06-03-2025
Mark P. Gwinn 1951-2025 Mark P. Gwinn Jr., 73, of Rio
Mar. 5—Mark P. Gwinn 1951-2025 Mark P. Gwinn Jr., 73, of Rio Communities, peacefully passed away on Feb. 22, 2025. Mark was born on July 1, 1951, to Mark and Violet (Bux) Gwinn, in Belen, N.M. As a young man, Mark enjoyed playing a variety of sports, and was an active Boy Scout, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. Following his graduation from Belen High School in 1969, he went on to receive degrees in physical education and psychology from Western New Mexico University. His talent and skill at golf provided an opportunity to attend college on a golf scholarship, where he played all four years. After college, in 1973, Mark began his career with the Santa Fe Railway, a career he enjoyed and excelled in. While working for the railroad, he met the love of his life, Carolyn (Clover) Johnston. The two wed in 1979, and raised two children, Tina (Johnston) Dziuk and James Johnston. Mark loved his family, his career and was devoted to both. He was an active father, who coached his son's Little League team, and always made time for school events. While working for the railroad, from 1990 to 1992, Mark traveled to Illinois, where he worked with a group of computer programmers to develop a Transportation Support System. The program was the first of its kind for Class I railroads. Throughout his career, Mark received multiple awards and recognition for his work. In 2007, Mark retired from the BNSF Railway as the superintendent of operations on the Gallup substation in Belen. He chose to retire early to travel with his wife, and care for her as she battled late-stage breast cancer. Following the loss of his wife, Mark became an organizer for Relay for Life, and also began volunteering in other ways within his community. In May of 2013, Mark was elected as the first mayor of the newly-incorporated city of Rio Communities. Before and during his time as mayor, he spent countless hours working to improve his town. Mark's impact on his career, community and his family will not be forgotten. He is greatly missed by those who knew and loved him. He is preceded in death by his parents, and his wife, Carolyn. He is survived by his sister, Martina Gwinn; his two children, Tina Dziuk and James Johnston; his grandchildren, Tyler, Alec, Bresia, Brooklyn, Jay and Kaylyn; and three great-grandchildren, Gianna, Kalasia, and Xeneca; and many other extended family members he cherished. Mark was especially grateful for his father-in-law, Robert Clover, who he enjoyed breakfast with every Sunday on their way to church, prior to his illness. A memorial service to celebrate Mark's life will take place at 10 a.m., Tuesday, March 18, at Abundant Life Christian Center in Rio Communities.
