Mark Edward Merdes, of Fairbanks, passed away suddenly on Nov. 15, 2005 among friends. He was born in Pennsylvania on Dec. 16, 1951, to Edward and Norma Merdes. His family moved to Juneau in 1952, and to Fairbanks in 1957. Mark was a partner in the law firm of Merdes & Merdes PC with his brother Ward.

Mark has joyfully affected the lives of many, said his family. He honored Joan, his wife of 30 years, with deep love, respect and laughter. He was a good man who raised his children in kindness, love and by good example. He was respected by his friends as a man of integrity. Mark has left a lasting impression upon the people he has had the privilege to know. He was greatly loved and admired by those who knew him.

Mark always made himself available to his family and friends to talk with them and be there for support. His genuine interest and concern helped him reach out to others. Mark took joy on the accomplishments of others and shared their sorrows.

An athlete throughout life, Mark was a Fairbanks Goldpanners "all-time first everyday local player," and, said the team in memoriam, "a large contributor to the great 1971 National Baseball Congress Nationals runner-up club (hitting .352 in 122 at-bats)."

He continued his love for baseball as coach for the Lathrop High School Girl's Fast Pitch Softball team and as coach for the Interior Girls Softball Association (IGSA). Mark's great love of the sport and his "girls" was apparent every day on the field. His youthful enthusiasm and love for the game and his girls came out nearly every minute on the practice and game field. He loved working with the girls, teaching them to play a game they all loved. He hope was for each girl who dreamed of playing college ball to do so, and he helped them accomplish it in any way he could.

Mark obtained a BA (finance) at Santa Clara University, magna cum laude; his JD at California Western School of Law; and his LL.M degree (taxation) at the University of San Diego Law School. He was a member of the Alaska Bar Association, American Bar Association, Association of Trial Lawyers of America, and Alaska Academy of Trial Lawyers and was licensed to practice in the federal courts.

He was preceded in death by his father Edward and mother Norma; brother Robert; and brother-in-law Brendan Sandiford.

Mark will be remembered by his wife Joan; their son and daughter-in-law Matthew and Francesca and their children, Alex and Katie; his son Brian; his daughter Nicki; and mother-in-law Sarah Gavelis. He also leaves behind his brother Ward and his wife Lori; sister and brother-in-law Theresa and Peter Menard and their daugher Danielle; sisters Beth Sandiford and Marlene Merdes; and sister-in-law Sherrie Merdes, as well as many nieces and nephews.

His family said he also leaves special friends, including Brandon Glaze, Togi Letuligasenoa, Jerry Cleworth, Rod Avery, Todd Schallock, Alan Kelley and the Interior Wing Team, Larry Wick and classmates from the Split Second Survival Group, Chris Maninno, and the Interior Girls Softball Association family.

Mark's life was celebrated Nov. 22 at the Dog Musher's Hall in Fairbanks. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Mark Merdes Scholarship Fund at Credit Union 1, to aid his "girls" in following their dreams of college ball.