Sept. 13, 1945 — Dec. 6, 2024
Ashland based journalist and videographer Mark K. Brown, 79, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family after a courageous battle with cancer.
Mark grew up in a lively home alongside his five brothers in Denver, Colorado. In high school, Mark met his lifelong partner and wife Cici. They attended Colorado State University until Mark enlisted in the Navy. He was stationed in Sasebo, Japan during Vietnam, where Cici and Mark married. After Mark’s honorable discharge, he received his bachelor’s degree in journalism at CSU and his lifelong career in journalism began.
Mark was offered a job as a reporter, anchor, and eventually news director at KOBI TV in Medford. It was during this time Mark and Cici brought into this world their two daughters, Chelsea and Cedar. Mark worked for local TV stations and eventually started his own business, Southern Oregon News Service, where he produced breaking news stories across Oregon for affiliate TV stations.
Mark was later hired by the Oregon Shakespeare Festival as their videographer where he worked over 20 fulfilling years producing play trailers. Mark and Cici also teamed up to produce over 10 documentaries and children’s videos, many of which received awards at film festivals.
Mark was an inspiration and mentor to many up and coming journalists, both in the news room and at Southern Oregon University where he taught journalism as an adjunct professor. Through these experiences, Mark touched many lives and consequently was a highly regarded member of the community.
One of his main loves, besides his family, was that of the outdoors. When he wasn’t behind the camera, Mark could be found camping, biking, swimming, or working outside by his pond. He will be remembered as a master storyteller, by his endless positivity, his warm heart, an insatiable love of learning, and as a beloved husband, father, brother, and Grandpa Dude.
Mark is survived by his wife of 57 years, Cici; children Chelsea (George) Witnauer, Cedar (Kevin) League; granddaughters Mackenzie, Savannah, Cameron and Emily; brothers Jim, Steve, Charlie and Rob; and many extended family members. Mark is preceded in death by his parents Dr. Robert and Phyllis Brown, and his brother Bill. A celebration of life is being planned this spring.
In honor of Mark’s love of swimming, contributions can be made to the Ashland Family YMCA Aquatics, or a charity of your choice.
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