Mark, thanks for the memories, my brother. Although we only really knew each other for three of our 67 years, the memories we created as classmates, teammates, and friends from ’72 to ’74 have lasted a lifetime and will always bring a smile to my face. You are a very special person, and I—like so many others—am better for having known you. Godspeed, my brother!!

Love, Ronnie

I remember all the amazing stories Mz. Vicky shared with my kiddos & I. One that sticks and I repeat it all the time. Is Mark never parked or utilized a handicap spot. He always found the furthest spot to the door of his destination and parked there. My kiddos were just so amazed how he would get in and out of his lifted truck all my himself when he would stop by the school to visit with Mz. Vicky. And he was sooo BUFF. He once told me rollin around in that wheel chair is how he gained his muscles. Cool dude!! Hugs to all. I’m so sorry Mz. Vicky & Dustin…

Death is t the end, but the  beginning to Eterniy 

53 years we Definitely had good times, and of course we had hard times, but you're always laughing happy living life to the fullest, I will miss you AND you will be missed ,No more Saturday at Dale's house. We will definitely have cigars in your honor!!! 

My sincere sympathies for all of Marks family and friends. He truly was a remarkable person. Always smiling and wanting to share humor and fun. 

One memory I have is when we were all   still youngsters, perhaps 6 or 7th grade, I had a little party at my house and invited all my friends and Mark came to that. I’m so glad he came. He made the party so much fun. We were all being silly and listening to music. Mark danced with us girls around the living room and made us all giggle. It was sooo much fun! He was the life of the party! It’s just such a fond memory to me. I will just never forget how happy it made me and all of us that day at my little party. Thank you for that great memory, Mark. I’ll never forget you. 

Peace be with you forever more. 🕊️

 Now you’re dancing again! 🕺

I'll never forget you Coach! Thank you for always watching out for us. You earned your stripes, now run with Jesus. 

🙏  🏈

#33

I remember the first time we (Blake Heap, Greg Stroud and I) went to see Mark after his accident in 1976. We'd heard about it through the grapevine in those pre-internet days. Few details we could trust, only that he was in a hospital in Phoenix not far from where we happened to be sharing a lowly student-grade apartment and preparing to get our second year of college underway. I hadn't seen him since we graduated high school the year before and I remember being surprised by how fantastic he looked. He had a few cuts and scrapes here and there, but he was alert, upbeat, tanned and had clearly been spending lots of time in the weight room. He looked as fit as fit gets. But he had suffered a severe spinal cord injury and although we were inclined to at least hope that a full recovery might be possible for someone so young and strong, the situation was as terrifying as anything we could imagine.

In the weeks that followed, as the gravity and possible permanence of his condition started to sink in, we began wondering if it might actually be easier for him to get his next chapter started away from his many loving but heartbroken friends and family members back home. With that in mind we decided to invite him to come and share our very humble abode if he ever felt the need. To our surprise he readily accepted, enrolled himself in school and the next thing we knew he was coming and going in a sweet two-door Pontiac equipped with a hand controller. To and from class, cross-town errands, back and forth to Flagstaff, we didn't know where he was half the time. Thus began several years of being his full-time roommate in a variety of places that even included six months in Cleveland where Blake hopelessly tried to teach us the horse racing business.

Although we didn't see as much of him in later years or get to share in his many adult achievements, we were with Mark every day while he made the toughest of transitions from walking to wheels with so much life still ahead. It might come as no surprise to those who weren't around then but maybe knew him well as an older adult, it was a transition he made with almost unbelievable speed and grace. Through it all, I honestly don't remember him complaining a single time. Not after another long day making his way over the square curbs and thresholds that were still common in most public buildings, not after a night out and a few too many drinks listening to our favorite bands, not ever. Aside from being funny, enormously likable and the very best kind of friend, Mark was and is the bravest and most resilient person I've ever seen up close. People like him are rightfully loved and admired forever. How lucky we all are that he will always be flashing that ever-present smile in our memories.      

Mark's life was not easy. He faced hardship, and there were times when life seemed determined to bring him down. But he never gave up.

Struggles did not diminish his spirit; they strengthened it. He taught that what people do with their hardships defines them.

When Mark was severely injured, it was a moment that could have broken anyone, but not Mark. Instead of being defeated, he got on with life. That was his gift: turning pain into purpose, and challenges into triumphs. Mark held onto laughter, kindness, and the ability to love, no matter what. I admired the man very much.

Now we can look back on the struggles he endured and we can mourn, but Mark would want us to celebrate the victory he achieved: a life lived fully and without surrender. The happiness he found was not easy. It was earned, chosen, and cherished.

Honor Mark's memory by carrying forward the lessons he taught. Remember to be resilient, to be brave, and to live with an unwavering spirit. That is the greatest tribute.

Goodbye, my friend. I will miss you.