Mark Miisaq John

Miisaq Mark John passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at his home in Anchorage, Alaska. He was 70 years old. He was born December 31, 1954 in Nightmute, Alaska to his late parents Kangrilnguq Paul John and Anguyaluk Martina (Abraham) John. In 1985 Mark became a father to his only son. On February 19, 1994 he married Kairaaq Sharon (Moore) John and together they raised two daughters.

Miisaq became aware at a very young age, being held in the air and ****** as an infant. He followed his father on hunting and trapping trips, usually by dog sled, and also followed him commercial fishing at Bristol Bay at 13. Crewing at Clark's Point using a rented wooden boat, he eventually became a captain and owned two boats, the Martina Marie and the Helen Christine. He commercial fished for 55 years and really missed being in the Bay this past summer. Mark also left his family at 13 to attend school at St. Mary's Mission, where he made many lifelong friends. Years later he would tell his wife "I saw my old classmate and she/he looked soooo old." His wife always told him to go look in the mirror.

Mark earned a Bachelor's in Social Work from the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, and also a Master's in Social Work from the University of Alaska, Anchorage. In 1997 he was asked to lead the Calista Elder's Council where he worked for 28 years to document and share Yup'ik wisdom. Mark loved working with elders and his contacts and ability to facilitate topic-specific conversations on traditional Yup'ik knowledge contributed to the publication of many books. As a respected culture bearer, he dedicated his career to language preservation, cultural research and documenting culture so that Yup'ik heritage would be honored and passed to future generations.

Mark's love for people was boundless. He cherished his cousins, welcomed guests warmly, fed countless people, and shared many maqis, stories and laughter. Known for his quick wit and playful teasing, he was an avid jokester, a loyal friend of Bill W, and a man who found joy in simple moments – in the maqi, sharing phone calls, or traveling with Sharon. His resilience, generosity and devotion left a lasting imprint on everyone he met.

Mark is preceded in death by his parents, Kanrilnguq and Anguyaluk, sister Nora, nephew Cimiugaq George and mother-in-law Margaret Moore. He is survived by his wife Sharon; his children Nemeq Paul Albert II, Iquyuilnguq Christine John and Panruk Helen John; siblings Arevgaq Theresa (Mick Leach), Nurauq Simeon (Catherine), Cimigaq Ralph (Anna), Iraluq Freddie, Qungurkaq Willie (Agnes Gregory), Mancuaq Agnes, Panigkaq Agatha John-Shields (Mack Lealasola) and Arnaqulluk Jolene (Chet Murphy); his grandchildren Lugiiq Peyton Albert, Puyangun Amira Albert, Nurauq Hank Albert, and Ayapan Esther Tamura and many beloved extended cousins, nieces, nephews and grandchildren (Yup'ik kinship) too numerous to mention.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the Nunakauyarmiut Yup'ik Corporation, Donlin Gold LLC, and the many individuals whose generosity and kindness made his Celebration of Life and Funeral Service possible. They also thank all those who brought food for comfort during the wake, the family for singing, and all those who provided care for Mark in the hospital or came by to visit.

Miisaq now resets in eternal peace alongside his beloved ancestors. His love, leadership, and laughter have left this world brighter. From the bottom of our hearts-Kenkumauten cakneq.