Mark Albert Kristic

Mark Albert Kristic, beloved husband, father, son, friend and coworker, passed away on the evening of Sunday, August 2, 2015, surrounded by family, at the Huntsman Cancer Institute. He was 67 years old.

Mark is survived by a family who loves and misses him immensely, including his wife Joan of 19 years; his son Nathan Alder, daughter-in-law Nancy, grandchildren Milo and Darcy; his son Andrew Alder, daughter-in-law Ryan and unborn granddaughter Hudson; and his brother Daniel Kristic and sister-in-law Cindy. Mark is also survived by a wide circle of friends and coworkers.

Born in Billings, Montana on February 26, 1948 to parents Virginia Pierce and Steven Kristic (both deceased), Mark had four siblings, including Steve (deceased), Gayle (deceased), Daniel, and Christopher (deceased). Mark attended Olympus High School (Class of '66) and then pursued his bachelor's degree in business at the University of Utah. During this time, he never missed an opportunity to make an impression. With an impish glint in his eye, he loved to tell the story about his time as a maintenance worker at St. Mary's Catholic School when he would be shirtless, driving the nuns on errands in in his baby blue convertible Mustang around the streets of Salt Lake City while they clung onto their habits in the wind.

Mark pursued his professional life with an abundance of financial and business acumen. In San Francisco, he worked in management at Lever Brothers and as an investment banker. He then moved back to Utah, where he pursued a career with Lawson Products and has worked ever since. As a member of the Lawson team, he started in sales and worked his way up to Regional Manager. His colleagues categorically considered him one of the most outgoing and spirited of managers who was never too busy to assist the sales representatives. Mark was an eternal team-builder and a goal-oriented professional.

He will be remembered as a man who loved indulging in the pleasures of life. A consummate gardener, he built a backyard paradise alongside Mill Creek where he would enjoy barbecuing, feeding ducks, and summer nights at dusk. Mark was an avid reader who always had a good mystery novel by his side. He had a love of travel that led him to explore the snowy expanse of Yellowstone with his wife, hike the trails of Moab, and build sandcastles with his grandkids at the beach. Even his marriage to Joan was set against the backdrop of a Hawaiian sunset. As a lifelong golf enthusiast, he made some of his strongest friendships on the links. And he had an epicurean love of ice cream and New England clam chowder, of a good cigar, and cool jazz.

Mark leaves us with a wealth of wonderful memories: of summer vacations on Cape Cod; of cinnamon rolls and fruit salads on Christmas morning; and of his laughter and often-irreverent humor that would make every event a real celebration. He was a mentor who led by example, who taught us all the true meaning of generosity and of perseverance. His never-ending smile will forever brighten our days.

A memorial celebration of Mark Kristic's life will be held on August 5, 2015 from 6 PM to 8 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Complimentary valet parking provided.