Mark Paul Liston

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Mark Paul Liston. Mark was the embodiment of dependability, trust, and quiet strength. He was the kind of man who would give the shirt off his back without a second thought; always ready to lend a hand, a tool, or a shoulder to lean on.

Mark fostered an adventurous spirit in his younger years. He enjoyed spending time outdoors with family, camping and water skiing in Lake Powell, and taking fishing trips to Alaska with Dad, Bryan, and Grandpa. He excelled in his own way - earned his Eagle Scout, and graduated early from Pleasant Grove High School.

At the age of 18 he headed out for an adventure of a lifetime in Florida. There, he spent his time as a divemaster running scuba trips. During his years in Florida, he acquired an African Grey parrot named Rocky, who still lives in his home today. After scuba, he saw the country while driving a long-haul truck for a year. When Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005, he headed south to volunteer his time, wanting to help and do good.

Among the many people who loved Mark were his children. He married Tara in 2003, and they were blessed with their first daughter, Brynlee. Next came Nakota in 2010 and Camden in 2012. His love for his children was boundless, and he cherished every moment spent with them. The loss of his first child in 2011, Brynlee, was a sorrow he carried with grace and resilience. He honored her memory in how he lived—with purpose, kindness, and devotion to family.

In 2008, he began his career in excavation alongside his father, Paul. When Paul passed in 2009, Mark bought his 1st excavator and built his company, ML Dirt, into what it is today - a thriving success with 35 employees. Mark loved his employees and their families as if they were his own. He poured his heart and soul into the business.

In 2017 he met his soulmate, Alyson. They married in 2020 and both loved their blended family fiercely. Together, they built a life full of flying planes, traveling, camping, photography, gardening, riding motorcycles, and staring at the night sky. Their home was full of love, family, friends, wifi curfews, cursing parrots, tarantulas, and two dogs - Gizzy & Dexter. He built his home to be the center of it all, and everyone loved spending time at Mark & Aly’s place.

Mark’s legacy is one of generosity, strength, and unwavering love. He leaves behind a world made better by having him in it, and he will be missed beyond measure.

Mark was preceded in death by his father, Paul Liston, and his daughter, Brynlee Liston. He is leaving behind a long list of loved ones - his spouse Alyson, his children Nakota, Camden, Frank, and Bryton, his mother Alisa, and his siblings Bryan, Brad, Jill, Kerri and his ML DIRT Family.

An open house visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Tuesday, May 20, at Larkin Mortuary – Riverton, located 3688 West 12600 South, Riverton, UT 84065.

A service to celebrate Mark’s life will held beginning at 11:00 AM at the same location, Larkin Mortuary - Riverton on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 with a visitation prior to services beginning at 9:30 AM. A luncheon will be provided after the funeral services, all are welcome to attend at 2361 West 13400 South in Riverton, Utah.

Services will be streamed via Zoom for those wishing to attend virtually. To watch the previously held services, please click the “Watch Services” link above.