Mark Blaisdell

1956 - 2021

Mark Kevin Blaisdell
April 30, 1956 - March 28, 2021
Mark Kevin Blaisdell, beloved husband of Shelly Maramonte, and father to August and Lian Blaisdell, passed away at home on Sunday March 28th, 2021 after a long illness, surrounded by his loving family. He is survived also by his brothers Robert and Mikael. Mark was born in Coronado, CA on April 30th, 1956 to Commander and Mrs Robert (Nauvelene) Blaisdell (both deceased). The family lived all over the United States and overseas, including deployments in Naples, Italy, Belgium, and Okinawa during Mark's childhood, finally settling in Alameda, CA. Mark had wonderful memories of these deployments and told great tales of childhood adventures.
In his 20's Mark was a seasonal park ranger in multiple National Parks, including Mt. Rainier, where he met his wife of 30 years, Shelly, a fellow seasonal ranger. He graduated from UC Davis with a degree in Geology. Mark was a creative geologist who held patents on drilling devices. He was much esteemed by the Environmental Branch of ITSI and then Gilbane Co. for his improvisational ability. He was able to design and build machinery on the spot to solve complex problems in the field. He was the original "maker", his wife constantly asking, "how do you know how to do that?" as he made things like a fountain out of an old farmhouse sink he found. He could see the possibility in anything, stocking the garage with future projects, including the first family sailboat.
Mark had a lifetime love of nature and adventures. Throughout his life he backpacked, skied, and hiked in the mountains and desert. He enjoyed scuba diving and sailing with his brother, Bob. His home was filled with love, books, rocks and 2 children, August and Lian, with whom he and Shelly shared their love of nature. He enthusiastically participated in the education and lives of his children. He was the favorite chaperone on field trips even after he became ill--always the quintessential "Daddy". He considered being a father the most important role in his life. He had wide-ranging intellectual interests with curiosity and openness to different ideas. Mark was an excellent amateur photographer, collector of rocks, gardener, aficionado of estate sales, a skilled incurable punster and king of the "dad joke". He loved helping people and would do anything for his family and friends. No one was a stranger for long in Mark's world.
When you get to heaven, say hello to the fellow in the green ranger hat with his leatherman tool. That will be Mark trying to repair the pearly gates.
Memorial services have not yet been scheduled due to Covid. In lieu of flowers, consider a gift to Camp Kesem: https://donate.kesem.org/team/305774