Mark Sheppard’s Final Expenses

October is a busy and exciting month for Spokane’s Queen of Halloween but this year has been particularly difficult and challenging for Chris Sheppard. On October 19, 2023 her husband of 29 years, Mark Sheppard passed away in his home after a long hard fought battle with heart disease.

Mark was born with a heart defect. In his early 40’s he had major open heart surgery. In the last few years his condition worsen. He had to go from fulltime to parttime working at Bixby Tools.

He just did not have the energy to do the things he used to like to do.

Mark spent his time playing with his outdoor garden railroad bed, doing yard work and home repair, and thrift store shopping. He loved all kinds of music and books. He enjoyed getting dressed up and wearing top hats and hosting informal get-togethers in his backyard for friends and neighbors. The highlight of his day was getting to spend time outdoors with his cherished four dogs--Ozzie, Ruby, Marvel, and Zoey. Mark was a wonderful host and loved to talk and tell stories, always making sure every guest felt welcomed.

Mark hated going to the doctor and taking pills and Chris was so patient and dedicated to taking care of him--filling the many prescription bottles and keeping track of all the multiple doctor appointments. Always keeping a cheerful spirit that kept Mark going. Through it all Chris stayed strong, she was really there for him.

In late September they were at their last medical appointment and Mark was told he needed to get his affairs in order and call in hospice, there was nothing more the doctors could do. Mark was 56 years old. Hospice came and took over his care and were wonderful but less than 2 weeks later he was gone. It all happened so fast and the shock from it all still hasn’t sunk in for those who loved him.

In the end Mark wasn’t working and Chris was taking care of him and her disabled sister so she really couldn’t work. Chris’ friends and family are hoping this fund helps her raise enough money to cover Mark’s final expenses. The Sheppards were entirely dependent upon Mark’s income and Chris is still too young to qualify for any assistance under Social Security.

With her efforts as the Queen of Halloween for the last 30 years in Spokane, WA, Chris Sheppard has brought a lot of joy into this world. Her involvement with The Inland Empire Gardeners has also had a positive impact on the community as she spearheads local events like the Garden Expo and Spokane in Bloom Garden Tour. The point is Chris Sheppard has done a lot for people so she deserves a little support now.

Since it’s first year in 2000, Mark would cheerfully work the Garden Expo for the entire day as the head of our Expo Volunteer Security Team where he would watch after folks and visit with people ensuring those that attended had a good time. He was such a people person. Mark might have had a bad heart but he had a good soul.

“I never met a man I didn't like.” - Will Rogers. The same could be said for Mark Mathew Sheppard. In his short 56 years on this Earth, you can say that no one ever had an unkind word to say about Mark Sheppard and that he really did like everyone he ever met.