Mark Edward Raymond

Mark Raymond, a beloved son, brother, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on the evening of March 16, 2025. Born on December 16, 1956, Mark was known for his adventurous spirit, his passionate heart, and deep love for his family.

Mark was the second eldest of 7 siblings. From a young age Mark was known for his adventurous nature, once even running away with the circus. In high school he participated in the swim team and played the trombone. As a young man, Mark served honorably and with meritorious recognition, in the United States Marines; a time that shaped his character and instilled in him a deep sense of pride and discipline.

Mark married his first wife, Melissa Dixon in 1985, with whom he had two children, Chase and Chelsea, while living in Juneau, Alaska. There, Mark worked for Alaska Airlines and the family enjoyed jaunts to Seattle on the weekends. The family moved back to Fargo, ND, when Chelsea was just a dozen days old. Mark and Melissa divorced in 1991, but they remained lifelong friends, and co-parented very beautifully. Later in life, Mark married Kelly Pratt in 1995, who was also a wonderful mother to his children, affectionately called M2. They shared many years, both building a life and working together, making their home on Lake Melissa.

Mark and Kelly lived in St. Paul, MN, for a time early in their union. While there, they both worked for the Minnesota film industry, where Mark freelanced, creating movie sets, and showcasing his creativity and diverse talents. After moving to Lake Melissa with Kelly, they started Shoreham Village Builders. Mark built and remodeled many amazing homes during this time and his efforts will stand the test of time for many years to come. Mark and Kelly divorced in 2005, and she remains important in his children’s lives.

Mark returned to Alaska in 2007, where he lived with his girlfriend Robin Hogness, and he was a true father figure for her son Christopher, whom Mark loved and was very fond of. Mark lived the outdoor experience to the limit, hunting, fishing and enjoying the Alaska experience. Mark shared these passions with his friends and family. He instilled this same love for the outdoors in his children; teaching them the joys of camping, fishing and hunting, and creating lasting memories in nature.

Mark was a highly skilled craftsman and general contractor, building beautiful homes in North Dakota, Minnesota, and Alaska; leaving a lasting legacy of craftsmanship in the communities where he worked.
In 2016, Mark’s life was changed dramatically after a tragic accident left him a quadriplegic. The following years were incredibly challenging for Mark, as he struggled with the loss of his motor functions and independence, which deeply affected his happiness. Many of the activities he had loved—hunting, fishing, and building—were no longer accessible to him. Despite these challenges, Mark found joy in seeing his children grow, fall in love, and marry. He also became a grandfather several times over, a role he cherished deeply. He loved being a grandpa, and his grandchildren brought him great comfort and happiness during these difficult years.

Mark had strong convictions and believed that nothing was more important than leaving the world better than you found it. He instilled those same values in his children. Cantankerous and argumentative, he was not always easy to get along with when disagreements arose; but behind that was always a foundation of wanting compassion and justice in the world.

Mark is survived by his parents, Edward and Cordelia “Corky”; his siblings, Cecilee, Cathy, Bruce, Shanan, Rebecca and Chad; his son, Chase (Diana McNamera) and their children Ellisandra and Graysen(stepson); his daughter, Chelsea (Michael Rubin), and their three children, Emaline(stepdaughter), James(stepson), and Dixon. He will be remembered by his extended family, close friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A memorial service will be held this summer in July, with details to be announced later on his Facebook page.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to The Alaska Wildlife Foundation, in Mark’s honor.