Go rest high on that mountain
Son, your work on earth is done
Go to heaven a-shoutin’
Love for the Father and the Son

Lloyd Mark Young, 66, of Woodland Park, Colorado, passed away unexpectedly at his home on June 7, 2026. A lifelong steward of the natural world, Mark dedicated over three decades of his life to protecting public lands and educating the public as a Park Ranger for Colorado Parks & Wildlife.

Born in Lapeer, Michigan, to Lloyd Melvin Young and Lotus Witham Young, Mark developed an early and deep-rooted love for the outdoors. After earning a degree in Park Management and Wildlife Biology from Colorado State University, he proudly began his career with the State Park Service. After a 31-year tenure, he retired from Eleven Mile and Spinney Mountain State Parks in Lake George, Colorado.

Whether leading interpretive hikes, tracking wildlife, or assisting in search and rescue missions, Mark approached his work with unwavering dedication. He was a trusted mentor to junior rangers and a familiar, welcoming presence to the thousands of visitors he guided. He was not merely an officer of the law or a steward of the trails; he was an educator and a guardian of the wilderness.

Beyond his uniform, Mark was a long-standing member of Clan Scott. He served for many years as the Clan’s Genealogist, where he eagerly shared his passion for family history. With a gift for storytelling and a deep knowledge of Scottish and American history, he was a truly delightful conversationalist.

Mark was a fixture at the Longs Peak Scottish Festival in Estes Park, serving for many years as the Colorado “Parade Master”. Under his dedicated leadership, Clan Scott frequently earned awards in the Large Clan category. He was known for creating a spectacular flag display at the festival, which became a favorite backdrop for photos each year. In addition, Mark was honored with the Order of the Stag in 2009.

Mark has joined his beloved mother, Lotus Witham Young, and father, Lloyd Melvin Young, for many great adventures throughout Heaven’s Wilderness. In Scripture, mountains stand as metaphors in stone. They are the place where heaven meets earth, where God descends to man. They are monolithic reminders of the enormous bliss of Eden.

He is survived by his sister, Melissa Notestine of Perrysburg, Ohio, and his niece, Jennifer Rist and husband, Chris Burden of Mansfield, Ohio. He also leaves behind his extended Clan Scott family. Mark was a true brother and friend to all who knew him.

A celebration of life will be held at 1:00PM on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at High View Baptist Church in Woodland Park, Colorado. Mark will be laid to rest in the beautiful mountains of Colorado, which he so dearly loved.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to Colorado State Parks, the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center, or Clan Scott Society.

The Clan Scott war cry can still be heard as Mark would bellow it, “A Bellendaine! The Scotts are out tonight!”

“And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.” — John Muir