Mark C. Warner and his family moved to Alaska in 1978, when Mark accepted the position of Chief of Sport Fisheries Research for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Prior to moving to Alaska, Mark had been working as a research scientist in aquatic toxicology for the Department of the Army in Frederick, Maryland. During his time in Alaska, Mark had many opportunities to fish in various areas of the state. His favorite place to camp and fish during his vacation each summer was at Point Couverden in Icy Strait, Southeast Alaska. While in Alaska, Mark was a member of the Juneau School Board and served as Commissioner for the Boys Scouts in Southeast Alaska. He also held leadership positions in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. When his position with Fish and Game was eliminated, Mark wanted to stay in Alaska. He began selling real estate and realized that he really enjoyed dealing directly with people.

It was during this time that family duty called, and he moved to his home state of Utah to assist caring for parents with declining health. In Utah, Mark worked for a technical writing company, training companies and governmental agencies in preparing environmental impact statements, spending one week every month in Washington, D.C. His favorite topic when business concluded was what his heart has always been tied to—fishing in Alaska.

Since 1981, Mark’s friends and family have spent vacation time every summer fishing in Alaska. In 1999, Mark finally decided to quit his “real” job and become a full-time Alaska fishing lodge owner and operator in Excursion Inlet near Icy Strait. When he applied for his Alaska business license, the clerk at the State office asked for the name of the business. Since he didn’t already have a name, the clerk suggested the name “Doc Warner’s,” since Mark holds a PhD. in fisheries. Thus, Doc Warner’s Alaska Fishing Adventures was established. It continues today on thirty-three acres at Excursion Inlet, helping people have a wonderful Alaska fishing experience while enjoying good food and great accommodations.

Mark and his wife have been able to serve three missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on the islands in the South Pacific, assisting the local people. This service would not have been possible without all the help of family, friends, and the Alaska Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). PERS, and especially the AlaskaCare retiree health insurance plan, have been critical to making ends meet for Mark, and have provided peace of mind while dealing with the challenges of raising a family of seven children, as well as while building and operating a business in a remote location in Alaska.

Currently, for at least four months every summer, the Warners return to Alaska to greet their guests and provide a memorable fishing experience. Doc’s son (also named Mark) manages the lodge today. “We invite you to come and fish with us in beautiful Alaska,” says Mark. You can check out Doc Warner’s Alaska Fishing Adventures at docwarners.com .

If you would like to learn more about how your State of Alaska retirement can allow you to enjoy a comfortable retirement, please contact the Division toll-free at (800) 821-2251 or at (907) 465-4460 in Juneau.

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