Anchorage resident John Mark Eliason, 58, passed away Sept. 12, 2013, surrounded by family.
Mark was born July 31, 1955, in Jefferson, Iowa. He spent a year as an AFS exchange student in Sweden, attended language camp and was an honorary graduate of Platenskolan. He graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Science in industrial administration.
He made Anchorage his home in 1978. He married Linda J. Kirkendall in 1984, and his son, Jason W. Eliason, was born in 1991.
Mark's life was solidly based in a philosophy of love, fun, success and respectfulness of all, which was demonstrated in his works of philanthropy. In his endeavor to live life to the fullest and to make the world a better place, he gained the love and respect of his family, friends and the business community.
One of his many passions and a measurement of his personal success were having the opportunity to mentor others and watch them grow. He took pride in having the opportunity to provide positive input to help others on their way to success. His natural charisma and approachability ensured that no matter where he went in his many travels, he never met a stranger and made friends worldwide.
The greatest legacy that Mark would want is for his philosophy to continue in all aspects of personal and business life. His wish would be that others remembered him with a smile, a joke, a funny story and to carry him in your heart.
Because he was a strong proponent of education, the Mark Eliason Education Fund has been set up through Alaska Community Foundation. More detail about Mark's accomplishments and this foundation can be viewed at ustravel.com.
He is survived by his wife, Linda Eliason, of Anchorage, and son, Jason Eliason (love of life Mary O'Malley), Portland, Ore; father, Kay E. Eliason, of Des Moines, Iowa; mother-in-law, Trudy Kirkendall, of Anchorage; sister, Mary Kay (Bob) Mahan, of Madison, Ala.; brother, William Eliason, of Kansas City, Mo.; brother, Jay R. (Carolyn) Eliason, of Norman, Okla.; sister, Peggy Michelmore, of MacKay, Australia; sister-in-law, Beverly Eliason, of Anchorage; brother, Kay Edward "Kayce" Eliason Jr. (fiance Debby Laufer), Anchorage; brother-in-law, James O. Kirkendall, of Anchorage; sister-in-law, Hally Kirkendall, of Dallas, Texas; sister-in-law, Leola Kirkendall, of Anchorage; sister-in-law, Gayle Kirkendall, of Anchorage; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and his Swedish family.
Mark was preceded in death by his mother, Darlene M. Eliason, brother, Scott Eliason, brother-in-law, David Michelmore, and father-in-law, William J. Kirkendall.
A celebration of Mark's life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, 2013 at the Dena'ina Center in Anchorage.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
He was a mentor to every young person he encountered. I was truly lucky to have gotten to work with him. He would sit with me after working hours, and teach me about money and finances when I was young, i my twenties. He also sponsored myself and two other colleagues during the Exxon Valdez oil spill, on a trip to Valdez to help the animals affected by that devastating ecological disaster. I am grateful to have had Mark as a mentor.
Diane witt
Work
June 12, 2023
I was truly sadden to hear of the passing of Mark. Had known Mark through the travel industry for many, many years. Blessings to his family.
Yolanda Brown
October 9, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God Bless
Randy Valicoff
September 22, 2013
My condolences to the family for your loss. May you find comfort in God's words found at Isaiah 14:7
JW
September 22, 2013
I'm so saddened to hear about the passing of Mr. Eliason. He and his sweet wife, Linda, are some of the nicest people I have ever met, not to mention a couple of my favorite clients that I had the opportunity of working with during the 11 years I worked at my family's business in Anchorage.
Linda, I'll be praying for your comfort and healing. Take care & God bless you and your family.
Faith (Kaercher) Harjes
September 21, 2013
Mark was one of those special gifted leaders that if you were lucky enough to know him your life was enriched. He will be greatly missed!
Stephen Sheaffer
September 20, 2013
Glen Burmark
September 20, 2013
I am very sorry to hear about Mark's very premature passing. I had the opportunity to work with him in travel and was always impressed how he treated everyone with great dignity and respect. He will be greatly missed.
September 20, 2013
When the Lord calls our loved ones home,he leaves a gift of memories in exchange.May happy memories carry you through this sorrowful time. We will always keep a place in our hearts for Mark. We will miss his great big smile. Friends forever Bob and nancy Tahija
Bob & Nancy Tahija
September 20, 2013
Like everyone else, I am so shocked and saddened to hear about Mark's passing. My ten years working at USTravel were truly a highlight of my years in Alaska, due in large part to Mark's casual, yet competitive management style and fun-loving attitude. It is impossible for me to think of Linda, Jason and his family, as well as his USTravel family, without him. I know how much he will be missed. But Mark leaves a wonderful legacy of his kindness, sense of humor, and supreme ability to build a wonderful organization. Surely, he will be missed.. but never forgotten.
Kathy (McKibben) Lunceford
September 20, 2013
Such a beautiful tribute to a very special man.
He lived his philosophy and will always be remembered for his warm smile. He was okay ...for a Swede and that is saying something coming from a Dane... (:::
Wish we could be there (in Ireland) but know our hearts are with you
Barbara and Gary Baugh
September 19, 2013
Our sympathy to the entire Eliason Family;
Mark was a man among men! A true friend and a strong leader for his family and friends, I am still shocked to learn of his passing 6 days ago. One glance into his eyes and you had no troubles anymore you had hope for those less fortunate and an inspiration to remain strong as a pillar for those who need it! I sure enjoyed minutes spent with Mark when ever we crossed paths at Natchiq Inc or ASRC since 1997. His happy visits with Scott and even the echoes of his father sitting in Scott's office with friends and the brainstorming never stopped with the Eliasons! I was a lucky girl to even claim Mark and Scott as friends even though I was Scott's secretary I was always in the loop! I was so happy to introduce him to Jack as well!
Sincerely
Carolyn George & Jack Swiss
Carolyn George & Jack Swiss
September 19, 2013
Our thoughts & prayers are with you and your family
Kathleen & Randy Pugh
September 19, 2013
I am so saddened to hear of Mark's passing. Mark was an awesome boss and an wonderful friend. He was sooo much fun. Will be missed very much. My thoughts and prayers to his family.
missy brooks
September 19, 2013
We send our sincere condolences to Linda, Jason and other family and friends. We have lost a good friend and the Travel Industry has lost a true stalwart who always had much to contribute and was always happy to help.
Ian and Sandra Epps
September 19, 2013
Mark was an incredible man and awesome boss. I just keep remembering his kindness, and his quick wit, and his smile. I am lucky to be part of the USTRAVEL family and with Mark it felt like family! He will never know how he was loved. My condolences to Linda, Jason, and his family.
Christina Foster
September 18, 2013
My condolences to the family. Mark was a fine person, always smiling and friendly, and so helpful. I was sorry to learn of his passing.
Marie Matsuno nash
September 18, 2013
Our deepest sympathy to Linda and family.
Linda Schroeder
September 18, 2013
We were so sad to hear of this news and our hearts are with Linda, Jason and all of John's family in this time of loss and change--we'll always remember his welcoming smile as part of our visits to your home. We share your sadness in this time and wish you moments of peace and comfort...
Lisa Fleischer & Piers Blankensop
September 18, 2013
John was a true friend of all and his great smile, keen wit and kind demeanor will be greatly missed by all. Truly one of the really great ones.
Mark Miller
September 18, 2013
I did not know John, but I know his brother Kay. I know that the Eliason family is deeply saddened by the loss of John. I offer my heartfelt sympathy for the Eliason family. May the memory of John live on through his family and friends. God bless the Eliason family and hold them in prayer.
Preston Hughes
September 18, 2013
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