Mark Schouten

"The 82 Lap Main Event"

Papa, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend peacefully took the final checkered flag here on earth. His life was an exhilarating ride, always at full throttle, driven by a passion for racing and the love for his family.

        Green Flag Years:

The green flag dropped on July 23, 1942, when David Mark Schouten was born in Salt Lake City, Utah. His parents later moved their family to Antioch, California, but then moved back to Utah where he graduated from West High School. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He wasn't much of a church going man, but he loved taking his racecar to many Pinewood Derbies to share his love of racing with the ward Cub Scouts. He loved fishing, camping, boating, and of course Cars. He had some cool cars too. A 57" Chevy and a 63 ½ Ford Galaxy were just two of them. There were just too many to list.

Tires screeched and the gears shifted when a young man of 17 peeked over the neighboring fence and fell in love with the pretty girl next door. That is where he saw his Sweetheart for the first time. At the age of 18 he and DaVida Jean Wright were married on December 17, 1960. They were married for 63 years before she passed away. He would always say that she was his "Trophy Queen".

Papa had now discovered his love for racing, and Nana was always there supporting him. Within his new hobby, he and Nan traded paint several times which led his pit crew to grow by three. His daughters: April Filler (John), Melanie Nish (Jeff) Demarie "Demie" became his favorite fans.

Papa started racing in 1962. He won the "B Division" Championship in 1968 and from there he graduated to the "A" division driving the "Lucky Lager Special". He was a two-time SLVRA Champion in '74 & '75 and earned legendary status in our racing world. He was a Race Fans Hero. They always said that he was the Nicest Guy. He won several different trophies, but his favorite trophy was not his Three Championships, but his "Best Sportsmanship" award.

        Yellow Flag years:

Beyond the racetrack, he started his young life out as a welder. He then made the decision to enroll in Utah Trade Tech where he earned the title of "Master Electrician". The first company he worked for was Hawkins Electric, others were Johnson Control, Wasatch Electric, JSH Electric, Shriners Hospital, but his personal favorite was MSE (Mark Schouten Electric) Some of his biggest jobsites were U of U Huntsman Event Center, National Semi Conductor, NuSkin, Delta Center, South Towne Expo Center, The Provo Temple, and John Huntsman Sr's personal office, just to name a few. He was always proud of the fact that he was never without a job.

Pa gave up his racing career as his family was now growing. He loved his three girls with all his heart, but as his grandchildren came, they made his life complete. This is when his bragging rights joined the race. He loved spending time with all of us. Lake Powell was his favorite place to take his family, and many cherished memories were made there. He supported each of his grandkids and great-grandkids at racetracks, horse shows, symphony's, ball games, hockey games, softball games, school programs, band and orchestra concerts, and even the theatre. Anything the grandkids did, he and Nan were there to show their support, and he let everyone know that he was their "Grandpa".

Papa loved his country. He was a Union Man all the way, a proud member of IBEW Local 354 which for our family meant that we were taught never to buy items that were not made in the USA. Sometimes that was a hard task to accomplish. He wouldn't even let his sons-in-law (to be), park their Toyota trucks in front of our house.

        Red Flag years:

It began the day he lost the love of his life, Dee, his "Trophy Queen" of 63 years. Life wasn't the same for Papa without her. Although he loved his family, he missed her so much and wanted to be with her again someday soon. Much to our surprise, He got his wish when he was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer on April 14, 2025. He was almost giddy when he heard this news. For the rest of us, our hearts stopped beating that day because we knew what this meant.

        White Flag years:

While many knew him for his accomplishments on the racetrack and his Electrical expertise, his role as a husband, dad and grandpa was by far his greatest victory!

Yes, he was a hero to his race fans, but more importantly he was a hero to his wife, daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sisters, nieces, nephews, friends, and to all who knew him. To say we are going to miss him is beyond words. The comfort he leaves behind for us is knowing that he is with Nana, Demie, his parents, and many other loved ones again. Godspeed, Papa. The race will continue and so will your legacy.......

        Checkered Flag Ceremony:

The checkered flag was waved one final time on May 16, 2025. He was greeted in the "Winners' Circle" by his Beautiful Trophy Queen (wife-Dee), daughter Demie, parents Harold and Leanore Schouten, family loved ones, pit crew members, race competitors, and many race fans.

As we say our goodbyes, let us celebrate not only his remarkable achievements on the track but also the extraordinary individual who brought laughter, warmth, and genuine kindness to every chapter of life. His memory will forever echo in the hearts of those touched by him.

Thank you, April and Brady, for taking such loving care of our precious Papa. The countless hours of compassion that you both gave to him are beyond words. We as a family cannot express our love and gratitude enough for this beautiful act of Christlike love given by you both and done with such respect and admiration for him. He thanks you and we thank you.

Survived by: daughters, April Filler (John), Melanie Nish (Jeff)

Grandchildren: Jonathan Nish (Tara), Brady Nish, Chauncey Filler (Lacey), Channing Filler (Kieara), Morghan Filler, Chase Schouten

Great-grandchildren: Heston Freeland, Swayzey Filler, Georgia Filler, McKenzie Nish, Ella Nish

Sisters: Dianne Kirkwood, Shawneen Owens, Laurina Schouten, Cyrina Tumey, Trudy Schouten-Gallegos, many nieces, and nephews.

A Viewing will be held on Wednesday morning June 4, 2025, 9:00 - 10:00. Friends and family welcome -- Woods Cross LDS Stake Center, 1509 West 1500 South, Woods Cross, Utah. There will be a Graveside Service held at 11:00 a.m., June 4, 2025, Bountiful City Cemetery, 2224 South 200 West, Bountiful, Utah. Friends and family welcome.

BBQ to follow at Pa's home for all who would like to join us: 422 East 900 North, North Salt Lake City, Utah.