Mark Chalmers Robinson

Mark grew up in Portland, attending Lynch Elementary, Lynchwood Junior High, and Centennial High School. He later continued his education at Mt. Hood Community College. Mark served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, from June 25, 1965, to June 24, 1971, attaining the rank of Sergeant. After leaving the Army, he met his wife, Mary Lucille Mitchell, through Mary's oldest brother, Bill Mitchell. The couple married on September 24, 1974, at the Chapel of the Bells in Reno, Nevada.

Mark worked as a structural draftsman and contributed to several notable buildings and structures in the Portland area, including the OHSU/VA skybridge, Oregon Convention Center, KOIN Tower, and Steel Bridge. His work also included the clock tower at George Fox University. An active member of the Gresham Seventh-day Adventist Church, Mark served as a Pathfinder leader, Sabbath School teacher for both youth and adults, and head elder from approximately 2001 to 2004. He also volunteered his time as an assistant coach for his sons' Rockwood summer baseball teams.

Mark enjoyed the native beauty of the Pacific Northwest, he liked target shooting at the Douglas Rifle Range, building geodesic domes, and playing dominoes. He was a wonderful storyteller with a big, memorable belly laugh and a fondness for babies, kids, and dogs. Mark was devoted to his family and was known for standing up for those he loved. He rarely complained and happily entrusted the family finances to Mary, a responsibility she took great pride in. His family remembers him for his service to his country, his love for his family, and his strong Christian faith.

Mark is survived by his sons, Andrew (Emily), Blake, and Carl (Sara); his grandchildren, Olivia, Charlie, Aden, Willow, Sidney, and Zelda; his sister, Deb Bradley; his brother, Bill Keenom; and his brother-in-law, Dave Mitchell. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary L. Robinson (Mitchell), and his sister, Paula Hankins (Robinson).

Military honors and a memorial service will be held on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at Willamette National Cemetery, with family gathering at 10:30 a.m. A reception will follow at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home.

Mark's family encourages those wishing to honor his memory to consider a donation to any local youth sports organization, especially one aimed at supporting lower income and underserved families (i.e. Multnomah Athletic Foundation, YMCA of Willamette, or the Portland Community Football Club).