Mark Douglas Scholten

Longtime, local sports broadcaster Mark Douglas Scholten passed away unexpectedly on Monday, August 14, 2023 at the age of 54.  A lifelong resident of Bellingham, he was born to Douglas and Janice (Korver) Scholten on June 20, 1969.  He attended Birchwood ES, Shuksan MS and Bellingham HS, graduating in 1987.  Mark continued his education by studying Journalism at WWU, before embarking on a career involving his life’s passion…sports broadcasting.  He was hired by KPUG/KGMI (now the Cascade Radio Group) fresh out of college and remained a loyal employee for the rest of his life.  Mark was a humble man, but he was proud of his 31 year broadcasting career, and of the countless friendships he forged along the way.  He was genuinely interested in all the athletes he covered and in their future endeavors after high school.  Mark also formed many strong friendships throughout the local coaching community and treasured those relationships so very much.  His memory recall of past local sports moments was unparalleled, and his claim to “know the mascot name of every high school in WA” was unbelievable…yet true.  Away from the local gyms, stadiums and ballparks Mark hosted a daily sports talk show, “The Zone”, on KPUG AM1170 for a remarkable 27 years, 22 of those alongside broadcast partner Doug Lange.  Mark’s loyalty and dedication to his “job” (is it really a “job” when you love it so much?) left little free time, but in that free time he loved watching sports and keeping his knowledge of sports facts razor-sharp.  A very simple, easy-going (TOO easy-going some would say) man, Mark devoted his passion to: any Seattle sports team; the Cincinnati Reds and Minnesota Vikings (his childhood favorite teams that he went on to love his entire life), the band KISS, ‘80’s hair bands, watching TV, reading/watching sports and music documentaries, softball and going to concerts and sporting events.  Mark never said a bad word about anybody and was tender-hearted.  His family will miss him immensely and will treasure the memory of his uniqueness, as will the local prep sports community.  He is survived by his parents Doug and Jan, brother, Michael, uncles and aunts Ron and Jane Scholten, Herb and Dee Advocaat, Hank and Kathy Poortinga, Gig and Marilyn Korver and their families and many, many friends.  May we all seek solace in the knowledge Mark got to do what he loved, on his own terms, for his entire life.  A Celebration of Life will be held at Bellingham High School Performing Arts Center, 2020 Cornwall Avenue, Bellingham, WA, on Sunday, September 17 at 3:00 PM.  Donations may be made in his memory to:  the Athletic Department of your favorite Whatcom County High School or the WWU Foundation - designated for the Athletic Department (www.wwufoundation.org) or Bellingham Foodbank (www.bellinghamfoodbank.org)