Mark Hedden passed away in the early morning hours of April 26, 2021. He was 91 years old. He had a long vibrant career in Archeology, was a loving husband, father and grandfather. His wife Carol and daughter Jessie had been visiting him daily since last week, reminiscing, playing music and offering comfort to Mark at Orchard Park Rehab & Living Center in Farmington.

Mark was a long-time resident of Vienna with a wide circle of friends extending to Mt. Vernon, Farmington, Temple, and throughout the state. He was an exuberant person with a warm smile for all who he encountered. As an archeologist employed by the Maine State Preservation Commission, he was sent out to explore areas slated for development in search of artifacts, evidence of early habitation by native people. If any were found the site would be excavated and documented under Mark's direction. In Machias, he found and documented an extensive record of petroglyphs, images pecked into rock surfaces, leading to the Passamaquoddy people regaining a piece of ancestral land on Machias Bay.

"Song of The Drum", a film that came out in 2005, was the culmination of his many years of independent work researching and documenting Petroglyphs on the coast of Maine. Ray P. Gerber and Wayne A. Newell collaborated with Mark on this project. It was presented at the Union Hall, and many other venues across the state to broad appeal and recognition.

Mark “loved Maine,” as Jessie says, gladly hauling water and living off the grid for many years. He and his wife Carol, of 50 years, settled here in 1970 seeking a lifestyle close to the land.

Jessie and Carol are planning a "Celebration of Life" to happen in early July of this year. Arrangements are cared for by Wiles remembrance Center: Adams-McFarlane Chapel 137 Farmington Falls Rd. Farmington. A kind word may be left in his Book of Memories at www.wilesrc.com