Mark Ray Isaacson

1981 - 2017

Mark Ray Isaacson, 36, born May 25, 1981, raised in North Pole and Fairbanks, passed on Dec. 10, 2017, because of post-operative complications. Growing up as a youngster, he attended North Pole Elementary and Middle school and was active in Cub and Boy Scouts, soccer, taekwondo and baseball. At age 12, he played Pop Warner football for the Vikings, and from then on he was a football fan. Football became his favorite sport and the Dallas Cowboys became his main NFL team after attending his first live Dallas Cowboys game against the San Francisco 49ers in 1993. In 1994, he attended Tanana Middle, graduating from Lathrop High school in 1999.
Mark was a huge fan of science fiction, especially "Star Wars," "Star Trek, and "2001: A Space Odyssey." He was also a big history buff, reading multiple nonfiction novels that took place during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Mark also kept his mind busy by reading programming manuals, teaching himself several programming languages. Mark enjoyed a good laugh and would spend hours laughing - big belly laughs - while watching YouTube comedy videos and was also an avid reader of Reddit and BBC news; any other news was fake news.
His fascination and love of science and computers led him to attend UAF. His first major was computer science at the school, where he was a brother of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. After completing a few years of his major, he took a break and completed the certified nursing assistant program, becoming a CNA. Then, like his mother, an accountant, his interest changed to accounting. He joined the Great Alaska Accounting People club at UAF School of Management and in 2015 was voted Rookie of the Year for his likability and many scholastic accomplishments. He graduated in May 2015 with his Bachelor of Accounting, and, in fall 2017, Mark began working toward his Master of Business Administration. He also was planning to be a certified public accountant.
In 2005, Mark began working at Denali Center as a CNA. Over the years, he gave loving care to hundreds of patients, always with a smile. He also worked in the Information Technology Department. In 2016, was promoted to Patient Financial Services quality analyst in the business office at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital. Many of his co-workers praised him for his great work ethic, and his kindness and helpfulness to others.
In 2012, Mark's look-alike daughter, Emma, was born. She became the love of his life and his main focus. His incredible love and patience were always visible. He encouraged her to try new things and not be afraid, and he taught her to swim and how to be a techie like him. Mark, Francesca, his significant other; and their daughter, Emma, loved to travel. They had many adventures across the country and also spent many wonderful times at their special home in Haines. Mark's time spent with his daughter, Emma, was precious and priceless.
Mark was a giver, he helped anyone that needed computer assistance; he was the "Tech Guru."
In March 2015, he moved in with his housebound grandmother to help her and take care of her after his grandfather passed. Most recently, Mark was involved in the Spirit of Alaska Supervisory Committee after being recommended by one of his UAF professors.
Mark is survived by his father and mother, Gary and Valeria Isaacson; sister, Amy Isaacson; daughter, Emma Isaacson; significant other, Francesca May; grandparents, Milt and Barbara Isaacson, and Ike and Merrilee Isaacson; aunts, Vivian(Michael), Naomi (Terry), Janet, Sherie, Stacey and Tammi (Matt); uncles, Dale, Allan, Randy and Mike (Anita); and many other relatives too numerous to list. Mark was preceded in death by his grandparents, Lloyd and Phyllis Welty; aunt, Susan Isaacson, and uncle David Isaacson. Mark also is survived by his biological dad, John Rommel; grandmother, Norma Rommel; uncle, Mike (Mary) and aunt Patty.
Mark touched the lives of many people in the Fairbanks community and will be deeply missed by all.
A celebration of life will be held at 5 p.m. Dec. 18, at the Alaska Dog Mushers Hall, 925 Farmers Loop. The family asks all who attend to please dress casual and wear a sports or sci-fi jersey or T-shirt (if you have one); Mark would love it. In lieu of flowers, a GoFundMe account in Mark's name has been set up: bit.ly/2j4lLib.