Julian Mark, Pharmacist; Called `Real Shining Light' On Mercer Island

Julian Mark filled not only the prescriptions of Mercer Island but also the needs of its youths.

Mark, the longtime owner of Island Prescriptions pharmacy and an island leader in helping young people, died of stomach cancer Feb. 9 at age 57.

Family members say Mark was devoted to them, but he also contributed to youths, from his work in school PTAs, to his sponsoring of youth sports teams, to the stewardship he offered to teen-age employees.

``He was always interested and involved in helping youngsters, teen-agers,'' said Stephen Penny, a friend who had two children work for Mark.

``The guy was a real shining light. He was always teaching. He was always trying to bring out the best in people who worked for him.''

Born and raised in Seattle, Mark graduated from Garfield High School and the University of Washington pharmacy school.

After serving as a first lieutenant in the Army Medical Corps, he pursued a career as a pharmacist.

His son, the Rev. Lawrence Mark, said his father's love of pharmacy stemmed from an interest in medicine and a desire to serve the community.

He bought Island Prescriptions from a brother more than 20 years ago. At the small pharmacy, he dispensed prescriptions and his wife, Joyce Grace Mark, ran a gift shop.

Dr. Theodore Mandelkorn said Mark was among a vanishing breed of pharmacists who delivered personal service.

``When you walked in there, he always stopped and chatted with you. He always had something to say and showed interest,'' Mandelkorn said. ``He just really loved people. I think doing pharmacy was his excuse to deal with people.''

Mandelkorn said he could rely on Mark to serve his patients at all hours, often finding him at work at 10 p.m.

With five growing children, Penny said his family grew to depend on Mark for prescriptions and friendship.

``Julian always made sure that when you got a new prescription, he always took the time to tell you what would happen with the prescription,'' he said.

Like many other Mercer Island youths, two of Penny's children went to work for Mark at the pharmacy.

``They liked the discipline and love he showed to them,'' Penny said. ``Julian was very generous in the time he gave to them.''

Penny recalls that his son shared an interest in golf with Mark, and Mark helped him develop his game.

Yet while Mark often worked long hours and six days a week, he found time for many community activities.

Lawrence Mark said his father and mother co-chaired PTAs for schools their children attended. Mark also was an officer of the Mercer Island Rotary Club and the Cascade Golf Club and a past member of the Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce.

``He was supportive of Little League,'' Lawrence Mark said. ``He was an athlete himself and wanted to promote that to the youth of the island as well.''

But Lawrence Mark said his father perhaps took most pride in his four children. ``He was very supportive of his children and our getting a good education,'' Lawrence Mark said.

Julian Mark is survived by his wife, son Gregory Thomas Mark and daughters Laura Lee Mark and Jennifer Joy Mark, all of Mercer Island; his son, Lawrence William Mark and his wife, Christine, of Canoga Park, Calif; his mother, Mrs. Hing Mark, Seattle; brothers Dr. Shelley Mark, of Honolulu; Wing Mark, of Albany, Ore.; Dr. Richard Mark, of San Carlos, Calif.; Albert Mark, of Seattle, and Herbert Mark, of Honolulu; sister Mirian Lee, of Vancouver, B.C.; mother-in-law, Mrs. J.Y. Lee, of Spokane; and one granddaughter.

A memorial service for Mark is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday at Chinese Baptist Church, 5801 Beacon Ave. S. An earlier graveside service will be held for the family only.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances are suggested to Julian Mark memorial at the Chinese Baptist Church, Kin On Nursing Home, Hospice of Seattle or Mercer Island Community Fund.