Mark Kormylo

Mark Kormylo, 42, has passed on to the next life and now watches over his loved ones from a joyful place. In this life he was a hero, an inspiration, and a sustaining force to all who were privileged to know him. As a brother, son, medical professional, friend, and father Mark was truly larger than life, and will be greatly missed by those who mourn his passing. His life will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on April 7 at the Alden-Waggoner Funeral Home. He is survived by his parents – Philip and Jean Kormylo; his brothers – Luke, Micah, and Seth; his sister – Cassie Shelton; and his beloved son – Gus Kormylo.

Mark was truly larger than life. All who were acquainted with Mark knew him as a gifted storyteller and comedian. Family and social gatherings usually turned into people gathering around Mark, clutching their ribs with laughter and wiping tears of sheer joy from their faces. He could take on the most routine or mundane task and put a smile on the faces of everyone who surrounded him. He had a gift for instilling confidence and joy into the hearts of his family, friends, and patients.

Shortly after his birth on June 16 in Rapid City, South Dakota, Mark discovered two of his greatest passions in life – hunting and motorcycles. As a three-year old boy, he rode ruts into the grounds around his boyhood home, and as a man he could be seen soaring through the sky on his home-built motocross track or gliding through beautiful mountain roads on his Harley. Mark loved the mountains, and when he wasn't riding through them, he was hunting in them. Mark was a master hunter and marksman, proudly filling his freezer and walls with large deer, massive elk, and even bear, wolves, and moose.

Mark was educated at Boise High School, Boise State University, and The University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. He was trained in the art and science of Prosthetics and Orthotics and soon became world-renowned for his ability to help those who lost their limbs move naturally and in comfort. As the successful owner of Kormylo Orthopedic Appliance Company, he lived by the mantra "you shouldn't need to have money to walk" and blessed the lives of countless people with his masterfully built artificial limbs, including those who had no means to pay him for the work he performed. The works of his hands can now be found around the globe, and have even reached its summit at Mount Everest. Mark loved making a difference in the lives of his patients as only he could, and worked until his last days carrying on the legacy of his father and grandfather.

Mark was a leader in his community, volunteering his time and resources to help the disabled, and giving of himself as a coach and sponsor to many youth athletic teams and individuals.

Above all, Mark was a loving father. His smile was never larger and his heart was never as full as when he spoke about his son. Gus was Mark's greatest source of pride and admiration in this life, and Mark surely watches over him lovingly now and forever.