Mark Dahlstrom
On July 17th, surrounded by his loving family, Mark Dahlstrom passed away at home in the brave and selfless manner in which he lived his life.
Valiant and generous by nature, Mark’s life was full of adventure. Captaining his sailboat around the world, Mark scuba dived on the Red Sea while working as an Emergency Room Doctor in Saudi Arabia. Without judgment, Mark was always willing to help those less fortunate. When he returned from the Middle East, Mark resumed his career as an ER Doctor in San Luis Obispo, California. Desiring even more thrill, Colorado was his next destination. In classic Mark fashion, he rode his bike to Aspen Valley Hospital applying and accepting an ER Doctor position. Next, he opened his own practice, Lasair West, in which his goal was to “beautify” and “light-up” the valley. While working at Aspen Valley Hospital, Mark met the love of his life Jackie Schroeder. Because Mark’s love for Jackie was so great, he insisted on marrying her twice!—once during a ski trip at The Benedict Hut and then at The Cliff House Restaurant on Buttermilk Mountain in 1999. While Mark and Jackie greatly enjoyed working, hiking, skiing, biking and camping together, they especially enjoyed working as a team to raise their son Corbin (25) and daughter Elly (13).
As a father, Mark cultivated a readiness in his children to take on life’s challenges. Through both actions and words, Mark instilled in his children independence, courage, freethinking, and above all an innate selflessness. Charismatic by nature, Mark showed his children how to be compassionate, personable, and genuine. Mark will be remembered as a patient and kind father, as his children were the light of his life. Mark’s bond with his immediate family was truly special and extended even further to his in-laws. Most notably, he looked forward to traveling to “Camp Schroeder,” the nickname he crafted for their lake house. While there he enjoyed boating, water skiing and family time.
Mark’s positive, thoughtful and fun-loving personality impacted not just his family but also his many patients and friends. Understanding human nature and free from all prejudices, Mark was able to build lasting connections with his patients, making them a part of his extended family.
Friends of Mark will fondly remember the many dinner party conversations, sparked by Mark of course, surrounding political and medical issues and other notable subjects that promoted thoughtful debates. Mark’s warm and engaging manner was unmatched during these wonderful moments.
Working hard to make sure everyone felt valued, Mark felt that to change the world, he needed to contribute to society for the betterment of the whole. Mark truly walked the walk and talked the talk, as he wanted the world to be better for his family, friends, and patients.
Mark’s spirit, and what he instilled in those he touched, lives within his wife Jackie Schroeder, son Corbin Dahlstrom and daughter Elly Dahlstrom, sister and brother-in law Joan and Greg Woodard, and brother Jeff Dahlstom. Mark will be greatly missed by his many extended family members, nieces, nephews and many close friends. A potluck celebration of Mark’s life will be held on September 3rd at 1:00pm at the Diamond J. Ranch 26604 Frying Pan Road / Meredith, CO 81642.