Mark Austin Switzer

Mark Austin Switzer, 41, passed away unexpectedly on November 22, 2024. Mark was a native of Southampton County, Virginia. He was preceded in death by his infant son, Joshua Matthew Switzer, his maternal grandfather, Eugene L. Cook, and his paternal grandparents, Reverend Willis and Jo Ann Switzer. 

Left behind to cherish his memory are his wife, Pamela; his sons, Samuel (age 6) and Daniel (age 3); his parents, W. Terrell and Deborah Switzer; his sister, Amanda Switzer; his maternal grandmother, Marian Cook; a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family; and countless friends across the world.

Mark was a decorated United States Army veteran having completed Arabic language training at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center. He served for more than 7 years completing two tours in Iraq and Afghanistan as an Arabic Cryptologic Linguist/Signals Intelligence Analyst, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. Mark was honorably discharged in 2014 and joined Microsoft Corporation as a Software Engineer. During his 10 years at Microsoft, he progressed to a Principal Software Engineering Manager excelling as a leader and problem solver.

Mark was devoted to his family, a loving father who enjoyed taking his sons on adventures, and a steadfast, loyal friend. He had an unequivocal dedication to others, as an ally and advocate, supporting many mentees, colleagues, and friends. He was quick-witted, a music aficionado, and known for his generosity and kindness.  His legacy of compassion, courage, and selflessness will forever inspire those who knew his heart.

A celebration of life will take place on December 5, 2024, from 3-5:30pm (PST) at OurChurch located at 5000 67th Ave W, University Place, WA 98467, officiated by Chaplain Joseph E. Miller, Colonel, United States Army, Retired. 

In lieu of sending flowers, the family recommends donating to the Fisher House Foundation (fisherhouse.org), a charity close to Mark’s heart.

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