Mark Jeffrey Fitzwater, 70, passed away on July 28, 2023, in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. Mark was born on September 11, 1952, in West Lafayette, Indiana, to William Fitzwater and Ann Hupaylo. He was the youngest of five children, and they formed a lasting bond. He spent most of his childhood growing up in Albuquerque, New Mexico. His mother and father were avid world travelers, ingraining this in Mark at a young age. This not only became a passion but also helped define Mark and his journey.

Mark attended high school at Saint Joseph Military Academy in Hays, Kansas. He studied journalism at Arizona State University, where he received his bachelor's degree. Mark then had an opportunity that he could not pass up, following his sister Diane to Colorado, beginning his work at Frontier Airlines. Yet, more importantly, he found a career that allowed him to turn his passion into his profession. He toiled as an airport ramp agent in Denver before deciding to start his own travel agency, AJA Travel and Tour, in the early 80’s. His passion to help others travel, explore, and experience the world came to life, a joy he knew all too well and was happy to help others achieve. After a long, successful career that stood the test of time, changing eras, and mostly the internet, Mark ultimately planned on retiring by 2024 closing his professional endeavors. In his retirement, he planned on enhancing his experiences and his love for exploration, waiting in random airports for standby flights, and capturing the feeling that you can only find as you travel “standby” to places unknown.

Mark met Laurel in 2006 and she changed his life. They were married in 2009 and combined their lives. Laurel made Mark happy and was also a travel fanatic working in the airline industry. She became his partner in crime; they loved, traveled, and got lost in other countries together (Mark’s clearly given directions). Mark's life was never the same. He never looked back, nor would he have it any other way. Mark was proud of the life he built and the people who stood next to him.

He loved adventure, new experiences, and sharing it all with others. His passions for traveling, good food, wine, and maybe a smidge of whiskey, permeated his life. He loved reading, writing, watching movies, and the time he spent with family and friends. He always prioritized his family above everything, considering his children and grandchildren to be his greatest achievements. Mark lived a long and dynamic life and this is how he wanted to leave his “Mark” on the world. He set the highest of examples to follow, and this will influence generations to come.

Mark is survived by his wife, Laurel Fitzwater, of Lone Tree, CO, his daughter, Amara Fitzwater of Parker, CO & her half- brother Michael Mckee of Denver, CO, his stepdaughters Alexandra Tyler of Knoxville,TN & Amanda Howell of Castle Pines,CO, his grandchildren, Henry, Owen, Cora & Camryn; as well as his siblings, Erin Giardetti, Terence Fitzwater, Diane Theis, and Kathryn Fitzwater. He was preceded in death by his father, William Fitzwater, his mother, Ann Hupaylo, and Amara’s half-sister, Misty Mckee. Mark will forever be remembered as a beloved father, grandfather, husband, brother, and friend. Mark touched the lives of so many people with his generosity and kindness. He had the ability to befriend everyone he met; he had the warmest heart and the most infectious laugh. Mark was a great man and will be greatly missed. Donations can be made in Mark’s name to charities that meant the most to him, Food Bank of the Rockies & Denver Rescue Mission.

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