It is with deep sadness and heartache to write this “obituary.” I know Mark would prefer to call it “A Summary of My Life,” a life that ended too early. Mark fought the good fight against cancer, unfortunately he could fight no more. I will forever have a void in my heart and I miss him every day. We raise a glass to you Mark – thanks for enriching all our lives. REST IN PEACE!
Mark – 69, passed peacefully at his home in Parker, Colorado, on the evening of October 5, 2025. His wife Sheila and beloved dog Joey, were by his side. His sister Marci, nephew Jonas, niece Brittany, and their dog Barkley were also with him.
In writing this and looking through many, many great pictures, in addition to the sadness and tears, it brought up wonderful memories of our life together. It also reminded me of how much he enjoyed the life he shared with his family, friends, (both 2 and 4 legged) and business associates.
He is known for his great smile, big heart, sense of humor and love for family, friends, and animals. He could be serious, when necessary, but most of all Mark was smiling, laughing, and enjoying all that life could give. Mark and I are very lucky and blessed to have been a part of each other’s life for over 41 years. He was my better half and I know he left an impression on every person whose path he crossed.
Mark was born on July 26, 1956 in Denver, Colorado to Nancy Jean and Allan Leslie Lake. He had an older brother Allan Jr. and younger sister Marci. A native of Colorado, he grew up in the Southeast Denver area where he attended George Washington High School, graduated in 1974. He attended Western State College (now Western Colorado University) in Gunnison, Colorado and graduated in 1979.
Mark and Sheila met in Denver, on a blind date, and they were married on April 28, 1984. Mark is also known as; ML, triple shot, Marky Mark, Unc, LakeShake (which I am told from Sam Schein came about when Mark and others painted the water tower at the WSC campus with the words Lake-a-Shaka Beta), Big Fish Mark and Markus Parkus. Mark L. Lake July 26, 1956 – October 5, 2025
Mark lived and died with pride, respect and he knew how to put things in perspective based on lessons learned from family and friends, including those from his dad “Big Al.” He learned the value of hard work and had a strong work ethic and it is through that hard work that Mark was an entrepreneur and a successful business owner. He got interested in the ice and refrigeration business working for his father and delivering ice at an early age. In 1977 he and Greg Warneke were in St. Thomas Virgin Islands selling ice and working on boats. Also, in the summers of his high school years, Mark worked at Rockmount Ranchwear on Wazee Street in downtown Denver. He then started CRS with Fred Kidder and worked for others in the ice/refrigeration business in the 80’s. In February 1990 he started Brrr Refrigeration & Design which he sold in August 2024.
Like his dad, Mark had the capacity to bring out the best in those around him, a natural ability to put people at ease and to enjoy life’s simple pleasures. He adopted and lived his life based on a saying his dad told him, “if and when life’s challenges become overwhelming, take care of the little things and the big things will take care of themselves.”
His dream after retiring was to enjoy his backyard swimming pool, hot tub, patio, and the BAG (Big Ass Garage) between fishing, hunting, golfing, skiing, and camping trips. He did enjoy all those hobbies throughout his life and even was able to use the pool and hot tub for the last year of his life. It certainly was not long enough, but better than not at all.
Mark served on the Board of Trustees for 32 years of The Mohab Foundation (mohabs.com). He wore many hats, including chairman, publisher, emailer, main event planner, and party host of The Mohab Foundation, which was formed in 1993. The Mohab Foundation is a scholarship-granting organization for students at Western Colorado University, founded by a group of alumni. Its mission is to provide financial assistance to students who combine higher education with outdoor experiences, honoring the self-determination and self-reliance of its scholarship recipients. The foundation originated from a social group of alumni formed in the 1970s and has awarded more than 132 scholarships since inception.
Mark was able to travel to many places both the US and Europe. He especially enjoyed the
motorcycle trips he took across both the US and Europe, with his high school friends, and even Sheila rode on the back a few trips. Other hobbies he enjoyed with longtime friends, included fly fishing in the Gunnison/Crested Butte area, and even far-reaching places such as Bolivia, Cuba, and the Bahamas. He was also an avid hunter, skier, golfer, camper & loved swimming in his backyard pool. He also enjoyed a cocktail or three with family and friends either when hanging out in the BAG or sitting on the front porch, in the 100+ year old chairs owned by his great grandparents “watching the world go by” a phrase that Mark and his dad would both say and do.
Mark and Sheila want to recognize and give a big thank you to Marci, Brittany, Jonas, and Barkley for staying with them and taking care of Mark 24/7 during his final days. Their kindness and support were priceless. Also, a big thank you to all his family and friends that either stopped by, called, or texted Mark and me during his last few weeks and days. Your kind words of support, your prayers, pictures, and memories that you shared, and continue to share, continues to help us get through each day.
Mark is survived by his wife of over 41 years, Sheila Emarine Lake and his beloved 14-year-old blue heeler Joey. He is also survived by his sister Marci (Dave) and their children, nephew Jonas (Brittany) and niece Addi (Derick) along with his mother-in-law Betty, father’s wife, Diane, brother-in-law Mike (Joan), nieces Dana (Adam) and their 3 children Haden, Davis & Nolan, niece Amy and son Sean, brother-in-law Greg (Susan), and sisters-in-law Melanie (Dennis), Karen (Dean) and nephews Erik (Ellen) and Konner and sister-in-law Stacie (Jim) and niece Loriana and many lifelong friends.
He was preceded in death by his father Allan (2014), mother Nancy (2021), brother Allan Jr. (Sheri) (2024) and father-in-law Bob Emarine (1982), extended family members and beloved animals Bucky, Bebo & Jocko along with a variety of cats.
Mark had a big impact on everyone that knew him, family, friends, and business people. An
example of that is the following from his nephew Jonas:
“Mark Lake (Unc) had a major impact on me in life and continues to in death. He was the uncle everyone should have. When I was 3 or 4 years old, he built a treehouse on he and Sheila’s property for my sister, myself and his nieces and nephews on Sheila’s side of the family. As I grew older, he continued to mentor me and be a constant example of a stand-up man. He gifted me with my first hatchet and set of tools, despite my mother thinking I was a little too young. As I reached my high school years, I worked at Brrr Refrigeration for a summer job. I quickly learned how hard Mark worked, not only building a successful business, but more importantly in taking care of his people, just as he had taken care of me. He will forever remain a role model for me in the way he worked, the way he played, the way he cared and the way he loved. He lived many lives in the time he had, and he will always be a man I would like to make proud.”
There will be a Celebration of Life in late spring or early summer 2026, date and location to be determined.
Mark’s desire was to have everyone remember him by his great smile and sense of humor, love for family, friends, and his animals.
Please donate in Mark’s name and memory to The Mohab Foundation, PO Box 461956, Aurora, CO 80045-1956, or the charity of your choice.
Thank you.
Sheila