Edwin "Mark" Marcus May

Edwin Marcus “Mark” May, age 87, of Great Falls, Montana unexpectedly passed away on Thursday, December 14, 2023. Mark leaves behind dear friends, Terry and Althea Hendricksen, and their daughters Ali and Molly Hendricksen, as well as friends across many states. Mark never met a stranger. His loss was completely unexpected, and the sadness is felt by countless others who loved him, those in his wide network of community, and those at Eagle Manor where Mark was living.

Mark was born January 29, 1936, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to his parents Ronald “Bud” Marcus May and Helen Phyllis May who preceded him in death. He grew up in a loving home and was an only child.

Mark was a driven professional with an unmatched work ethic and love for his job as a Broadcaster and Weatherman. He graduated from Marquette University High School in 1954. He began his career as a Radio Announcer in September of 1957 in Jamestown, North Dakota at KSGB. While in North Dakota, he also worked for KEYD, not only as the announcer but as the KEYD KLOWN. When not on the air one might have found him mowing the lawn. When he heard the whistle blow, he knew it was time to return to the office to go back on the air. In September of 1960, he rolled into Great Falls, Montana and started work at KUDI Radio in the little greenhouse on Smelter Avenue. On January 9, 1960, he went on the air with KFBB for the first time.

His career as a radio announcer began when the industry went from a series of half-hour daytime soap operas to the nighttime filled with thrillers and whodunits. He was on the air when they introduced the “live DJ,” and was replaced by the more cost-efficient automated style of operations.

He became involved in the television part of the business when it was still black and white, and watched it grow with the addition of color. He experienced 16-millimeter film and heard the change to stereo sound. Mark was proudly involved in the changes of television weather presentations from the “chalkboard” approach, through the “marking pens on the glass map” era, past Velcro-backed numbers and symbols chapter, through the transition to magnetic boards, the incorporation of “green screens,” right into the overwhelming world of computerized weather.

Mark is best known as a KFBB Weatherman, a job he loved. Some people referred to him as the “Burl Ives of TV,” the man who had been a broadcast favorite for 39 years in both radio and TV. He was regularly voted a favorite broadcaster in the Tribune’s annual “Greatest of the Great Falls” survey. A former boss once convinced the City Commissioner to issue a proclamation declaring him “the morning mayor” of Great Falls.

Mark was the last of a breed in the broadcasting industry who had no college degree or formal training. He did all his weather typing LONG before he went on the air using the two-finger typing method. For many years, Mark played Santa in Great Falls, Montana, and loved bringing the Christmas spirit to the many children who sat on his lap sharing their Christmas wish list. Mark loved bingo but would far rather be the caller than a player. He had a way of purchasing the most thoughtful gifts for people, it was never just a gift, but one that came with much thought and meaning.

After his retirement in 2000, Mark lived in California for 18 years. He enjoyed sailing on the San Francisco Bay and attending Giants Baseball games with his friend, Ed Harty. He loved being ‘Grampy’ to Ali and Molly Hendricksen, spending time with close family friends and making new friends. In 2018, he returned to Great Falls, Montana where he resided at Eagle Manor. He was happy to be back in Montana where it all began and being amongst his friends.

Marked lived a full life and in his final years he always found a reason to laugh and smile. He was a humble man who always put others first and wanted everyone to better themselves, enjoy life, and all its opportunities.

For some reason, Mark believed at retirement his memory would just fade away. He never realized the impact he had on others, the joy he spread, or how much he would be missed.

Mark requested that he be cremated. His remains will be scattered in both Montana and California at a later date by his family friends, the Hendricksens. They would like to especially thank the staff and residents of Eagle Manor for all of their care, help, love and support.  O’Connor Funeral Home is also appreciated for their care and assistance during this difficult time.