Mark Aaron Mickelson

Mark Aaron Mickelson was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts on January 28, 1952, and grew up in a multi-generational house with his mother Methyl, father Arnold, sister Carol, and grandmother, Frieda.

Mark went to the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth majoring in English. He left Massachusetts and drove out west not long after graduating college, settling eventually in the Pacific Northwest in Seattle, Washington.

It was here that he joined a collective called the Corner Green Grocery, a produce and dry goods store in the historic Pike Place Market. His experience working there was crucial to his life path in two major ways. First, Mark was exposed to horticulture and the care of growing things, a practice he followed for the rest of his professional life, and second, he met Melanie Magraw while working there, who he would be with for the rest of his life. Mark and Melanie were married on August 5, 1980.

A friend from the collective introduced Mark and Melanie to gardening as a business and they started M&M Gardening, a plant and garden care business. It was through this experience that Mark became a very skilled and passionate gardener. After over a decade of running M&M Gardening, his path led him to a job at the City of Seattle Parks and Recreation Department. Mark worked in many parks, but primarily at Discovery Park in the Magnolia neighborhood until his retirement at age 65. He invested his skill and time in the restoration of native forests in this park, planting countless trees and other native forest plants. He also cleared and restored and developed walking trails and otherwise shaped “Disco” for the enjoyment and good of the citizens of Seattle and the millions of visitors that experience this park. All the while Mark also worked his magic into his home garden, tending, cultivating, and expanding it for over 40 years.  

Mark was a wonderfully devoted father and grandfather to his 3 kids and his 3 grandchildren. He coached youth basketball and soccer, and loved sports. He was a prolific artist compelled to express himself creatively. His consistent walking, voracious reading and affinity for a huge range of music made life around Mark a raucous and fascinating adventure that always centered around the people he loved most. 

Mark was a Jewish man: he strongly identified with his culture and loved ‘Magraw-Mickelson” traditions connected with Jewish holidays. With Melanie beside him, they were always ready to experiment in their kitchen together with new flavors and tastes.

Mark was a romantic - generous, steady, and modest. He cared deeply for his friends and family and greeted everyone warmly, whether he knew them or not. Mark was quick to find humor in everyday moments. His ready smile and quick wit will be missed always.

Donations in Mark’s name can be made to United Indians of All Tribes Foundation - Daybreak Star, Youth Care, or Seattle Indian Health Board.