Mark Greenwood, 60, went to his eternal home on February 12, 2012 surrounded by his family at St. Mary’s Hospital, Rochester, after a brief struggle with cancer. Mark’s Memorial Service will be at 1 p.m., Saturday, February 18, 2012 at the United Methodist Church, Dickinson, with Rev. Dan Freed officiating. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday at Ladbury Funeral Service, with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church.
Mark was born on September 14, 1951 in Fargo, to Larry and Joyce (Henley) Greenwood. He attended Dickinson Public Schools where he participated in Debate, Speech, and Theater. Following that Mark attended Dickinson State College where he graduated in 1973 with a B.A. in Business Administration. Shortly thereafter, Mark married Linda Heck, on June 5, 1973 in Mandan. In 1976 he graduated with a Juris Doctorate from the University of North Dakota School of Law. He began his career as an employee of Greenwood Law Office which later evolved into partnership. In 1998, he became the principal owner of Mark Greenwood Law Office. Throughout his legal career, Mark considered himself a Trial Lawyer with emphasis in criminal defense and family law.
Mark belonged to several professional organizations in which he served in various positions: State Bar Association of North Dakota; Southwest Judicial Bar Association. He was also a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, American Civil Liberties Union, and National Organization for Women.
His dedication to his community took him on several avenues over his lifetime. He was proud of being an Eagle Scout and dedicated time to Troop 26 in various capacities (Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, Committee member). He completed Wood Badge Leadership training in 1994. His service to the United Methodist Church consisted of membership in the Administrative Council as well as serving as Vice Chairman (2005-06). He worked with dedication within the Safe Sanctuary Committee to develop policy. He also served on the Board of Directors for ABLE, Inc. Mark combined fun and community service with his membership as a Mason and Shriner. As an El Zagal Frontiersmen, he participated in many local parades where he wore frontiersman costuming and shot his black powder rifle.
Mark’s passion was working to help those who had been subjected to domestic violence. He spent countless pro bono hours helping those who needed assistance. He was also a member of the Stark County Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
Mark’s beliefs lead him to choose lifelong membership in the North Dakota Democratic-NPL. He served and advised the Rules Committee on the local and State level since 1972. One of his great joys was attending the 2008 National Convention in Denver as a Delegate.
Mark enjoyed hunting and absorbing natural history information. In late August, he annually set out on his annual bow hunting retreat to the Badlands. This event was followed by hunting excursions with friends and family where he enjoyed fellowship and nature.
Mark will be greatly missed by his beloved wife of 38 years, Linda; daughter, Dawn (Seth) Dewey, Beaumont, Texas; Jonn (Sabrina), Fargo; Geoff, Grand Forks. He is also survived by his mother, Joyce Greenwood, and five siblings: Dann (Debra) Greenwood; Scott (Renee) Greenwood; Todd (Janice) Greenwood; Joy Jilek; and Donn (Christy) Greenwood. His extended Heck family also laments his loss. “Uncle Mark” was also fond of his nieces, nephews, great niece, and great nephews. Mark was preceded in death by his father, Lawrence “Larry” Greenwood.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Domestic Violence Rape Crisis Center (DVRCC), Boy Scouts of America, or United Methodist Church Foundation.
