mark had such a warm smile and inviting presence. He made everyone he met feel welcome and important no matter what position they had in the company. There is a direct link between Mark and the incredible people that I have the privilege of working with every day and I cannot thank him enough for that. He has without a doubt enriched my life and the lives of countless others through meaningful connection.
My deepest condolences to Mark's loved ones. He was a truly wonderful person. He greeted everyone as if he had known them all his life, very sincere man. May you Rest In Peace my friend.
Mark was always so kind to me and often needed to slow down or repeat himself so I could keep up with his logic and math. I was always so impressed at his skill and intelligence and it was paired with such fantastic patience and kindness. I remember interviewing him on camera to document some of his memories and stories and it was so fun hearing the trouble he got into as a kid. I saw that enjoyment for life and humor he brought carry through in the videos of him, head-to-toe in a tuxedo riding a jet ski on the Willamette. He has had such a huge impact on my life and I cannot express how grateful and lucky I’ve been to get to know him. We’ll miss you Mark, and we’re all better off for having you in our lives.
It’s hard to put Mark’s impact on my life into words. I’m certain I’m not alone in this. Mark was brilliant and wise with great sense of humor and a ready smile. He was a wonderful person and I feel he made us all better. When I met Mark, and every time I saw him, I was struck by his genuine love for people. Always listening patiently and sharing a positive word to lift the spirits of those around him. His Kindness would shine forth in everything he said and did. His humble guidance was a blessing. I will always be grateful to have known him. My prayers go out to his family and those whose lives he touched.
Thank you, Mark. You built a kind and compassionate company.
Mark was our bishop and blessed our lives by being honest and real. I remember being so touched when, after sharing some of our challenges, he opened up about some of his own trials and difficulties. He was filled with compassion and empathy and had the humility to meet people where they were and lift them up. This is an example I have never forgotten. We felt the love of Christ through Mark’s genuine way of ministering to us. And long after he was our bishop, he was still our friend. Thank you for being a light in our life!
I’ve known Mark for a long time. His compassion and care for people is immeasurable. I have many memories of spending time with him both professionally and personally. My favorite memory was attending the Kenny Loggins concert at Spirit Mountain Casino with Mark, Ane, and Rachel. We had so much fun, and even though it felt strange to be out with the owner of the company I worked for, we had such a blast, and I will always treasure that memory. He was like a second father to me, and I will love him for being that, always. My heart is with the entire Hornibrook family, who has always felt like a 2nd family to me, as they try to weather this darkness without him. I love you all greatly!
What I remember most about Mark was his infectious smile. He was the kindest man I've ever known. For example: I wrote him a belated Happy Birthday e-mail a couple of days after his birthday. He wrote back " Thanks Denny! Warmly, Mark
Mark was our bishop in Tualatin, Oregon when we lived up there. There was always something special and unique about him and his wife. We loved this man and learned so much from him over those years. He seemed to emulate the Savior by the way he spoke to us and loved us. We always felt so valued around him. We are so grateful to have known him and his family. He will be missed!!!
So many mixed emotions...I met Mark when I started at Precoa in 2006. I will always remember his smile. He was so kind and thoughtful and would always ask about my family. I remember when I first started with Precoa, I would sit back and observe how he and his family communicated. His Sons were just as funny and kind as he was and were all so hard working, respectful, fun and all about business at the same time. (Just like their Dad) I remember walking up to him one day just to compliment him on how he had raised such a beautiful family and he nodded and smiled and said, "Thank you...But I really can't take the credit. My Wife Ane gets the credit for that." I thought that was so beautiful and when I finally got the chance to meet Ane, it all became clear. - Ane, to you and the family, I am so sorry for your loss but I am so grateful that I got the opportunity to meet Mark. He being the great Man of God that he was, fought the good fight of Faith until the end. Just remember, To be absent from the body, is to be present with the Lord. May the Lord grace you all with his presence, peace and comfort during this time of grief. -Much Love and Prayers
Mark always had a warm smile and showed his heartfelt care of others. He taught me a wonderful lesson once when he could see I was struggling with a service I had agreed to do. He said you can serve for duty or love. The difference is like watching TV on a small black and white TV or on a HD big screen. You’re going to do it either way so why not serve for love, you will get so much more out of it. He was this incredible example and I’ve found more fulfillment and joy trying to live by his words and actions. Thanks Mark
Over the years of making videos with Mark for the Incentive Travel trips I learned that Mark never backs down from a crazy idea or a fun filled adventure! He was always willing to do whatever it took to make an exciting and impactful video. One instance I remember especially, was when we told him we would be using a drone to film him and Bret riding jet-skis in the middle of the Willamette River wearing dress suits! But Mark, he didn't even bat an eye! He jumped on that jet-ski and had the time of his life cruising around the river in his suit and sunglasses looking as cool as James Bond. The minute we finished filming, a big storm came and we barely made it out of the river on time. It was quite the adventurous day with Mark and one I will never forget! The video was a hit at that year's Celebration Event and all thanks to Mark's willingness to embrace the adventure!
