Mark Jonathan Best

Mar 9, 1957 -

Jul 6, 2026

Mark Jonathan Best, 69, of Wasilla, Alaska, went to join his creator surrounded by family and friends on July 26, 2026, due to vascular dementia and Alzheimer's. The memorial service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, at Wasilla Bible Church at 1 p.m.

Mark was born in Bremerton, Wash., in 1957, to Bud and Gwen Best. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Grace Ann. Mark is survived by his children, Matthew (Bonnie) and Anna; grandchild, Russell; brothers, Steven, Philip (Susan) and Nathan (Aimee); sister, Faith Lynn; and many special nieces and nephews, whom he cherished.

In 1961, Mark's parents made the trek from Washington up the Alcan Highway to Alaska. Mark graduated from Chugiak High School in 1975, followed by completing a millwright apprenticeship program. In 1982, he started work for ML&P as an IBEW Operator/Mechanic, where he made many lifelong friends, until his retirement in 2015.

Mark often stated his greatest achievement was being a father, and he poured his heart, soul, spirit and time into his children. Mark was also known to many as "Coach Best." Mark treated all his players like his own children, going out of his way for his players and their families. To his children's friends he was known as "Papa Best" and proudly responded to every teenager that greeted him with hugs, conversations, support and a welcoming home.

Mark's greatest characteristic was his generous spirit. His faith in God called him to give, and so he did. He gave his time, energy and heart to anyone that needed it. In his retirement years, his personal ministry was plowing for those who needed his help. For many years he could be found plowing snow at Wasilla Bible Church with his good friends and nephew.

To love Mark was to love his long stories, his well-intended advice and his big personality. He never forgot a face and loved to stop everyone for a chat. Mark has left a hole as big as Denali in our lives, but our hearts are filled with memories of his smile, laugh and love.

In lieu of flowers, please join us in making a donation to Alzheimer's Resource Alaska in memory of Mark at alzalaska.org/donate; or to Wasilla Bible Church at wasillabible.org/give.