Mark's funds for medical, funeral, and legal fees

My dad, Mark Swarstad, is known for his smile. He smiles at everyone with all of himself. He has dedicated two decades of his life to the community at SAS, it was a home to him and he loved it. Prior to that he spent many years as part of the close-knit ISM community in Manila, where he met his beautiful wife (my mother) Ann in 1991.

He's dedicated 32 years of himself to my mother, brother, and me. Mark cares about people, anyone who knows him will read that and smile. He committed himself to the beauty of everyday and made rituals out of simple pleasures, like a cup of Thai ice tea, and cherished them. Mark went out of his way to be happy, and to make sure those around him were happy too.

I was devastated when I heard that my dad was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. I immediately flew to Hawaii to be at his side with my brother and Mum. My dad was still making us laugh after he'd been in a hospital room for two weeks, but it started wearing him down, he hated that stuff. My dad's condition worsened quickly between my first and second visit with him. It was painful for all of us to see him suffer. He reassured us he was in no pain. He was so happy to see me and my brother, and the four days he spent with us brought him so much joy. We told him that it was both hard and easy to say goodbye because he had given us a home full of love and kindness, and there was no bitterness to let him go.

On the early morning of October 14, with my mom by his side, my dad passed away peacefully after 70 wonderful years of a full life on this earth.

My parents both worked at SAS for many years and fully supported two children. My father dreamed of moving to Hawaii so they did, supporting themselves (and their daughter in university) by working at Macy's, where they continued to enjoy surrounding themselves with people. My mother has been hit with the financial burden of hospital bills, funeral services, and daily travel costs. She has been unable to work because she dedicated the last two weeks to taking care of my dad, spending all day at the hospital and not having time to cook for herself.

My parents loved their lives and planned to stay working at Macy's together, saving towards their eventual retirement.

Hospital bills have accumulated for my mum, and we are now paying for mortuary services too.

We are so grateful for all of the love that has been sent to my dad and us at this time, the kindness is overwhelming and it is felt by us all. We are processing everything and are truly and wholly touched by all of the words being sent to us, and said about my dad. Right now we're facing a substantial financial burden. If you would like to help us with the medical and funeral expenses for my father, you can donate to this fund. We love my dad from the warmest places in our hearts and want to honor his love and his life the best that we can.