Mark lived a life of changing lives for the better. When I met him for the first time, it was at the Portland, Oregon Temple and he didn't know that I had just applied to work with Precoa. His kindness was a testament to the type of person he was not just in his work life but in his every day character. He had a gift for making you feel like you were the most important person to him. Mark has made such an incredible impact on my life, through his friendship and the great company family he built in Precoa. We love the Hornibrooks.
Mark you will be greatly missed by many. I remember our first meeting and how kind you were. You had a big smile that put me at ease and I felt like I had known you forever. I was surprised when I walked away and asked "What does he do here?" and was told you were one of the owners. I had never met anyone in your position who was so down to earth and so caring of others. Throughout the years I have heard many stories of how you reached out to others in the company personally when they were ill or in the hospital. You lived the values you set and it shows especially in your incredible children who are as kind and caring as you. Your legacy will live on with them. I think my favorite memory is one from the Alaska cruise where you and Bret were dressed like James Bond as you raced to get on the boat. It showed your incredible sense of humor and I never laughed so hard. You were an inspiration to me and helped me to strive to become better and to walk through any obstacles put in my path with grace as you walked your path. Thank you for being you, for all you have done and know that you will be so missed. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Thank you again Mark
The thing I remember most about Mark was his kind words that he shared with me after having a record year.
I will never forget Mark's trip to Oklahoma to ride along with me in the beginning of my Precoa career. The time we shared on that trip set the tone for our 15 year relationship. His kindness, concern and mentoring will never be forgotten. I love you my friend.
My interactions were too few with you, Mark. What I remember most each time, though, is a feeling of warmth, love, and kindness that is stronger than words. That feeling is what I hope to carry on, and that your influence and love will live on in all of us as we share it.
My heart aches for the the Hornibrook and PRECOA families. I feel very blessed to call Mark my friend and will miss him sorely. I was blessed to share lots of travel experiences with Mark over the years and in doing so a few things stand out as I reflect back. I recall Mark (along with other PRECOA execs) meeting every single guest (hundreds of them) with a warm smile as they arrived on the Escapes incentive trips. In my experience, most high-level execs would be “too good” to stand at an airport or cruise terminal or hotel lobby all day to greet people - not Mark. He insisted on being there to meet every one of them. When visiting Rome, Mark insisted that even the guests arriving the morning of a cruise had a chance to get a “taste” of Rome. The travel logistic side of me did not love this plan, but Mark insisted we could make it happen. Always with the guest experience in mind, we crafted a walking tour to drop guests off at the colosseum with a route, flags, and familiar faces along the way so guests wouldn’t get lost on their way to St Peter’s Square before transferring to the pier for a Mediterranean cruise. What an experience! Hundreds of PRECOA guests working their way through Rome, dozens of staff holding PRECOA flags. The whole plan came together just as Mark drew it up. I will especially miss the travel brainstorming calls I would have with Mark. He loved walking through all the amazing places in the world and how we could plan an Escapes trip to those locations. As recently as a few weeks ago we worked on a 10-year plan of places he wanted the group to go. Mark had a passion for travel and wanted all his guests to see the great things the world has to offer! Love you Mark!
