Mark Gerow Wiegardt

Mark Gerow Wiegardt passed away peacefully at home on January 16, 2024, at the age of 68, surrounded by his family after a six-year battle with cancer. Mark was born on November 26, 1955, in Boston, Massachusetts, the first of five children to Dobby and Lila Wiegardt. He had a childhood full of adventure on the Long Beach Peninsula. During his years at Ilwaco High School, Mark earned his Eagle Scout rank and enjoyed athletics and drama. He attended the University of Washington as a member of the Delta Chi Fraternity, where he rowed crew, earned an economics degree, and most importantly, became a lifelong Husky.

Mark entered the family business as a fourth-generation oyster farmer at Wiegardt Bros. before moving to Kona, Hawaii, to start a new site for Taylor Shellfish Farms. In 2012, Mark began working at his own oyster farm, Pearl Point Oyster. A hunter, traveler, and community builder, Mark, along with his wife Sue, hosted numerous exchange students over the course of 30-plus years. He was a member of the PCSGA, where his oyster farming wisdom will serve generations to come. He was known for his sense of humor, hard work ethic, and perhaps most of all, his generosity. Mark never met a stranger or a clock he didn’t like.

Mark is survived by his wife Sue; his children, Ashley Phipps (Danny), Jarrod, Max, and Isabela; his parents, Dobby and Lila Wiegardt; his siblings, Eric, Todd, and Karen; several nieces and nephews; and his two granddaughters, Alex and Cora. He was preceded in death by his sister Teresa and his many dogs, especially Bear.

A celebration of life will be held for Mark on February 10 from 12-4 p.m. at the Schooner Restaurant in Netarts, Oregon. All are welcome. Donations may be made in Mark’s name to fundamaya.org, a charity Mark worked extensively with over many years to support children and families in Guatemala.