Mark James Damon, age 61, passed away on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at his home in Madison, Wisconsin. Mark was born on November 26, 1964, grew up in Stoughton, and attended LaFollette High School in Madison, graduating in 1984. Mark was a dedicated State of Wisconsin employee for over 35 years, delivering mail and pharmaceutical supplies throughout Central Wisconsin Center with courtesy, humor, and a movie-star smile.

Living with cerebral palsy that affected his arms and legs, Mark mastered the operation of a series of motorized wheelchairs outfitted with chin and foot controls for ignition, gear-shifting, and steering, and he pushed these vehicles to their limits. He had a strong bent for mechanics, an eagle eye for detail, and an unflagging enthusiasm for creative problem-solving. Generations of occupational, vocational, and social work professionals owe a debt of gratitude to Mark for being willing to experiment with new devices and systems such as a foot-controlled computer mouse and door openers; mouth-held tools for use with keyboards and dial pads; and voice-activated appliances.

Mark was also a skilled instructor, patiently training countless aides and attendants on the intricacies of his assistive technology, as well as food preparation, household maintenance, and daily care.

Mark was always up for adventure, exploring new trails and seeing where they might lead. Some favorite spots included Camp Wawbeek in Wisconsin Dells, his sister Bev’s house in Tacoma, Washington, and the annual Mad City Model Railroad Show.

Mark will be sorely missed: his kindness, intelligence, courage, humor, and friendship brought light and joy to the lives of many, many people. He was preceded in death by his loving foster parents, Ruth and Harry Kirby, and his dear friend Audrey. He leaves behind many foster brothers, sisters, nephews, and nieces; long-time friend and roommate Kevin Danz; and scores of other friends and colleagues.

Many thanks are owed to the staff at Lakeview Supported Living Services, Community Work Services, FA, Inc., My Choice Wisconsin, UW Health, Unity Point Health – Meriter Hospital, and St. Croix Hospice for the care and support they provided to Mark.

A memorial gathering for Mark will be held at Ryan Funeral Home, 2418 N. Sherman Drive, Madison, Wisconsin on Friday, January 9, from 4 to 6 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mark’s memory may be made to one of Mark’s favorite organizations, Easterseals Wisconsin, to support Camp Wawbeek and Respite Camp, using their Online Giving Form | Easterseals Wisconsin or by mailing contributions to Easterseals Wisconsin at 1468 N. High Point Rd., Ste. 202, Middleton, WI 53562. To view his obituary and leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com

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