It is very difficult to express in words what this man has meant to me over the years. There are simply too many priceless memories, lessons, stories, and meaningful moments to write. He was so full of love and kindness. His truly authentic and genuine concern for others is a characteristic rarely seen in leaders these days. It simply did not matter who you were or where you came from, he treated everyone the same. I will miss his gentle hugs, the special twinkle in his eyes, his warm smile, his sense of humor, his fatherly concern for me and my family, his courage, his intellect, his words of wisdom, his friendship, and his love. It's not often to come across individuals who seem to have found the true meaning of life, know what real joy is, and then live their life accordingly. Mark was and always will be that example to me. I'm incredibly grateful to know him and look forward to that time when we'll see each other again. My heart and prayers go Ane and his wonderful family.
I met Mark in 2007 and immediately recognized an engaging, charismatic man. I always felt he truly cared about everyone he met. I remember telling my husband I had won the annual trip and due to his past experience through his former employment he was not looking forward to it….He was quickly won over when he met Mark and Ane. Always honest and inspirational he caused us all to devote ourselves to those same ideals interacting with families….he will be sorely missed
The apostle Paul said, “I have fought a good fight, I have kept the faith.” This seems so descriptive of Mark and his ongoing faithfulness in his life. Mark is a great man and has lived a great life. His family, friends, church and business associates have all been richly blessed by the association with him. His daily acts of kindness, his valiant service in the kingdom and his example of righteousness have inspired all us who met and loved him. Mark always chose to rise a little higher, to work a little harder, to preserver a little longer and to serve a little more diligently. Together with his adoring wife, Ane, they have used their circle of influence to make the world a better, kinder place. How grateful we are for Mark and Ane’s marvelous example to us all.
Our deepest sympathy from the Jorgensen family to Mark's wonderful family and friends. As next door neighbors in Batesville, IN long ago, their children and ours were all young then and played together often. As part of the original executive committee at Forethought, Mark was a respected leader and colleague too and has since created an amazing business at Precoa where he and his family have continued to serve the funeral profession with distinction. We extend our prayers to the entire family for peace, hope, and healing during these difficult days.
No matter how tired, or sick, or debilitated by your many treatments, Mark, you always showed up in person to our Forest Lawn Kick-off to announce to our planning advisors each of the great trips that you selected for the team! Even when your own associates were not sure if you would show up for the announcement, you surprised all of us by joining our Kick-off Conference for each trip's reveal! Our planning advisors absolutely loved you, and I know you did not want to disappoint them regardless of your health condition. You will be missed by the many friends you have at Forest Lawn, and I will miss you even more. May peace be with you now, my friend, as you float among the angels in heaven.
The first memory I have of Uncle Mark is when he and my Aunt Ane were engaged. I think I was 9 or 10 years old. He lived in our camp trailer in our back yard. I thought it was weird that he only ate veggies, and cheese (a lot of cheese!). I was a very picky eater. He introduced me to broccoli with cheese sauce which I instantly loved! (I'm sure my mom was so grateful because there were so few veggies that I would eat.) He was tall and handsome and he loved my aunt, so that was good enough for me. Since my dad passed, I have turned to him for special blessings when things have been hard or I've had a difficult decision to make. He has always had such inspired counsel. I loved, whenever I visited them in Oregon, that he would walk me through their paradise of a yard and show me all the progress and tell me about the future plans. He would always pick berries for me to eat. One evening we harvested some blackberries and Ane made Grandma Herrin's Lazy Pie. DELICIOUS!! He also told me that I wasn't too old to try the zipline and he helped me get harnessed and gave me a big push. It was so fun! At my most recent visit, before Covid, he took me on a ride in his new Tesla and showed me how fast it could get up to 65 mph. I felt like I was in a rocket! He was always so kind and so encouraging. I will miss him so much!! I LOVE YOU UNCLE MARK!!!
I’m at a loss. In my time with Precoa I’ve had the honor to see mark a just couple times a year. The first time was at the first Escapes Trip we attended. My wife and I met Mark & Ane and immediately, we could feel Mark and Ane’s, genuine, inviting, and kind nature. He had a presence about him that was unmistakable and recognizable the second you met him. Every time I would see Mark and we spoke, he made me feel like nothing else in this world mattered except the conversation we were having in that moment. Even though I’m sure he had many other things to get to. A rarity in todays world, and I’m thankful for these interactions over the years. For me, in my life, Mark was the greatest example of not only a leader in my professional life, but also a leader within his family. Everything seemed to start with family for Mark, and this shows through the beautiful relationships between he, Ane, and their children. I am blessed to have met Mark, and better because of my interactions with him and the examples he set, both professionally and personally. Mark, you will forever be missed and never forgotten. Much love, many prayers and thoughts from our family to the Hornibrook’s during this tough time.
