Mark Dion Obituary

Mark Dion

Mark Dion died unexpectedly April 12, 2015 just before his 66th birthday. Mark grew up in Mercer Island. He received his BA at St. Olaf, MN, attended Divinity School at Yale and received his MSW from UW. He worked for many years in Mental Health.

Mark was the founding director of Social Services for the NW AIDS Foundation, Assoc. and Dir. for UW School of Social Work's Aids Training Project providing training and workshops on AIDS. He was the cofounder of Seattle Aids Service Network, Member of the AIDS Housing of WA Client Service Review Committee and Governor's Task Force on AIDS Service and Education. He was honored as WA State Social Worker of the Year in 1992.

Mark is survived by his daughter, Morgen, sister, brothers, in-laws, nieces, nephews and many relatives in Norway. He was the son of Rev. Charles Dion, who established Holy Trinity Lutheran church on Mercer Island and his mother, Audrey Dion, who taught him the value of social justice, as well as countless friends, who preceded him in death.

Remembrances can be made to Lifelong AIDS Alliance.

For more information go to www.funerals.coop

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Seattle Times on May 3, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Mark Dion

Sponsored by The Family.

12 Entries

Jack Hilovsky

April 27, 2020

Mark's legacy working during the AIDS epidemic as a social worker, community leader and friend lives on.

Nancy Agneberg

February 13, 2016

The St Olaf magazine arrived this week and I discovered Mark had died almost a year ago. How could this be? What a loving soul he was and how grateful I am to have known him. I can still see him dashing across campus, his coattails flying, probably late for class because he had been in deep conversation with someone. He always had time for someone else and I hope along the way he had people who made time for him.
I send my deepest sympathies to you, Lynn, and your brothers from myself and my father, Dick Jensen, here in Minnesota. Your family will always hold a special place in our hearts.

michael forshaw

January 6, 2016

January 6, 2016

I first met Mark in the early 1970's on one of my frequent trips to Seattle. We lost contact in the 1990's and I often wondered what happened to him. For some reason I googled up his name today and read the sad news of his death. May he rest in peace and rise in Glory.
I remember Mark as a very caring person, a wicked sense of humour and above all a Christian who was not bound by the institutional Church.

Fr. Michael Forshaw
Vancouver, BC

Cynthia Robson

September 26, 2015

As a social work student with the goal of working in Hospice, I accepted an internship at Group Health Home Care as the closest thing available at the time. Mark was one of the social workers in the Hospice program. He had spoken to one of my classes, and I admired him greatly.
Mark agreed to take me on for a month, so I could get Hospice experience. He let me stay with him the rest of the year.

Mark's deep, authentic humanity, respect for the dignity of each person, and marvelous sense of humor made him a role model in the best ways.
I am among many who were enriched and guided by this very wonderful man.
What a loss.
Blessings and condolences to Mark's family and loved ones.
I am grateful he was in my life.

July 28, 2015

My wife, Julia Chase and I knew Mark very well. We were the dear friends of Mark and Bill Hamilton. I had the honor of taking care of Bill Hamilton's estate after his death and helping Mark through his grief. We were shocked to hear of his unexpected passing. Our sincerest condolences to his friends and family. He was a very fine human being.

Joe

Joseph Aprile

Jack Hilovsky

June 8, 2015

Mark mentored me as the first Jesuit Volunteer placed at Northwest AIDS Foundation. He was kind, patient, with a delicious sense of humor. In addition, Mark gently sheperded me ( a young 23) through the coming out process.I happened to run into a co-worker from NWAF last month who shared with me his passing. It saddened me deeply. I'll always remember those kind eyes and his wacky sense of humor. Rest peacefully, my friend.

Judy Vaudin-rowell

May 29, 2015

Having lost touch with my dear friend in the sixties the memory of his kindness and concerned friendship never dimmed in my heart. I look forward to seeing you on the other side by the grace of our Lord Jesus.

Kristin Nelson Patterson

May 18, 2015

Lots of fond memories of Mark from Holy Trinity Lutheran on Mercer Island. He and his dad, Pastor Chuck, made church fun for all of us!
RIP, Mark.

May 8, 2015

Ah, Mark! My very first boyfriend! I'll never forget when you raided your parent's garbage to pull out a wilted bouquet for me. First grade maybe? Always love.

Dottie Nelson-Pacholski

May 8, 2015

Mark was awesome! Attended church (Holy Trinity Lutheran) where his Dad (Pastor Chuck) was minister....and I was a classmate of his in high school! Oh, the laughs we shared in Biology class! I'll never look at another frog again without thinking of the fun we shared in that class! He was SO funny! RIP Mark! Gentle Hug!

Barbara Grieser MacPherson

May 8, 2015

Mark was a friend to many and had a gentle, gracious spirit. Our family was close to the Dions during high school years and many precious memories remain.

Lori Ausburn (Hull)

May 8, 2015

Mark was one of my best friends in school - always there, always kind. Great memories of a wonderful person. I look forward to seeing him later!

Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results