Harold Mork

1939 - 2023

Harold Melvin Mork, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and mentor, passed away peacefully at his home in Edmonds, WA on July 1, 2023. He was born on October 10, 1939, in Tacoma, Washington, to Helen and Ola Mork, who had immigrated from Sweden and Norway respectively. Harold spent his early years in Tacoma before his family moved to Ballard.

After graduating from Ballard High school (1957), Harold attended Washington State University, where he became a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. During his time at WSU, he formed lifelong friendships and there, met the love of his life, Gretchen Gaiser. He completed his education at the University of Washington and married his college sweetheart. Harold and Gretchen were married for 63 years, raising their 3 daughters in Edmonds, WA.

At the age of 15, Harold began a tradition that would shape his life and create lasting memories when he started spending his summers commercial fishing in Alaska alongside his father. These experiences instilled in him a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for the sea which continued throughout his life. Harold spent many days fishing for salmon and halibut well into his 70's.

In his professional life, Harold excelled in the insurance liability business, where he became a great mentor to many aspiring individuals within the industry. He was touched to receive many heartfelt messages from colleagues expressing gratitude for his guidance and the positive influence he had on their careers.

Beyond his professional achievements, Harold had a passion for golf. He cherished the moments spent on the green with his high school friends and family, and he had the opportunity to play in various golf courses across the country including Pebble Beach which was a highlight. He was a former member of the Rainier Golf and Country Club as well as the Oakmont Golf Club in Glendale, California.

Harold and Gretchen also enjoyed years of traveling together, visiting family in Norway and Sweden many times as well as trips with their dear friends throughout Europe. His work also took him to countries around the globe including Japan, China, and Taiwan just to name a few.

Harold's dedication to his heritage was evident through his lifelong membership in the Sons of Norway. He enjoyed spending time with his family at their cabin at Norway Park near Lake McMurray. Harold had helped build the cabin with his father in the early 60's so it's a very special place to the entire family to this day. Additionally, he was a Shriner, contributing to the charitable endeavors of the organization. Family was very important to him and he looked forward to the many annual holiday celebrations that brought together 40+ members of the Mork family.

Harold is survived by his college sweetheart and wife of 63 years, Gretchen, his sister Eleanor Schubert (Keith), and his daughters, Lisa Muiznieks (Indulis), Kristen Walker (Eric), and Karin Comiskey (Mike), as well as his four grandchildren, Alec and Lindsey Muiznieks, and Claire and Joe Comiskey.

Harold is preceded in death by his parents and older brother Erling.

Harold will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to his family, his dedication to his profession, and his ability to positively impact the lives of those around him. His legacy will endure through the memories shared by his loved ones and the many lives he influenced as a mentor. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered with love and admiration.

At Harold's request, no service will be held but contributions can be made in his memory to the following causes that were very important to him, SE Asia Foundation (Seafund.org) where 100% of all donations go directly to support and educate women and girls in Southeast Asia and the Union Gospel Mission, Seattle WA.