Mark Anderson-Wilk

Mark Robert Anderson-Wilk, of Corvallis, Oregon, beloved husband, father, son, friend, uncle, colleague, artist, and writer, died Thursday due to complications following a bone marrow transplant. He was born on June 26, 1970 in Cedar Falls, Iowa and died January 26, 2012 in the hospital in Seattle with his wife and parents by his side. Mark grew up in Cedar Falls, Iowa. He graduated from the University of Iowa and received a Masters of Arts in English from the University of Minnesota. Mark’s work in publishing, editing, writing and communications was varied and engaging for him. He was the Editor of the Journal of the Soil and Water Conservation Society; he most recently held the position of Publishing Leader and Assistant Professor for Extension and Experiment Station Communications at Oregon State University. Mark greatly enjoyed his work and spoke often of his appreciation for his many colleagues and collaborators. His work was recognized nationally with honors though he was characteristically modest about his achievements. Mark was a gentle, kind, smart, funny, loving person. His eyes sparkled and he was a strong and peaceful presence. Mark had many close and loving friends with whom he often collaborated creatively. Mark made music, wrote poetry and novels, painted and was almost always in a process of artistic expression in many forms. Mark was a quiet teacher and leader, and a model of nonjudgmental openness, kindness and creative expression. Nature, and being in nature, were some of Mark’s deepest loves. He will be buried at the coast, in Yachats—which derives from the Chinook word meaning dark waters at the foot of the mountain—a spectacular natural place where Mark and his family spent many precious days after learning of his illness. Mark and his wife, Sarah, took great pride in having created their family through adoption. Mark cherished his role as a father and was proud of both of his remarkable daughters. He was a loving, understanding and attentive father, husband, son, brother and uncle. Mark was known for his patience. He was a true pacifist in all aspects of his life. His loss will be felt for the rest of our lives. Mark endured a treatment for bone marrow disease and cancer that affected every cell in his body. He did so with admirable hope, patience and strength. He expressed deep gratitude to his anonymous stem cell donor, a 19 year old man from Europe. He is survived by his wife Sarah Anderson-Wilk, his daughters Julia (9) and Phoebe (6), his parents Jan and Wayne Anderson (of Cedar Falls, IA), his brother Greg Anderson (of Evanston, IL), and sisters Karen (Greg Welk) (of Ames, Iowa) and Jen (Robert) Torrey (of Fort Collins, Colorado), his in-laws Melvin and Mary Beth Wilk (of Des Moines, Iowa) and brothers–in-law Joseph Wilk and Gabriel Wilk (both of Des Moines, Iowa). He is also survived by many nieces and nephews: Colin; Evan; Grant; Maddie; Katie; and Aviva, and his many, many friends who will miss him greatly. A funeral service, officiated by Rabbi Benjamin Barnett of Beit Am, will be held Wednesday, February 1 at 10:00 am at the Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship Church in Corvallis. Burial at Yachats Memorial Park will follow at 2:00 pm. Mark’s family will receive visitors at their home Thursday evening from 7-9 pm.

Tributes

Mark Anderson-Wilk

June 26, 1970 - January 26, 2012