James Mark Sather

James "Mark" Sather, age 81, passed away surrounded by love, leaving behind a life shaped by integrity, hard work, and a family who loved him deeply.

Born in Seattle, Washington, Mark was the son of Leif Odin Sigurd Sather and Joy Helen Wilcox. He was raised alongside his older sister Patricia and younger sister Sigrid, He grew up in a family that moved often, shaping his adaptability and independence early in life.

Though his childhood took him to many places, Mark always said he felt most settled in Tillamook, Oregon. Those were his glory days when he played basketball at Tillamook High School and formed memories that stayed with him for a lifetime. He graduated high school in 1962, carrying forward a life-long love for the game.

Mark went on to attend Boise Junior College, now Boise State University, where basketball remained central to his college years. He was a standout both on and off the court, earning All-League Basketball honors in 1963, being named to the Mr. Congeniality Court and Jack-of-Hearts Court in 1964, and later making the Dean's Honor Roll in 1966. His time playing the sport he loved ended far too soon due to a devastating back injury, but his dedication and pride in that chapter of life never faded. In 1967, he earned his bachelor's degree in secondary education with a major in biology, a field that reflected his curiosity about the world and his passion for learning.

He began his teaching career at Dallas High School in Dallas, Oregon, where he taught biology for seven years. He took deep pride in shaping young minds. Mark's first marriage brought two children into his life, daughter Kristine in 1968 and son Steve in 1969. Later in life, one of his greatest joys was watching his son Steve follow in his footsteps, teaching at the same high school in Dallas before becoming a superintendent. Mark spoke often and proudly of that full-circle moment.

After his divorce, Mark accepted a teaching position at an American boarding school in Leysin, Switzerland from 1970 to 1973. Those years became some of the most formative and treasured of his life. For three years, he traveled extensively throughout Europe, often with very little money in his pocket, but with an abundance of curiosity. He collected small knick-knacks from each country along the way, unforgettable stories, and memories that he would retell for decades, always with detail and delight. During his time in Switzerland, Mark met Peyre Pringle, another American who would become his best friend of more than fifty years. Their friendship grew into a true brotherhood, forged through travel, shared experiences, and unwavering loyalty. Mark loved Peyre deeply, and that bond remained one of the most meaningful relationships of his life.

Upon returning to the United States, Mark began a long and steady career with Norpac Foods in Brooks, Oregon. It was there that he met Sandra, the woman who would become his wife and partner in life. They were married in 1976 and went on to welcome two children, son Derek in 1981 and daughter Diane in 1983. During this season of life, Mark continued his commitment to education, earning his Master of Science degree in interdisciplinary studies from Western Oregon State College in Monmouth in 1987.

His career with Norpac later transferred the family to Hermiston, Oregon, where they settled and built a life for nearly twenty-five years. Mark retired in 2011, and in 2013 he and Sandra moved to the Tri-Cities, where he spent the rest of his years.

Mark was, at his core, a simple man in the very best sense of the word. He was honest, hardworking, frugal, and incredibly proud of his Norwegian heritage. He loved working with his hands, tackling projects, tinkering in his garage, and spending hours restoring and caring for his beloved green 1970 MG Midget. He had a deep love for birds and birdwatching, fueled by books, fancy binoculars he acquired while living in Europe, and a genuine fascination with the natural world. Later in life, he took pride in collecting gold and silver coins and was proud of his collection.

He valued education deeply and never missed an opportunity to correct anyone's improper grammar, usually with a twinkle in his eye and a tone that made it clear he truly could not help himself. It was one of his most endearing traits.

Above all else, Mark was most proud of his four children and fifteen grandchildren. He was the proud grandfather of eleven grandsons and four granddaughters, whom he loved fiercely and without reservation. He often joked that his greatest accomplishment was that none of them were in jail, a line that always earned laughter and perfectly captured his dry humor and deep affection.

Mark was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Though he would be the first to admit he was far from perfect, his faith mattered to him. It sustained him, especially through the last seven years of his declining health. He believed deeply that the life waiting beyond this one held peace, reward, and joy. His grandchildren were what he fought for, and he often grew emotional speaking about his desire to see them grow up. Though his body ultimately failed him, his spirit did not. He is now at rest.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Leif and Joy, his big sister Patricia, her husband Gary, and his beloved dog, Frenchie.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra Dawn Sather; his father-in-law, Bob Womack; his children, Kristine Troutman (Tim), Steve Spencer (Lynda), Derek Sather (Sarah), Diane Aland, and Scott Aland (a cherished former son-in-law); his sister, Sigrid, and her husband, Mike; fifteen grandchildren, David, Megan, Josh, Ryan, Justin, Colson, Jace, Liam, Lucia, Lincoln, Camden, Mason, Keegan, Harlow, and Lilah; five great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and special friends.

Our family is deeply grateful to the individuals and loved ones who supported Mark with compassion, patience, and care over the past several years, especially during his final months. A special thank you from the family goes to his brother-in-law, Mike, whose extraordinary dedication, advocacy, and generosity provided steady support when it mattered most. We are also incredibly thankful to Dwight Gibb, whose professionalism, kindness, and gentle care helped ensure that Mark's final months in his adult care home were filled with comfort, dignity, and compassion.

The family is planning a celebration of life for Mark on Saturday, April 4, 2026, a special day which would have been his 82nd birthday. More details about that will be shared at a later time.

Mark's presence will be deeply missed. We hope the chocolate and Diet Cokes are endless and taste even better in heaven. We love you so much. Until we meet again.

"For those who live in the Lord, death is not a goodbye, but a 'see you later.'"