Lt. (retired) Mark James Dix, 62, died unexpectedly on Sept. 3, 2018, after a yearlong battle with cancer.

Mark was born Aug. 9, 1956, in Milwaukee to James and Margaret Dix.

In 1975, he joined the Navy and completed basic training and OTA School.

In 1989, after an enlisted career during which he attained the rank of senior chief, he was commissioned as an officer.

During his military career he was stationed in Newfoundland, California, Alaska, Hawaii, Iceland and Washington.

He served honorably and retired with full honors in June 1998.

Mark was avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was also an amateur astronomer and didn’t shy away from asking neighbors to douse their lights to better see the stars.

Mark was a dedicated and loyal sailor, as well as loving son, brother, father and grandfather who had a profound impact on his family and friends.

He will be remembered by his wife Linsley; his sons Joshua (Lily), Bryan, and Jonathon; his daughter Jeanine; his parents James and Margaret; his sister Mary; his grandchildren Bramble, Cormac, Cole and Dillon; and, finally, Lucy, his faithful Labrador retriever.

His brother Matthew preceded him in death.

Family suggests donations may be made in Mark’s name to the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society online at https://action.nmcrs.org/page/contribute/donate2015 or Conservation Northwest online at www.conserva tionnw.org.

No services are planned. Interment will take place at Arlington National Ceremony at a future date.

Arrangements entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home, Oak Harbor.