Mark Sterling Griswold

Mark Sterling Griswold, of Mehama, Oregon, a devoted husband and loving father, went home to be with Jesus on December 15, 2023. His departure leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew and cherished him.

Born on October 12, 1952 in McMinnville, Oregon, to Frances and Milo Griswold, Mark’s life was marked by a commitment to family, a passion for adventure, and an unparalleled sense of humor. Mark met the love of his life, Cathy, at Oregon College of Education in Monmouth. They married on June 30, 1979 in Dallas, Oregon, and raised two sons, Rob and Kyle, building a life of love and shared memories.

Mark was a skilled and dedicated electrician who followed in his father’s footsteps. He worked for many years as an electrical contractor and owner of Griswold Electric. He later trained to be an electrical inspector and enjoyed his job with the state as a field inspector that took him to the far reaches of Oregon.

A member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Stayton, Mark served as a trustee, sang in the choir, and often generously contributed his electrical skills to the church and to the congregation. His commitment to service extended to BSA Troop 476 where his willingness to volunteer impacted the lives of many scouts along with his sons.

Mark and Cathy shared a passion for exploration, traveling throughout Europe several summers by train early in their marriage. In later years, their adventurous spirits led them to hike the entire Oregon Coast Trail, walking from the Columbia River to California. They also walked sections of the Camino de Santiago three times, walking most recently in May 2023 from Portugal to Spain. These pilgrimages reinforced their deep bond, adding new moments of joy to a shared history.

Mark is survived by his wife, Cathy, and their two sons. His legacy of love and guidance will live on through the values he instilled in his family. He is also survived by his siblings, James, Bethlyn, and Jonathan as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family and many friends. Mark will be remembered for the warmth and generosity he brought to every aspect of his life; for his quick wit, kind heart, compassionate spirit, and his quirky sense of humor.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the Oregon Coast Trail Foundation, a nonprofit that supports the maintenance and improvement of the trail that Mark loved so much.

A Celebration of Life will be held on January 13, at Calvary Lutheran Church in Stayton at 1:00 p.m.