Mark S. Veneklasen

Mark S. Veneklasen, 68, passed away on Jan. 22, 2013, in Fort Collins, Colo., after a brief battle with melanoma.

Mark was born Aug. 21, 1944, to Paul and Louise Veneklasen in Massachusetts, and was raised in Southern California with his older brother, Lee.

Mark was an inventor, machinist and philosopher, and will be remembered for his accomplishments and passionate independence. He was also a fan and collector of Corvairs, and an avid photographer.

Although he did not complete college, Mark was an inventor from very early on — devising a unique design of French Horn when only 20, and which he...