Mark Roy Birrell

11/20/1962 ~ 5/20/2019

Mark Roy Birrell age 56 passed away peacefully on May 20, 2019 in Taylorsville, Utah. Mark was born Nov 20, 1962 in Pocatello, Idaho to Cliff and Shirley (Gibson) Birrell.
Mark became a father to his son Ryan July, 1982 and received his degree as a master electrician in 1983. He worked as an electrician for several years. Mark had a great love for the ocean, he spent many years in his young adult life surfing and skateboarding. After nearly a lifetime of alcoholism, Mark’s body finally gave up at the young age of 56. He was being cared for at Avalon West Health and Rehabilitation and Care Center in Taylorsville, UT when he passed away. We have joked that the man had an amazing ability to overcome anything that was thrown at him, including multiple car accidents, emergency surgeries even being electrocuted while working.
For anyone who has alcoholism or addiction in their lives, you know how hard it is to understand why they choose their vice over their loved ones. I believe that in Mark’s case, he didn’t have control over it, and alcohol was the only thing he could count on and find comfort in. Mark spent his life looking for love and acceptance. He lived in several cities in both California and Pennsylvania and was currently residing with his father in Ephraim, UT. Mark had a great sense of humor and loved all children and animals. Mark was loved by many and will be greatly missed.
Mark is preceded in death by his mother, Shirley; his sister, Dana; and grandparents. Mark is survived by his father, Cliff Birrell; son Ryan (Nani) Birrell brothers Jeff (Leiann) Birrell Doug (Melissa)Birrell Sisters Melissa(Mike)Piluskites Kara(Jeff) Mathis and many nieces and nephews.
Many thanks to the staff at Tender Care Hospice & Avalon West Health and Rehab for helping our family through this complicated situation.
A viewing will be held Tuesday May 28, 2019 from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. in the Ephraim Stake Center. Online condolence rasmussenmortuary.com