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Mark Fisk Obituary
51, of Phoenix, a loving father, husband, son, and brother, passed peaceably with family at his bedside on November 22, 2016, less than one month after being diagnosed with metastatic melanoma. Born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Mark earned an economics degree from Dartmouth College and went to work on Wall Street as an investment banker. After being hit by a cab while crossing the street, Mark decided there must be more to life than work and set out on an eight-month backpacking walkabout around the world. Upon returning stateside, Mark slept on his parents' couch in Mesa, Arizona, wrote filler stories for the National Enquirer to pay the bills, and volunteered in youth ministry to test out teaching as a possible career. He found his calling as a spiritual educator. First at local Unity churches and then at a regional level, Mark developed middle school and high school youth programs that profoundly impacted thousands of teens and their adult sponsors in Arizona, California, Nevada, and throughout the Unity movement. He was ordained as a Unity minister in 2010 and began to serve as the Senior Minister at Unity of Mesa in 2013. Mark's Sunday lessons reflected his keen intellect, quick humor, and love of books. Mark's spirit lives on in his beloved wife Ronda, daughter Alisandra, mother Shirley Fisk, two surviving siblings Daniel Fisk and Lori Dreiling and their respective families, and an extended family of those who called Mark teacher, mentor, and friend. He is predeceased by his father Daniel and two brothers, Chris and Phillip. A celebration of Mark's life will be held at 2 PM on Monday, November 28, at Unity of Phoenix, 1500 E. Greenway Pkwy. Please dress comfortably and come prepared to share your favorite Mark stories during the outdoor reception. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mark's memory to Unity of Mesa, 2700 E. Southern Ave., Mesa, AZ, 85204, www.unityofmesa.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mark Fisk
Ingrid Fortmeyer
June 28, 2025
Mark you have been in my head since your birthday last week... I don't know exactly what you are trying to nudge me to do but I'm listening and taking action. Your love lives on in all of us who loved you and were loved by you in the kaleidescope of life. XOXO, ing
November 22, 2019
Three years ago today we lost Mark. And while time does not ease the pain of his loss, I have been blessed by his being in my life. Mark,I love you always, and miss you dearly. Mom
Clint
November 9, 2019
I learned of Marks passing earlier today, he was a friend and teacher to me as a YOUer. I Haven't spoken with him for probably 17 years, but losing him stings. Words cannot express the positive effect this man has had on my life, and in making me a better person so long ago, the lives of my now wife and children. I wish the best for him, his friends, and his family and know that his legacy lives on.
Mom
September 6, 2019
IT has been almost three years, but the sadness of losing Mark goes on. I miss his light, his energy, his being here. He loved being a husband to Ronda and a daddy to his adorable Alisa and the question of why will always linger. He has left us all indelible memories. Rest In Peace, my beloved Mark.
Peggy Fischer
April 18, 2017
Mark was such an inspiration to me and all he touched with his generous spirit, his uplifting and inspiring lessons that encouraged us to live from our divine identity, his humor and his genuine love for all. He was truly a light in our world. He will be sorely missed but will live on in our hearts and memories. Godspeed Mark.
Lisa Terrell Galdamez Guevara
January 21, 2017
Wow!! Mark was a mentor and friend through uniteens and YOU as I was youth minister in Ventura. Through the years I lost touch but never lost the spiritual connection and deep respect and admiration for him. I was shocked to find out he is no longer with us. Thoughts and prayers always. His memory and legacy live on in thousands of youth whose lives he touched. Namaste my friend. LT-Lisa Terrell (now Lisa Galdamez Guevara)
Erik Jensen
December 31, 2016
Mark was one of my spiritual mentors at The Unity Center in San Diego. His guidance and leadership of Youth of Unity and Uniteens inspired me to be more, give more and love more! His light will never go out as long as one person whose life he touched remains in the presence and power of spirit! I will miss you, my friend!
