Mark Wade Vigil

Mark Wade Vigil, 62, passed away unexpectedly on February 13, 2025, at his home in Ogden, UT. He was born June 4, 1962, to Mary Martinez Vigil and Alfonso Vigil. Mark spent his early years in Sunset, UT, growing up surrounded by his exceptionally large family with many cousins. He attended Layton High School, graduating in 1980. In 1978 Layton High won their first and only state championship with Mark as their star quarterback. He loved to reminisce on his high school football years spent with his cousins. He attended The University of Idaho on a football scholarship where he also played quarterback.

Mark met the love of his life, Melanie West, at the Gimlet/Rocket in Ogden when she was just nineteen. As Mark always told it: “We ran into each other on the dance floor. Caribbean Queen by Billy Ocean was playing. We danced all night!” He nicknamed her “Sexy Eyes” and spoke often of how she was a wonderful, unselfish, and giving mother and wife. Together Mark and Melanie raised five children, Miles, Montana, Joseph, Matthew, and Mariah. Mark was endlessly proud of his family and his children. He attended every sports game, music recital, graduation and event beaming with love and pride. He told his children often how proud he was of them, and how much he loved them and enjoyed raising them. He was most proud of his two beautiful grandsons, McCoy and Theo, whom he loved with all his heart. He was the most gentle, patient, loving Papa to those boys, and would let them lead him around by one of his giant fingers, telling them how smart and dexterous they were, smothering them with kisses and hugs. It was a side of him that was new and so very cherished. He also had a bond with his dog Kota, who he often danced with and could be seen perched on the arm of his favorite chair.

Marks love for sports, particularly football persisted throughout his life. He spent many years volunteering his time to coach Junior Varsity and Varsity for Ogden High School. His influence as a coach and mentor was widespread, and the countless stories from his former athletes are a boon to our hearts. He was so proud of them all. He loved to support his two nephews, Zack and Nick, through their football careers. He attended every Utah State game, cheering voraciously. He bought every jersey and hoodie with each team they played for in the NFL and was constantly bragging about them to friends and acquaintances alike.

Mark loved to be active and enjoyed golfing at the many beautiful courses in northern Utah. He was recognizable on the course by his variety of bucket hats and his bear head golf club cover. He also enjoyed fly fishing, camping, and being in nature. He often spoke of being at peace and feeling connected to the earth whenever he was outdoors. He particularly loved spending time at Warrior Rizen Ranch, where he volunteered his time and energy to construct campsites for veterans and their families to use as a retreat.

Mark did many things to honor his son Miles, an Army veteran who lost his battle to PTSD. He strived to spread positive energy and awareness surrounding PTSD and suicide by founding the Miles of Hope foundation. Through the many golf tournaments, and various other fundraisers, he was able to change the lives of many veterans and their families. We will always remember his heartfelt speeches on the green prior to the shotgun start each June.

Mark was the hardest worker and best provider. His lifelong career was in carpentry and home remodeling. He could build anything and was often seen with his toolbelt slung around his hips, his boombox playing classic country, and a Coors light not far out of reach. He was a wizard with the mudding trowel and watching him create a home with his hands was mesmerizing. He and his wife Melanie spent many years building their beautiful home together.

Mark worked as a Youth Corrections officer for many years at Millcreek Youth Center. He loved to see the adolescents there grow and change to improve their lives. He taught woodworking and managed many “cottages,” being a mentor and leader for the boys that were living there. He loved his Millcreek family and formed many lifelong bonds.

Marks last workplace was Clearfield Job Corps where he worked as a carpenter and maintenance man. He enjoyed his easy days there, making many friends and looking forward to his upcoming retirement.

Mark was a true Ogden native and a pillar of his community. He spent time in many family homes as a contractor and a handy man. He frequented Steiny’s, Gigs Tavern, and Brewskis, supporting his friends and spreading his positive energy and love. He enjoyed a cold beer and a shot of crown royal while telling stories and making everyone laugh. He was an entertainer, the first to start singing or dancing, always the life of the party. He loved to participate in chili cookoffs and won many awards with his “secret” green Chile and pozole recipe.

He was larger than life in every sense of the word. His broad built, bear paw hands, and confident presence filled a room. He was a sharp dresser and always a handsome man, becoming more distinguished every year with his salt and pepper hair. Marks purpose in life was to spread love. He often preached about positive energy, ONE LOVE and “big medicine.” Mark knew that the most important thing in life is the time you spend with loved ones, and the many small moments filled with love, hope, and laughter. He was a resilient man, overcoming many hardships in his life. He was our rock, protector and guiding light. He loved his friends as his family, and the gaping hole of his loss will be felt by so many. We hope to continue his legacy by spreading love and light.

Mark was preceded in death by his son Miles, his sister Rita, and his father Alfonso. He is survived by his loving wife, Melanie West Vigil, his daughters Montana (Mason) Hornsby, Mariah Vigil, his sons Joseph (Grace) Vigil and Matthew Vigil, his grandsons McCoy and Theo, his mother Mary Vigil, his four brothers, Robert (Cheryl) Vigil, Saul (Jackie) Vigil, Paul Vigil, and Jamie (Kayla) Vigil, as well as many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A celebration of Mark’s life will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd. Friends may visit with family on Saturday from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the mortuary. 

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