I’m not sure how to reach Dr. Ham’s family, so I’m writing this message in the hope that it eventually finds its way to them. Dr. Ham was my daughter Sofie’s therapist. She saw him every week for 13 years, until he passed away when she was 18. He was the steady, compassionate hand that helped us navigate so many challenges, and he played a profound role in shaping the beautiful person she is today. He taught her to be kind, thoughtful, and courageous—qualities he embodied effortlessly. We were completely devastated when he passed. At first, I couldn’t believe it. And every time I thought of him, the shock would return, followed by a deep, overwhelming sense of loss. I remember thinking that if we were feeling that much grief, his family must be enduring a level of pain I can’t even imagine.

Time has dulled the sharpest edges of that grief, but it hasn’t brought any real peace. I still don’t understand how someone so young, healthy, vibrant, and deeply loved could be gone. Nothing about it makes sense to me. I’ve struggled with that confusion, and sometimes my mind goes to dark possibilities simply because I can’t reconcile the facts I know with the loss we’re left with. I’ve searched the local papers for any information about his autopsy, hoping for clarity, but I haven’t found anything. I realize his family may not feel it’s important to share those details publicly, but I wanted them to know that he mattered to us—deeply—and that understanding what happened feels meaningful to those of us whose lives he touched.

Most of all, I want his family to know that Sofie and I think of him often, with gratitude, love, and a lasting sense of admiration. His impact lives on in her, and in our home, every single day. If this message reaches his family, I hope it brings even a small measure of comfort to know how far his kindness traveled and how strongly he is still remembered.

Remembering Mark is a sweet experience. I am heartbroken to hear of his passing, even though he went doing one of the things he loved most. In memory of Mark and his Dad, Bud I anticipate a happy reunion down the trail. For those of us left behind - Cathie, Will, Rachael, Molly, David, Kurt, Betty, and my Aunt Ricky (Rita), well, we still have each other. Let's draw comfort from our family bonds. Love to all of the family. 

Mark, Dear Friend, even though we moved away, we enjoyed when we could get together with you and Cathie, like old friends. Our children grew up together, matured, found loving partners, and  have children. You impressed us with your long family canoe trips to the BWCAW. We were lucky enough to join you on a few. Your professional dedication to your patients and research are renowned. We were fortunate when our patients could consult with you. Your ever-present smile, cheerfulness, intelligence and wit inspired us to be better people. We will always think of you smiling and enjoying your latest adventure.

With love to Cathie, Molly & David, Will & Rachel, Isaac and August, 

Kris Wegerson and John Ipsen

I first met Mark, Kurt  and his parents when Mark  was 2 or 3. Then they moved away. Remet the family in grade school.

After Kurt and I graduated high school and  saw Mark for the last time. I was home from college.  His dad Bud and Mark had a extra Chicago Cubs ticket. Went to see a game.

His brother Kurt and still are friends. After all these years.   We didn't see each other  for decades.  Kurt and I met again.  A few yrs ago.  My mom still talks to Mark's mom. 

He was a nice guy. Liked the outdoors.  We will pray for Mark, his family,  Kurt and his family and Mark's mom

We will miss Mark’s laugh and smile.

The first time we met Mark was right after he and Cathie bought the house next door to us, and we dropped by to introduce ourselves. Mark was in the midst of a project, so we offered to loan any hand tools in case he forgot something or needed anything. He very pleasantly made it clear that he was all set in that area, but was eager to talk about details of the work at hand. Over the years we’ve continued that conversation about the adventures of maintaining and improving 100-year old houses.

We’ll always remember Mark’s energy and enthusiasm for projects, and expertise in executing them—rebuilding a cobblestone foundation; adding a screen porch; building a sauna (we think we were able to provide some useful advice and encouragement!); choosing a double-thick stone counter with the heft needed to match the copper kitchen sink; and, of course, cutting firewood and constructing a Zen pavilion to keep the woodpile dry.

Mark was also just a good neighbor—willing to come by our house to reassure kids who were home alone that it was easy to fix a running toilet tank, or to talk down the nervous mom of a young kid who wrote home about being homesick on the first days of a 30-day sleepaway camp.

With our deepest sympathy,

Barbara Weinstein and Erik Brown

We were shocked and saddened to learn of Mark's passing.  I know from the many times he talked of his solo trips to the BWCA that he was an experienced and hardy outdoorsman.  This makes his passing all the more tragic.  We were camping ourselves on Friday, and many squalls came - strong, quickly.  I imagine that could well have been a factor in causing the events that took Mark's life.

Mark was a great guy, and an astute clinician.  We made friends, and I had the pleasure of having him join our team.  He was a tremendous asset and support to all of us.  He will be missed by many: those who knew and loved him personally, and the countless number of people he helped through his work over the years.  He lived well, and did right by others - a noble legacy.