Down The Stretch Ranch deeply honors and celebrates the life of Mark Moran. Mark Moran passed away on April 5, 2017. Mark was the cousin of Down The Stretch Ranch co-founder, Boone McCanna.
Mark interacted with horses often and found that “You build trust with those horses, they all have their personalities and if you treat them good, they treat you good. It takes a lot of worry out of your mind. It’s hard to put into words. It helped me calm my brain, to just feel like I was connected to something”. Mark’s visit with the horses was nothing short of special, “The horses were magic to him,” Boone mentioned of Moran’s struggles with post traumatic stress disorder, a plague upon veterans old and young to this day.
Mark and his healing interaction with those horses was the spark and inspiration behind the creation of Down The Stretch Ranch.
Mark Joseph Moran
May 23,1950 – April 5, 2017
Dad was born May 23, 1950 in Spokane, WA to Charles and Maureen Moran. He was the fourth of six children and grew up on Nora Ave near Gonzaga University. His family moved to San Gabriel, California where he attended Mission High School, excelled in athletics, and made lifelong friendships. After high school he returned to Spokane and briefly attended Gonzaga University where he played soccer and boxed before voluntarily enlisting to serve in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. Mark was wounded in February of 1970 and earned a Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his brave, selfless, and honorable service to our Country. His family and friends were so proud of him. He returned to Los Angles after two years of recovery. He then met and married Terri Velasco in 1971. They moved back to Spokane from Los Angeles and had three children, Luis Jose Moran, Melina Maria Moran, and Sara Teresa Moran. They established their family home at Dragoon Creek where he lived for 38 years. He enjoyed his family and grandkids, Leo, Anabella, Maya, Morrison, Pearl and Jorge. He also enjoyed his yard, his dogs, horse racing, and soccer.
Dad was diagnosed with cancer in 2011. His last years were spent at home with his family. His final wish came true when he was able to take a week long trip to Mexico with his family. We thank you Dad for being a solid rock in our lives and for all of the lessons we will carry with us forever.
