Mark Jay Farinas

MARK JAY FARINAS

June 16, 1969 - September 19, 2023

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Mark Jay Farinas who passed away in Colorado on September 19, 2023, due to heart failure. He was 54.

Mark was born in Honolulu on June 16, 1969. He attended Henry J. Kaiser High School in Hawaii Kai and earned his Bachelor of Business Administration at Colorado State University before starting his career at TIAA, a Fortune 100 financial service organization.

Mark loved the outdoors. Although he missed Hawaii's beautiful beaches, he loved Colorado and made it his home for 30 years. He enjoyed camping, fishing, backpacking, skiing, snowboarding, standup paddleboarding, biking, and hiking. In fact, he managed to summit 11 of the 50 mountain peaks of 14,000 feet or higher, referred to as “Fourteeners”. He biked a 100-mile “century” ride and even made a year-end biking trip to the top of Haleakala on Maui, at 10,000 feet elevation.

Mark had a beautiful smile and had a special way of putting others at ease, always making sure everyone felt included and valued. He was compassionate, caring, and willing to help others in need. Perhaps his greatest gift, however, was his sense of humor and quick wit. He cherished his friendships, his family, and his faithful companion, Buddy, a large black mixed Lab.

Mark was predeceased by his father, Melvin and is survived by his son, Kainoa Jackson, mother Ronnie Mae, brother Sy (Yumi), nephews Ren and Jo, and many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was taken from us so suddenly and way too soon. We miss you terribly and will love and remember you forever. Please watch over us with Dad. May you rest in peace.

Private services were held.