If there was anyone who embodied kindness, progression, and craftsmanship, it was Mark. Mark has always been an inspirational figure for me and anyone who has had a connection with him or Precoa. Such a kind person who has had an immense impact on the lives of others.
In thinking about Mark Hornibrook I am struck by his profound example of faith. He is an example of one who moved beyond belief to a sure knowledge. He had stopped doubting years ago, any doubt or uncertainty was behind him. He had an unwavering confidence in the Lord, a sureness that God lived and spoke with him. He lived with complete trust in Jesus Christ and His promises. When the Lord revealed Himself to Mark, Mark knew His voice and found comfort relying on His timing and His will. He lived by the Spirit and learned by the Spirit. This knowledge seemed to bring a never ending commitment, a profound happiness to his life and made him a truly Christlike, caring and loving individual to everyone he met.
I had the privilege of meeting with President Hornibrook and other members of the Stake Communications Council once a month in his home. I think the thing I remember most is the incredible amount of love I felt there, not only from President Hornibrook and Ann but from the distinct feeling of love in their home. Many sacred discussion took place there on how to help improve the lives of others and I will always remember that love and warmth.
Mark has always been an example of how to be a human. He has always been so compassionate and heartfelt with everyone. His humor in all things has always been an amazing part of his personality. His ability to connect and engage with everyone is what immediately comes to mind when we think of him. We love Mark and his impact will live on always.
Mark, you are one of the brightest and most loving people I ever had the joy of calling a friend! You always put others first and never failed to keep in touch during my hospital stays, for which I will be eternally grateful! You will be sorely missed, til we meet again!
I was fortunate to have met Mark several times and each time I walked away with my spirits raised. I recall when I first started at Precoa several years ago I ran into Mark in the hallway and he took the time to shake my hand, ask how my day was going, and ask how I myself was doing personally. I was completely blown away that he not only took the time to interact with a new employee, but genuinely cared about me as a person. Mark embodied Precoa's spirit and showed me our culture of kindness and connection are the core of what we do, his life's work will continue to impact so many both within the Precoa family and beyond. Sending my love and condolences to the Hornibrook Family, I am so grateful to be a part of Mark's vision.
I am grateful to have known Mark, and to have had the opportunity to work with him and his company and I am grateful that others in my organization were able to meet and know mark through our collective work. We all know that Mark was passionate about advance planning, and ultimately funeral service. Mark was an individual that inspired improvement- and through his work and determination- made our profession better, countless organizations better, and those that knew him better. His incredible legacy continues through his amazing family and his amazing organization. Mark will be missed and always remembered.
I was very sad to hear of Mark’s passing. I was always impressed by how he made time to talk to me and everyone on the special yearly company vacations during my time with Precoa. Mark was always so positive and kind to everyone. Precoa is a very special place to work and this is because of the wonderful staff and this all started at the top with the co-owners Mark & Bret. My thoughts and prayers are with Michael and the entire Hornibrook family during this time. RIP
Mark was always one of those people who you looked forward to sharing a room with, let alone a conversation. He was quick with a smile and a laugh, wore his heart on his sleeve, and set a profound example for everyone in the organization to follow. I know Precoa was his life's work and that the road to building it wasn't an easy one, but with good natured determination and the support of so many friends and family, look at it now. Cheers Mark...it was sure a pleasure.
I knew and met Mark when he first started in Preneed with Fred Rockwood at Forethought. They started Forethought and grew. When he started Precoa he had a reputation that followed him. He will be remembered for his progressive approach helping funeral homes build their business.
Mark taught me as a teenager. He only taught me for one semester, but he was the most influential teacher I've ever had. His conviction and love for his students was palpable with every word. He never stopped being that teacher for me, even when I became an adult. He is who I aspire to be. I will miss him dearly, but I know he will be sharing that powerful influence with even more people.