Mark Alan Lock

Mark Lock, 68, died peacefully at home with his beloved sister, Linda, at his side on August 28.
Mark was born in Winfield, Kansas, during a tornado, to Peggy and Francis Lock. He was the fifth of eight children.
Mark followed his sister, Linda, to Alaska in 1973 after graduating from high school. He worked various jobs before going to work for Princess Hotels (now Holland America Princess) in 1993. He was Lead Housekeeper for 30 years and worked through his cancer treatments until this April, when he became too weak to continue working. Over the years, he received many accolades and awards for exceptional customer service based on praise from customers and his staff.
Mark loved nature. He spent his most happy times fishing on the upper Chena River. He and Linda went camping as often as they could, especially at the public use cabins off Chena Hot Springs Road. In 1980, while hiking at the Granite Tors with his two best friends, Bruce and Diane Krack, they became separated during a heavy storm and Mark was missing for 8 days. On the 3 rd day, after being stalked by a grizzly bear, he climbed a tree to sleep and hung his boots on a branch. The bear took off with his boots. The remainder of the time he was missing he was barefoot. He was rescued by a helicopter from a tributary to the Chena River when rescuers followed bear tracks to where he was. His ordeal did not diminish his love for the outdoors and he went on to enjoy many outings over the years.
Mark will be remembered by his family and friends as a gentle and sweet man who was always willing to help anyone in need. He was always ready to assist his staff with unexpected issues that arose in the hotels and was a problem solver and crisis manager when needed.
He is survived by his sister, Linda Lock, who he lived with; sisters Joyce Anderson and her husband, Tony; Willa Sue McKenzie and husband, Michael; brother Tony Lock, wife Diane and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Peggy and Francis Lock; his brothers Steven Lock, David Michael Lock and James Lock.
No services are planned at this time. Mark's ashes will be lovingly spread at his favorite fishing hole on the upper Chena River. Condolences may be sent to Linda Lock at 302 Slater Street, Fairbanks, AK 99701.