1958 – 2016

AUBURN — Mark A. Salmons, 58, of Mechanic Falls went to be with his Savior on Sunday, Dec. 11, at the Hospice House after a long battle with esophageal cancer.

He was born in Logan, W.Va., on Dec. 1, 1958. The son of a coal miner, Mark grew up in Spencer, W.Va., attending Spencer High School. In college, he attended the West Virginia Institute of Technology, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. In high school, he was a standout athlete, excelling in baseball, basketball, football and track. It was during this time that he was regional catcher for the high school conference. In college, he continued his pursuit of baseball.

Mark married his wife, Judy Torkildsen, on Aug. 23, 1997. Together they started a family of two boys.

A boat-builder in central and southern Maine for more than two decades, Mark was a skilled craftsman who excelled in woodworking and building and repairing fiberglass boats. He supervised a large crew at Sabre Yachts for several years and twice received a production award for his work. He later moved to other positions in the industry. Most recently, Mark was employed by Portland Yacht Services.

A man with a strong Christian faith, he attended East Auburn Baptist Church on Park Avenue where he enjoyed being part of the men’s ministry. Beyond his faith, he believed the most important thing in his life was his relationship with his family.

An avid outdoorsman, his favorite pastime activities were hunting, fishing, hiking and camping.

Mark was the kind of person who was interested in everyone. He made friends with people from all walks of life and was always willing to help anyone in need.

Mark is survived by his wife of 19 years, Judy, and their two boys, Noah, 17, and David, 13; his mother, Audrey (Crum) Salmons, his brother, Gary Salmons and his wife, Kathy, and his brother-in-law, Don Ramsey, all of West Virginia; and his sister, Cindy Moore, and her husband, Doug, of Virginia. He is also survived by many extended family members, including Trina Torkildsen and Jorg Freyer of Maryland, Robert and Karen Torkildsen of Massachusetts, Karla and Bob Krogstad of New York, Chris and Janice Torkildsen of Colorado, Peter and Gail Torkildsen of Massachusetts, Brian Torkildsen of Massachusetts, Mary and Jeff Sanders of Minnesota, Margaret and Warren Grover of Illinois, Patricia and Scott Coonrod of New York, and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his father, Jess Willard (Butterhead) Salmons, and his sister, Charmaine Ramsey, both of West Virginia.

Those wishing to pay tribute to Mark’s life may do so at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.