It is with great sadness that The Stabler Family announces the sudden and unexpected passing of their stronghold, Mark Steven Stabler, 64, of Watford City, North Dakota.

Born in Payson, Utah on September 26, 1960, Mark was the second child of Jack and Margie (Gardner) Stabler and moved to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan with his family in 1965 where he graduated from Walter Murray Collegiate in 1978.

Mark was a gunner with the 20th Independent Field Battery, Royal Canadian Artillery for 4 years before receiving his associate degree in environmental science from Lethbridge Polytechnic in 1989. He enjoyed working with The Alberta Highway Patrol and served 25 years as a Special Constable in the Municipal District of Big Lakes, in Alberta. After retiring from policing, Mark used his natural artistic talent to explore photography in addition to working as a certified tattoo artist at a tattoo and esthetics studio that he owned and operated alongside his wife, Heather, in Osoyoos, British Columbia. As time went on, he found a calling in oilfield safety where he advanced his career and climbed positions from 2012 until his passing in 2025. In 2018, he returned to the United States, where he planted his final roots in North Dakota.

Mark will be remembered by many friends and family across both countries he called home, many of whom have their own affectionate nicknames for him, including "Papa" and “Big Mark”.

Mark was the head of a blended family and is survived by his wife, Heather Stabler; his children/stepchildren, Belle (James), Jessica (Scott), Rachel (Squid), Kate, Andy (Devin) and Kelsey (Braden); 7 grandchildren/step grandchildren. Also his father Jack, and siblings, Matt (Linda), Ruthanne (Sid) and Mishelle as well as one niece, Lucien (Emily).

He was preceded in death by his mother, Margie and his sister, Gretchen.

The family will be adhering to Mark’s wishes of cremation in his police uniform and no formal funeral service. Memorial gatherings and storytelling will take place in both the United States as well as Canada, though official dates have not yet been set.

May you rest in peace. You will be missed by all of us.