MARK STEVEN MCDERMOTT

Palmer resident Mark Steven McDermott, 53, died Jan. 16 , 2003 at Valley Hospital, after a lengthy illness. He was surrounded by his boys and close friends. A visitation is scheduled from 6 p.m to 8 p.m. at Kehl's Palmer Mortuary today, Jan. 24. A graveside service will be held Sunday, Jan. 26, at the Palmer Pioneer Cemetery. Zach Place, Michael Place, Billy Simms, Marc Steele, Kyle Kramer and Sam LaFrance will serve as pallbearers.

Mr. McDermott was born Dec. 24, 1929, in Los Angeles, Calif. He graduated from Charter Oaks High School in 1968. He moved to Alaska in 1982 where he worked as a welder for various drilling companies.

He was a world champion accordian player and loved spending time outdoors with his boys hunting and fishing.

His boys wrote, "He was a real nice man who would spend his last dime or give the shirt off his back to his friends. Even though dad was real sick he enjoyed every last moment with us. He died peacefully when his son Michael said 'It's okay to go dad.' Our father is now with our mother Mary Place in heaven."

Mr. McDermott is survived by his sons Zach Place and Michael Place of Palmer; and sister Holly Place of Fountain Valley, Calif.

Memorial donations may be sent to his boys in care of Holly Durham, 15848 Clarendon St. Fountain Valley CA 92708.

Arrangements were made by Kehl's Palmer Mortuary.