Alisa won lots of tickets
Manny Ibarra
December 13, 2016
Good times at Leo's place in Idaho Falls
Manny Ibarra
December 13, 2016
Mark Ronda and Alisa visiting us in Idaho
Manny Ibarra
December 13, 2016
Natasha Mullins
November 28, 2016
Hope he keeps lighting up your world and you find things that remind you of all the good times you shared.
The light of God surrounds us;
The love of God enfolds us;
The power of God protects us;
The presence of God watches over us;
Wherever we are, God is!
Wendy Prince-Carver
November 28, 2016
Ronda, I'm so very sorry to hear about Mark's passing. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers. God's grace and comfort be with you all.
November 28, 2016
Offering sincere condolences to Mark's family. May God comfort you during this difficult time. Ps.147:3.
Cynthia Propst
November 28, 2016
Mark was always wearing a smile that started with his eyes and shined outward from there. I will miss his light.
Kimberly Whitacre
November 28, 2016
Sending great big HUGS to Mark's very grown up little girl "Alisa"and his wife "Rhonda" and Mark's Mother "Shirley". May your heavy hearts be lightened over the coming weeks, by the many joyous memories you'll share with friends and family.
Beloved Memories! I met Mark at Unity of Mesa about 18-20 years ago..., however, it was during my service days as a Sunday School Teacher that I came to know him as a person. My fondest memories of Mark were during those fun and inspirational weekends in Idylwild, California, for Unity Regional Educators Retreats. This was during Mark's reign as our SW Unity Regional Youth Director (I believe I have that title correct). Those were such wonderful, loving and inspiring events. Which Mark had something to do with creating.
As he made his way towards the afterlife... I am quite sure that Mark was well received as he entered the pearly gates, with our beloved minister Joel Baehr and others who've preceded him in the next journey of our souls path.
Many Blessings and Much Love to Mark's Family and close friends,
EagleSpirit
Unity of Mesa -member since 2002
Toni Fish
November 28, 2016
I am with you all in Spirit today...holding Mark in Love and Light as he moves on to the next stage of his journey and holding the family in Love and Light as you move through yours.
Candyce McCaslin
November 28, 2016
What a legacy he created! Not only will Alisa be able to pass on his love and lessons but all those young lives he touched along the way. That's the true measure of any life! Well done, Mark!!
Candyce and Ken
Donna Steckal
November 28, 2016
His Spirit shall live on at Unity of Mesa and in all the hearts he has touched.
Thank you Rhonda for sharing these updates and God bless you and your family.
Lana Young
November 28, 2016
Mark was a mentor, a teacher, a friend,,and a brother. Our loss is the worlds loss. Although I can't be at the funeral, I am sending light and love to all!!!Lana young
Diane Williams
November 28, 2016
Light and love surround you and yours, always in ALL ways! The Williams Family
The Uber Family
November 27, 2016
Never to be forgotten.
Cathy, Brian, & Travis
November 27, 2016
When we first moved into the neighborhood, Mark was one of the first neighbors to introduce himself and welcome us. As we got to know him more, we saw him as sincere, witty, and always with a smile on his face. We are saddened to hear of his passing, but glad and fortunate to have known him while he was among us. We will always remember his kindness and humor. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mark's family, loved ones, and friends.
We love you.
Denise Graham
November 26, 2016
Mark Fisk always found life, love, humor and the passion he shared with so many. He was a wonderful spirit and shared his beliefs in many ways and was always full of life. Mark always had creative words and ways of fulfilling dreams and sharing them. He made many changes and always had a way to get it down. When the walls or should I say ceiling came down, he brought together an amazing team to rebuild them, find places to stay, having to move a few times and he did it with grace. He leaves one amazing family that finds joy and laughter to celebrate his life. We will forever remember and love this incredible soul.
November 26, 2016
To the Fisk Family: My heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and friends during this difficult time. I hope that the promise in 1 Thessalonians 4:14 can bring comfort. Knowing that there's a hope for the ones we have lost in death can be so reassuring.
November 26, 2016
Please accept my deepest sympathies knowing that the God of comfort feels your pain and sorrow. Isaiah 61:1,2 reads "He sent me ( Jesus Christ) to bind up the broken hearted, and to comfort all who mourns.
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