Mark Andrew Iverson December 14, 1954 - November 13, 2014 Mark Andrew Iverson, 59, a fabulous son, brother, uncle and friend has left this world less one artist on November 13, 2014. He is missed beyond words and has only been gone days. We will endure the pain of his loss, knowing that he is celebrating the chance to reconnect with those he loved who have left before him, older brothers Gary and Gail. He also is preceded in death by his father, Willard Iverson, and step-father, Robert Minkler. Mark is survived by his doted-upon mother, Annette Iverson Minkler; brother, Jay Iverson (Jean); sisters-in-law, Barbara Iverson and Cherie Iverson; and step-sister, Chris Strand (Ron). He was the much-loved uncle of Matt Iverson (Heidi), Kari Lee (Chip), and Mimi Johnson (Scott); Jenny, Nels and Anna Iverson; Keli Mumford (Jim) and Chad Iverson; Chelsey and Lindsey Guay; eight great-nieces and nephews whom he adored; and his god-daughter, Kelsey Highet. Mark also is survived by many, many close friends whom he loved dearly. After graduating from Mount Vernon High School in 1973, Mark attended Skagit Valley College and then received his Bachelor of Arts from Western Washington State College, with a focus on interior design. He spent many years working for local merchants in display design. In the mid-eighties Mark opened his floral shop, Mark's on Pine Square, that eventually became his hub for entertaining and event planning. He later opened the Courtyard Cafe and expanded his business to include special event catering. Mark became known as a gifted florist and caterer who could come in like a whirlwind and leave a wake of amazing floral arrangements and beautifully displayed food in his path. He was contracted by Gene Juarez to provide weekly floral arrangements, seasonal decorations, and corporate caterings for nearly 20 years in their salons throughout Seattle and Tacoma. Mark became the Executive Director of The Skagit County Historical Museum in 2013, a position he cherished. He participated in developing the Historical Barns of Skagit County brochure and was very proud of that award-winning project. Those who knew Mark well remember him as a "fabulous" person, generous with his time and endless energy. Mark, being born and raised in Mount Vernon, had a strong love for his home and a deep sense of community. He volunteered his time and creative expertise for many organizations, including his passion, the Gail Edward Iverson Circle of Friends that benefitted the Skagit Valley Hospital Wound Healing and Kidney Center. The list of his support is long, and includes the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation, Western Washington University, Skagit Valley College Foundation, Festival of Trees, The Museum of Northwest Art, Lincoln Theater Foundation, Mount Vernon Arts Commission, Celtic Arts Foundation, Salem Lutheran and Fir Conway Lutheran Churches, and private philanthropy for families in need. Mark's donated paintings can be seen decorating the walls throughout Skagit Valley Hospital. A celebration of Mark's life will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, November 21, at Lincoln Theater in downtown Mount Vernon. A reception will follow on Pine Square. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mark's honor to the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation to benefit either the new Cardiac Rehab Gym that will be named after Mark, or The Gail Edward Iverson Circle of Friends - Skagit Wound Healing Center.