Mark Edward Maestas

Mark Edward Maestas was born in Monte Vista, Colorado on May 3, 1956 to Edward and Betty Maestas. He passed on to a heavenly place on March 11, 2023, due to complications from diabetes. He died peacefully, surrounded in love by his wife of 31 years, Kate, his sons, daughter-in-law and grandchildren. They think of him every time they gaze upon the Rocky Mountains, knowing he is at peace within the beauty of the land he loved and cherished.

Mark was a person of great intelligence and complexity; of wit, passion and fun spirit; of taste, style and poise; of convictions and ethics; of deep feelings with a charming touch of rebel outlaw. He was loved by all who knew him and will be greatly missed by family, friends, and colleagues.

Born in Monte Vista, the place he considered his real home, but with his dad in the military, he went on to call many other places home. The first was Salt Lake City where he had fond memories of his teen years. Being a very active Boy Scout, he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, a goal he was proud of for the rest of his life. In the early 70's the family moved back to Colorado. In Denver, a place he would call home for the rest of his life, Mark graduated from Westminster High School in 1974. After many varied careers but always with a great appreciation of excellence in cuisine and events, he found his calling in the gourmet food world. He joined the prestigious catering company Nutcracker Suite, where he honed his skills as a provider of top-notch faire for grand social events of the day. It was also there that he met two people who would change his life; the love of his life and future wife, Kate and his future partner in business Jeff Ehlers. He and Kate would soon court and marry. He and Jeff would soon join forces to create their own business, Stellar Catering.

As a businessman who loved his community, he was always looking for a way to give back. He often, without any fanfare, would donate food and resources to his favorite charity, The Denver Rescue Mission, in downtown Denver. Annually, they were always on his personal Christmas list of holiday presents to the community. As well, being a lover of the arts, especially of film, it was his great joy to be an active member, patron, staffer and volunteer of the Denver Film Society for over 25 years.

After many successful years as an entrepreneur and business owner, Mark was ready for a new challenge. He joined Applejack Liquor as a specialist in the fine liquor and wine department. To those who knew him, of course, his specialty was scotch! In one of their many world travels together, he and Kate went on a special tour of Scotland to study and bring back his knowledge for all of his beloved customers counting on his guidance. Mark always said that his time at Applejack was one of the happiest of his life. He retired in 2018 to spend more time with family and continue his world travels with Kate and friends. Both loved to find and experience new cultures, cuisine and people, one of their favorite shared passions. His last years were filled with the joy of a growing family, travels and many celebrations of mileposts. Mark recently became a great-grandfather for the first time and considered it one of his greatest accomplishments in life.

Mark is survived by his wife Kate Maestas, his sons; Ben Parker of Parker, CO (Molly); Paul Parker of Thornton, CO; grandchildren Draven Parker (Geena), Darby and Nick Parker and great-grandson, Zander Parker; and sisters Phyllis Straus and Cynthia Means of Littleton, CO. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Edward and Betty Maestas and three siblings.

A celebration of the life of Mark Maestas will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2023 from 1p-4p at the Windsor Gardens, 597 S Clinton Street, Denver, CO 80247, CenterPoint Building.