Mark was the oldest of twelve children, followed in order by sisters Marlene, and Gerrie, brothers Robert (Bob), Ricardo (Dick), Frank, Ronald (Ron), sisters Marcia, Consuelo (Connie), Francine, Jacqueline (Jackie), and Terry. Mark was a great big brother, caring for his brothers and sisters when the need arose. He would ensure they always had food.
Mark attended Garfield High School prior to joining the Navy in 1951. He served aboard the USS Iowa until 1955, serving in the Korean War and was on stand-by Reserves until honorable discharge in 1959.
After leaving the Navy he worked in the hospitality industry at some of the finest hotels and restaurants in Seattle, including the Space Needle during the World’s Fair in 1962.
Mark returned to school and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1976 and later earned a master’s degree in Public Administration in 1981. He worked for HUD until retiring in 2002.
Mark joined the Inter-Tribal Warrior Society and served alongside fellow warriors. He attended parades, military honoring of those buried at Tahoma National Cemetery, posted and carried colors at numerous Pow Wows and honoring ceremonies for veterans throughout the State of Washington as well as in Arizona for Ira Hayes. It was an honor for him to work alongside fellow warriors including his brother Bob.
He is survived by his wife Nancy McIntosh-Sison, his brother Robert Sison, sisters Francine Lester, Jackie Wall, and Terry Carte. He is also survived by children Kathy Sison, Mark Sison, Craig Arndt, and Graylan King. His grandchildren include Alicia Raimondo, Amber Arndt, Kacie Thompson, Tahni Arndt, Sabrina Sison, Ryan Sison, Michael Scriven and Tyler Sison, Max King and Lalia King. Great-grandchildren are Dylan, Madeline, Vivian, Evelyn, Gary and Emma. With the birth of his great-grandchildren, he earned the title G-G-Pa.
The family welcomes your presence at his memorial service on June 9, 2019, 10am at Daybreak Star in Seattle WA. Dinner to follow at Billy Frank Gym at the Nisqually Tribal Headquarters in Yelm. Burial is Monday, June 10, 2019 at 12:30 at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent WA.
