Mark Andrew Christianson

Mark was born June 19, 1961, at old St. Vincent Hospital in NW Portland. He grew up in NE Portland attending The Madeleine and St Rose grade schools. Just like his seven brothers, he traveled across town to attend Jesuit High School in Beaverton. Mark attended college and played football in northern California, going to College of the Siskiyous. After returning to Portland, he settled back into his roots in NE Portland. Mark was lucky to always have family nearby. Mark was a retired baker from Franz Bakery.

Mark was the 8th of 11 children born to Dan and Sally Christianson. During his lifetime, he enjoyed the many gatherings that brought his family together. With seven brothers and a Dad who coached football, Mark grew up with a passion for sports, football, basketball, baseball, and track. After college he was driven by physical fitness which included weight lifting, swimming, biking and entering various triathlons.

Along with holidays and birthdays, a favorite regular outing for Mark would be Labor Day weekend. As a youngster, with a host of close families and friends, it was a camping weekend before the start of the school year up at Camp Howard. Then in his adult years, the mostly same congregation of families and friends, was going to Manzanita on the Oregon coast for the annual Blarney Golf Tournament. Any trip to the Oregon coast with family was a special treat.

He was a favorite Uncle of so many nieces and nephews. Uncle Mark always came bringing gifts. From the mundane (socks, underwear, clothing, Flintstones Vitamins) to the exciting (a crossbow, BB gun, wrist rocket, pocketknives, money, bags of candy) Uncle Mark delivered. He truly was a selfless sweetheart.

Mark is survived by his brothers, Matt (Kay), Dan (Yvonne), Francis (Valerie), Paul (Janis), Jim (Mary), Tom (Lynn), and Pete (Teri Jo); and sisters, Mary Christianson, Margaret (Mike) Hershberger and Molly (Kevin) Meader; and a multitude of nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday June 7th (11:00-3:00) p.m. at The Madeleine Parish Hall.

Eternal rest grant unto Mark, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.