Mark Jonathan Friedman, z”l, 68, of Portland, Oregon, died on Nov. 28, 2025.

Mark was born on Nov. 11, 1957, in New York City to George and Laine Friedman. He grew up in Flushing, Queens, before moving with his family to Portland at age eleven, a shift that began his lifelong devotion to Oregon. He attended the Metropolitan Learning Center and later studied at the University of Oregon and the University of Massachusetts.

Mark was a lifelong public servant, beginning a 35-year career as one of the first male meter maids with Portland Parking Enforcement and retiring as the head of the division. Mark knew Portland’s transportation system with the precision of someone who had navigated every street, alley, and shortcut. He was widely respected for his integrity, elevated standards, steadfast commitment to workers’ rights, and as a proud member of his union, AFSCME Local 189, where he was a shop steward. A civic and social activist, Mark was gay and proud and fought for equality for all people.

As a teenager, Mark spent a formative year in England, where he developed the dry, situational humor that became a hallmark of his personality. Creative throughout his life, his annual Hanukkah cards were imaginative, lovingly crafted, and often mischievous, and became treasured keepsakes.

Mark is survived by his brother Gregory Friedman; his nephew Ben Wagor; his nieces Danya and Elana Shneyer; his brother-in-law Paul Shneyer; and his grand-nieces and nephew, Naomi, Layla, and Jaron Kaufman. He leaves behind many beloved cousins, including Joel, Michael, David, Alexa, Rachel and Deborah Shaich; Michael and Richard McCallum; Hilary Ross and Larry Brown and Lindiwe Gararirimo. He also leaves behind many cherished friends and communities that he was a part of. He is predeceased by his sisters, Laura Friedman, z”l, and Susan Wagor, z”l.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, Mar. 8, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the Laurelhurst Club, in Portland.

“In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Mark’s memory to the Trevor Project or the Oregon Food Bank.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the doctors and nurses at Emanuel Legacy Hospital for their compassionate care.