Colonel Mark Sayer Larson

Colonel Mark Sayer Larson, USAF Retired, and Raytheon employee, died at his Tucson home on September 16, 2012. He was diagnosed with glioblastoma brain cancer in January 2012. Mark was 53. Mark bravely confronted and fought cancer. He was surrounded by friends and family from the day of diagnosis until he passed away. Mark was born December 15, 1958 in Salem, Oregon. He was raised on Mercer Island in Washington State and graduated from Mercer Island High School in 1977. Mark received his Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 1981, completing a Masters of Public Administration from Golden Gate University in 1989. Having been a ranked junior tennis player since age 12, Mark also played on the varsity tennis team during his four years at UCSB. Mark entered the United States Air Force in 1982 and served his country for twenty four years retiring at the rank of Colonel. He was a Weapons Systems Officer with 2,400 hours flying both the mighty F-4E and the awesome F-15E; call signs were “Sweet Pea” and “Sideshow”, respectively. Mark was stationed at Davis-Monthan AFB between 2000 and 2004, serving as the Commander, 612TH Operations Squadron and 12th AF Chief of Staff. Mark retired in 2006 as the Deputy Commander, 4th Operations Group at Seymour Johnson AFB. During Mark’s career, he served oversees in Operation NORTHERN WATCH and completed four tours in southwest Asia supporting Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and IRAQI FREEDOM. After retirement, Mark joined the Raytheon Company working international business development representing the Sidewinder missile. Mark enjoyed traveling for work and with his family. He also liked attending sporting events and playing tennis recreationally. He was known for his comedic nature and pleasant demeanor, and always made sure to lighten the mood and make people laugh. Mark is survived by his wife, Carol, children, James and Jessica of Tucson; father Donald; brothers David and Timothy, their wives Ilona and Melanie, and several nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his best friend, Mark Scalzo and many other relatives, very close friends and comrades. A memorial event for Mark will be September 29, 2012 in Tucson. Mark will be buried beside his Mother, Jeanne, in Bellevue, WA. Military graveside services will be at 10:30 am on October 13, 2012 at Sunset Hills Memorial Park with a memorial immediately following at the Mercer Island Beach Club. Donations in Mark’s name may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at woundedwarriorproject.org or Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675.