Gordon Mark Obituary

Gogo was my husband Clarence's best friend since 7th grade. Gogo would hang out at the Shigeta's house in Liliha, napping, helped cook (he was excellent) and practiced playing his uke there. He became another brother. He was "cousin" to our extended families the Oshima's and Sakai's Uncle Gogo to the grand kids. He designed and created my wedding bouquet which was unique just like him. I can't believe it was 65 years ago this November. We live in Gardena, California and Gogo would always call when he was worried that we were in danger due to weather, fires etc. He loved to talk story, too. He was thoughtful, kind and caring. We miss him very much. Ellie Shigeta

We were honored that our cousin, Gordon Mark, played music at my Mom´s Celebration of Life in 2018. Here´s a picture from that moment in time, with my sister Debbie.

Gordon was such a masterful arranger who could take incredibly beautiful and complex classical pieces and jazz tunes and reinterpret them in a way that you immediately recognized as 'Gordon Mark'. I last met Gordon in 2019 at his studio space in Kalihi but I also kept in touch with him over the phone during these past 3 years. His passing leaves a big hole in Hawaiian music but thankfully he has left us with so many beautiful, timeless recordings.

Gordon was my best friend and has been a part of my family since we became friends in the 7th grade. He played "Over the Rainbow"on his ukulele at several of my family funeral services. We never had to ask him to play; he just did.