Mark Joji Akai

Mark Joji Akai, age 72, passed away on April 1, 2025, in Kirkland, Washington, due to complications from heart disease. He was born on March 9, 1953, in Tokyo, Japan. On that day, the Lord called up His favorite landscaper. Mark now joins his parents, George Ichiro and Yasuko “Sue” Akai, as well as his siblings Melisa and Melinda in Heaven. He is survived by his loving wife Melissa Ewbank and his brothers Jayson and Lance.

Mark earned his degree from South Seattle Community College and went on to travel the world, sharing his passion for horticulture through work in numerous specialty gardens. Teaching and mentoring were central themes in his life—from leading community garden efforts to encouraging others through cardiac rehabilitation.

In the 1970s and 80s, Mark served honorably in the United States Army. He was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, where he worked as an Atomic Demolition Munitions Specialist with the 66th Engineer Company. He later served with the 62nd Engineer Company at Caserma Ederle in Vicenza, Italy. Mark maintained lifelong connections with his fellow servicemen.

Following his military career, he returned to Seattle and began working with his uncles, Bill and Dick Yamasaki, at 'Yamasaki Landscaping'. Eventually, he launched his own company, 'Mark’s Gardening', which became known for its quality, care, and personal touch. Mark found joy in working with a wide range of clients and property types.

His expertise led him to consulting roles with several prominent gardens, including the Seattle Japanese Garden, Kubota Garden, Seike Japanese Garden at South Seattle College, and the Everett Community College Japanese Garden. From pruning techniques to thoughtful placement of plants, rocks, and trees, Mark empowered people to make their green spaces more beautiful and functional.

A natural teacher, Mark was known for generously sharing his knowledge of gardening and landscaping with others. His impact lives on in the gardens—and the gardeners—he nurtured over the years.

Mark's life was filled with fascinating chapters. He was a Cheerleader Team Trainer at Ballard High School and a proud member of the Ballard Chorale, with whom he recorded eight albums and toured the Pacific Northwest. A devoted Boy Scout and member of the Order of the Arrow Honor Society, he came just one badge shy of becoming an Eagle Scout—only because he couldn’t float in water. He graduated from Ballard High School in 1971.

Mark met his future wife, Melissa Ewbank, at a friend’s engagement party—though their paths had actually crossed years earlier. In 1979, Melissa and her friend Susan Amante were backpacking through Europe and visited Vicenza, Italy, where they encountered U.S. servicemen at a small military base. Among them was Mark. Melissa had hoped for an American hamburger on base but instead got a memorable tour. Two years later, at Susan’s engagement party, Melissa and Mark reconnected and began reminiscing about a pizza spot in Vicenza. That spark led to a group outing—and eventually, a lifetime of love and support. They married in West Seattle in 1993 and celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary on February 13, 2025.

Mark is currently featured on the Seattle Japanese Garden’s website as an Oral Historian, highlighting his decades of contribution as a consultant from 1989 to 2025.

Mark will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, even Doctors and all those whose lives and landscapes he helped shape.

Services for Mark will be held on Sunday, September 21, 2025 at the Botanical Garden Washington Park Arboretum, Graham Visitors Center at 10:30AM. 2300 Arboretum Drive E, Seattle, WA 98112.

Prior to the Memorial Service a Silent Vigil will be held 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM in the Seattle Japanese Garden. A casual Aloha attire is encouraged.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Mark's name towards The Arboretum Foundation.