SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – On Friday, the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) honored the life of their friend and colleague, Officer Mark Hounsell, ten years after he passed away in a car crash. Mark, his wife Jeanne, family friend Laura Fisher, and four children were returning from a family trip when they were involved in a single-car rollover accident near Fallon, Nevada. Mark, Jeanne and Laura all died from injuries sustained in the crash, and the kids survived. At the time of the deadly crash, the Hounsell children were 4, 6, 11 and 14 (the two older children were Mark’s children from his first marriage).
The tragedy shook the whole department.
Mark had served the citizens of South Lake Tahoe as an officer from May 19, 2007 to the time of his death, October 17, 2015.
The following is from the SLTPD Facebook page
Mark was a kind soul, always upbeat, always seeing the best in others. He used compassion in his work, often checking in on the people he served well after the call for service was over. He knew when others needed more than just a “cop” and needed a compassionate ear, as well.
Mark was a dedicated man. He was dedicated to his beautiful wife, Jeanne, who he loved deeply. He was dedicated to his children, whom he adored. He was dedicated to his job, which he viewed as an opportunity to help others. He was dedicated to his friends, and even people who weren’t his friends…yet.
A great example of Mark’s care for others came from a story shared by his former pastor, Bill McCready. Bill, being the head pastor of a church, had many duties, including being with people in some of their most difficult and tragic times. These take a toll on anyone. Mark made a point of telling Bill he needed him as a friend. He told Bill he would be calling and checking in on him. Bill initially resisted, not wanting to burden Mark. But Mark’s persistence worked on Bill, and he accepted Mark’s offer. Mark thought of taking care of those who take care of us.
Mark Hounsell taught many of us important life lessons. Sometimes you don’t understand the gravity of someone’s impact in life until they are gone. Mark’s time here was cut short, robbing us of his presence. But his impact lives on. Mark, you are gone but never forgotten.
In memory of our friend, Mark Hounsell #189.
