Mark Holston, 79

Mark Harris Holston, 79, passed away at Logan Health in Kalispell on Feb. 18, 2026. His passing followed complications from a fall and a broken hip sustained while in recovery from open-heart surgery, all while he courageously managed the challenges of Parkinson’s disease. A celebrated journalist, musician, and community leader, Mark’s life was defined by a relentless curiosity and a deep love for the rhythms of the world.

Born on June 20, 1946, in Kirkland, Washington, to Bruce and Florence Holston, Mark moved with his family to the Flathead shortly thereafter. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving as an air traffic controller in Panama. It was during this time that his lifelong passion for Latin American culture was ignited. Following his discharge, Mark embarked on a legendary journey throughout South and Central America, occasionally selling his own belongings to fund further adventures, all while documenting the people and music through his camera lens.

Mark’s academic journey took him to Flathead Valley Community College (FVCC) and later to the University of Oklahoma, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts. In 1978, he married Marcy Brown. Their union was, in every sense, a perfect one — a partnership built on a shared love for travel, music, and a lifetime of wonderful adventures together. A familiar face and voice in Northwest Montana, Mark served as the News Director and Anchor at KCFW-TV for 15 years. He later transitioned into public service as the Public Relations Officer for the Flathead Basin Commission.

Mark’s expertise as a music historian and writer earned him international acclaim. As a contributing editor for publications including Americas, Jazz, Hispanic, Latina Style, and Caribbean Travel and Life, he became a leading voice in jazz journalism. Among his many honors, he was proud to be invited by Nancy Reagan to the Kennedy Center for Hispanic Heritage Month and was invited to the Paris Conservatory to present his paper on the influence of Latin rhythms in American jazz.

Closer to home, Mark was deeply committed to his community. He served on the boards of the United Way and the Glacier Orchestra and Chorale (GOC) and dedicated over a decade of service as a trustee for FVCC. Music was Mark’s heartbeat. A talented trombonist, he performed with the Don Lawrence Orchestra (DLO) for 30 years before founding Cocinando, a Latin jazz ensemble that performed vibrant music all over the Northwest.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Marcy; his brothers, Tom and Rob; his sister-in-law, Diane (Nick) Hansen; and a large, loving extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews and nieces.

Mark’s legacy lives on in every syncopated beat of the music he loved and, in the community, they served so faithfully. Friends are invited to join the family for a celebration of life from 1:30 to 4 p.m. on June 20 at the Snappy's Event Center. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Humane Society. Friends are encouraged to visit the website at buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory caring for the family.