It is with a heavy heart that CPI shares our sadness with the recent passing of Mark Rodman. In this life, we strive to make a difference and leave a legacy that transcends our time together.
If you had the pleasure of knowing Mark Rodman, you were lucky to know a soul with a vibrancy of life, a passion for preservation, and a committed spirit to leave the world a better place than he knew it. Upon first meeting him you were struck by his kind smile and witty sarcasm that instantly made you feel like you knew him for years.
Mark served as Executive Director for Colorado Preservation, Inc. from 2002 to 2008, and in those short six years, he propelled the organization towards its next chapter. Under his direction, CPI established a partnership with CBS4 to tell the stories of Colorado’s Endangered Places, CPI undertook a survey of New Deal Resources on the plains of Colorado and helped develop a heritage tourism program that included historic and archeological cultural resource surveys in southeastern Colorado. Mark steered the organization in the purchase of Hayden Ranch and in saving the Mathews-Gotthelf building on Champa Street in Denver. Under his leadership, CPI was presented with the Trustee’s Award for Organizational Excellence from the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 2006. These milestones acknowledge just a fraction of his accomplishments with the organization. Mark’s impact and legacy extend beyond his time with CPI. He became the Director of Preservation Programs and the Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer with History Colorado as well as served as the Executive Director for the Michigan Historic Preservation Network before becoming Michigan’s State Historic Preservation Officer in 2021. Mark may have left CPI, but his heart never left the organization or Colorado. This morning Mark came to life again as I poured through CPI’s quarterly publications reading his words as he started each issue with a message from the Executive Director supported by a personal photo. It seemed only fitting to quote some of his views on preservation, leaving you with his voice through his own writings:
“We hope that these stories and speeches will serve as a challenge to inspire and to reinforce the important role that historic preservation plays in the life of our communities” – Spring 2003
“Throughout our history, Americans have been intrigued by historic and cultural assets. In most instances however, the bottom line controls the preservation of these assets. In our market-based economy, the protection of our important historic resources require that projects simply have to pencil out, to make sense. As the country has grown and developed, historic preservation advocates have worked to develop the tools and processes to protect our heritage. Preservationists had to establish guidelines for protection while simultaneously provide the economic benefits necessary to attract persons with the means to carry preservation projects forward. I hope you are inspired to bring preservation home to your neighborhoods and communities throughout Colorado” – Winter 2003
“Historic preservation provides the differentiation of place and therefore, deserves a prominent place in every economic development toolbox” – Spring 2004
Join me in celebrating a man who achieved great things and left a mark on the hearts of all he encountered. Please send CPI your memories and stories of Mark so they may be shared.
The photos below were selected by Mark and posted with his Executive Director messages over the years. They capture and project his humor, passion, and character – a light far from extinguished.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Orrigo Charles & the Board & Staff of CPI

Memorial Donations in lieu of flowers:
CPI has learned that in his incredible generosity, Mark selected the nonprofit organizations Colorado Preservation, Inc. and the Michigan Historic Preservation Network to receive memorials in lieu of flowers.
Donations may be made online to CPI or mailed to CPI:
1420 N Ogden St, Suite 104 Denver CO 80218
ATTN: Jennifer Orrigo Charles
Or mailed to the Michigan Historic Preservation Network: 313 Cesar E Chavez Ave, Lansing MI 48906
Stay tuned for more information on an upcoming Colorado celebration of Mark.