Mark Tadashi Mitarai

Obituary for Mark Tadashi Mitarai 

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, Mark Tadashi Mitarai, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Friday, November 28th, at the age of 75 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 

Born on December 26, 1949, in Richfield, Utah he was the only son and the last of six children born to Henry and Helen Mitarai. As the only son, he was treasured and beloved by his sisters throughout his life. He was raised in Elberta, Utah, where his family grew carrots, potatoes, and cabbage, all crops that required significant labor, especially during harvest time. Mark learned at a young age how to work hard, and how to play hard. 

While attending Payson High School, Mark excelled both athletically and in leadership. He was involved in playing football, wrestling, serving as Senior Class President (1968), and was selected as a Boys State delegate. Mark joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints with his parents during these formative years. 

Mark's dedicated work ethic intensified following the passing of his father just a few months after graduating high school. For two years, he returned home each weekend to work on the farm to help his mother while attending the University of Utah. He was called to serve in the Japan East Mission, where his mission leaders were Russell and Aiko Horiuchi who were his mentors for his entire life. Upon returning from his mission, he attended Brigham Young University, graduating with a major in Japanese and a minor in Asian Studies. 

Set up on a blind date by a mutual friend, Mark met his eternal companion, Hiroko Asano, and they were married in the Salt Lake City Temple on February 14, 1976. Over the next 49 years, they were blessed with three children and 11 grandchildren. 

Mark’s professional life was defined by his 34 years working for the Larry H. Miller Organization with most of that time at the Toyota Dealership and the Landcar Insurance Services. 

A dedicated lifelong Scouter, he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and was later recognized for his adult service with the Silver Beaver Award. He genuinely enjoyed serving others through his church callings and in his community, always striving to be prepared and ready to help anyone in need. 

An avid outdoorsman, Mark enjoyed fishing, camping, hunting, and traveling. Many summer vacations were spent in the Manti-La Sal Mountains with cousins and extended family. Mark was always prepared for any situation and had a special ability to maximize the space in any vehicle. He patiently set up multiple fishing lines for all of his family members, and spent the majority of the time untangling lines. He never complained about not being able to fish himself but would allow anyone around him to reel in his catch. He had a magic and foolproof setup that was taught to him by his fishing buddy, Dwight Inouye. 

Possessing a legendary sweet tooth, Mark loved almost every dessert. His car was always ready for a trip with cookies and cans of Pepsi rolling around the back just in case the drive home was late, which was quite often. 

His greatest joy was his immediate and extended family. His devotion was evident in the countless events he attended, from sporting events and music recitals to dance performances. His grandchildren knew they were loved because no matter how far away their event was, they knew their grandparents would be there to cheer them on. 

Mark continued the tradition of omiokuri: he was always the one standing on the porch, waving until the car was out of sight. We know his watchful gaze continues, and we look forward to the day when he is standing there once more to welcome us home. 

Mark is survived by his beloved wife, Hiroko; his son, Chris (Katy Ballenger); his daughters, Lisa Cole (Darren) and Emily; and ten grandchildren: Elizabeth, Jonathan, Clara, Hannah, Ainsley, Sara, Emma, McCall, Henry, and Matthew. His sisters: Jeanette Misaka, Shirley Mitsunaga, Patricia Otterbein, and Elaine Iwasaki, and many loving relatives. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Helen Mitarai; sister, Grace; granddaughter, Abigail; and brothers-in-law, Tatsumi Misaka, Koji Mitsunaga, T.J. Otterbein, and Hiro Iwasaki.

A viewing will be held on Friday, December 12, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and prior to the service on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 10:45 AM. 

Funeral services will follow the viewing on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Valley View 14th Ward Building 3820 S. 2000 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84124. 

Internment will be at Memorial Mountain View Cemetery