Mark Jones

On April 15, 1950, a truly unique person entered this world. Mark died from a sudden fall at his home Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026.

Mark was born to Joy and Bill Jones in Lewiston. He joined his older brother, Garry, in the family. Mark had a fantastic childhood filled with fun, love, travel and adventure. When Mark was 14, his sister, Leisa, who he adored, was born.

Mark graduated from Lewiston High School in 1968 and went on to attend the University of Idaho for two years. Not being a very serious student and much more interested in the social life of college, Mark left school and began a career in heavy construction. A few years later, he joined friends in Hawaii, where he lived for 20 years. He worked heavy construction in Hawaii also. After an industrial accident left him unable to continue in construction, he moved home to Lewiston and returned to the University of Idaho. Forty years after beginning college, he graduated. He went on to graduate school in Walla Walla earning his social work degree. It was in this field of work that he found his passion in life. He worked for the Phillips Agency for a few years until he opened Clearwater Counseling in the early 2000s. The agency thrived for many years due to his hard work and ability to work with people. Even after he sold Clearwater Counseling, he continued to see clients. Several of his clients kept in touch with him over many years. He was so proud of this.

During his early working years, Mark met Dianne Phillips through work. Mark and Dianne began building their life together in 1998. He joined her family which included her children, Nick and Kali Phillips. He loved and took care of them as if they were his own and was so proud of all their accomplishments. He later became “Papa” to Ellie, Emily and Isla Phillips, his granddaughters, who were the lights of his heart.

Mark and Dianne enjoyed many adventurous years together, traveling, camping and enjoying fires in the backyard. Mark’s favorite pastime was to invite friends over to join us around the fire.

Many people in life collect things that they are passionate about. Mark collected people. If you were his friend, he loved you forever. His stories were always full of fun, mischievous adventures and daring feats which he laughed about constantly. Mark was a person who knew how to have fun.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Joy and Bill, and his beloved uncle Ernie, of Australia. He is survived by his longtime partner and best friend, Dianne Phillips, and Kali and Nick (Jen) Phillips, and his granddaughters, Ellie, Emily and Isla. Also surviving him are his brother, Garry (Ann), his sister, Leisa (Bill), and numerous nieces and nephews. Mark’s close friends are too numerous to name but please know that if you were his friend, he loved you.

My deepest gratitude goes out to our dear friend, Pat Kiely, and the EMTs and paramedics of the Lewiston Fire Department. They worked tirelessly trying to save him. My heart will be eternally thankful for their kindness that day.

A celebration of Mark’s life will be held from 3-6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, at the Lewiston Elks Lodge, 3444 Country Club Drive, Lewiston. The Rev. Brad Bramlet will officiate. Please come ready to share with each other your stories of Mark and your joint adventures.