Mark Phillip Hansen

Mark Phillip Hansen, a beloved son, husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend, left this world on June 24 2025, in Seattle, Washington, after a courageous two-year battle with cancer. His family surrounded him in those final moments, a testament to the love and strength he brought to all their lives.

Born on September 18, 1977, in Canoga Park, California, Mark's journey was a vibrant tapestry of service, love, and laughter. He dedicated 21 commendable years to the  United States Marine Corps, reaching the rank of Master Sergeant. His time as a Drill Instructor and his participation in Mountain Warfare Training paved the way for countless adventures and unforgettable stories. Mark’s love for skiing was particularly highlighted by his humorous statement to his brother, "I never fall," as he confidently donned jeans for the slopes.

Mark was not only a veteran; he embodied the spirit of service and commitment to family in everything he did. He enjoyed a rewarding career at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard as a shipfitter, where he proudly contributed to projects that took him across the globe, including Japan and California, often with his family by his side.

Mark was a devoted family man, he married Sonia Hansen in 2004 and together they had two amazing children. He loved deeply, and was so proud of his son Cooper, 15, and daughter Scarlett, 13. He cherished every moment spent traveling, cooking, and crafting memories with them. Mark never let a road trip go by without packing a cooler full of road snacks and leaving a loving and silly note for his traveling loved ones, a small gesture that demonstrated his thoughtfulness and care.

His vibrant personality shone brightly in his interactions with friends and family. Mark was the kind of person who made everyone feel special; his kindness and humor left an indelible mark on those he loved. Known for his over-the-top sense of humor and an endless collection of made-up words, he could lift spirits and bring laughter into any situation. Mark was an early riser, usually waking up as early as 5 AM to start his day, he balanced responsibility, reliability, and loyalty with playful creativity.

At the time of his passing, he was working towards a bachelor's degree in Computer Science. In recent years, he discovered an unexpected talent for mathematics, which filled him with joy and satisfaction.

Mark had a wide range of hobbies that reflected his thirst for life—he enjoyed skiing, surfing, mountain biking, woodworking, and fishing with his son. As a teenager, he found delight in filmmaking with friends and loved every opportunity to connect with the beauty of nature, whether it was on the ocean, lakes, rivers, or mountains. His affinity for movies was complimented by a fondness for classics like the original Star Wars and Toxic Avenger, reminding those who knew him of his fun-loving spirit.

Above all, Mark was a caretaker. He took it upon himself to support his family through every obstacle life presented, nurturing strong, lasting relationships with his loved ones. He was a friend to everyone, known for his big heart and unwavering dedication.

Mark leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and strength that will echo in the hearts of all who knew him. He is survived by his mother and father, Jay & Patti Finster;  His wife, Sonia Hansen; His children, Cooper and Scarlett; His brother, Lee Hansen;  His mother-in-law, Terry; Bonus siblings through marriage; Inger, Jeff, Missy, Dan, Houston and Ronda; his beloved nieces and nephews;  Curtis, Melanie, Alyson, Jeffrey, Jillian, Ava, and Archer; along with the countless others who loved him.

Mark will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His spirit lives on in the joyful memories shared, the laughter which will carry us all through the years, and the love he instilled in the hearts of his family and friends. As he reunites with his late grandparents, George and Josephine Kennedy, the world has lost a true character whose warmth and humor will be forever cherished.

To those who loved Mark, and are reading this today, his message to you would be, "I love you so much, you're the best...now stop crying!".