We will remember Mark for his devotion to his family, his love of all things sailing and fishing, his amazing bedtime stories for Bridgette and Andrew and his adoration of his bellissima Carla. Sending warm hugs from Richard and Lorraine.
0
It was the summer of 1983 and my father Elmer and I set off with Mark to drive to the Thistle Nationals at Flathead Lake Montana. Mark was 26, I was 19 and my father a bit older than us both. I learned a lot from Mark that trip both on and off the race course as you all can imagine. His intense but wonderful sense of humor, competitiveness and of course his painting ability was in full force that week out there. He will be missed by everyone and by the Richards family.
0
May His soul rest in peace!🙏our heartfelt condolences and prayers to you all family .
Aruna patel🙏🙏🙏💐💐
0
Sam Brauer
2021, Cedar Point Yacht Club- the channel
Here's a story that I think shows some of Mark's sterling qualities....
I was crewing for Mark on his Atlantic that Sunday and got nailed in traffic- I must have been 45 minutes late. Mark didn't want to leave without me so when I arrived at the club, I just ran to the boat and we headed out. Mark was not upset, although I was annoyed with myself for having cut things too fine. Well, I should say, Mark wasn't visibly upset, but on the way out of the club, he cut the channel and we ran aground. That's not something Mark does and so I felt awful, realizing that he was rattled because we were so late sailing out. Mark kept assuring me not to sweat it, but we also couldn't get the boat moving at all. The idea of waiting several hours for the tide to lift us off was more than I could take, so I jumped in to try to shove the boat off the sand. The other two guys sailing with us scoffed at me, but Mark saw that I was actually able to move the bow a few inches so he jumped in to help too. The two of us got the boat aimed back to deeper water and then Mark got back on. I then discovered that Atlantics don't really notice if they are dragging a human as the boat seemed to accelerate normally, not really caring that I was a human sea anchor. I did manage to get back in the boat and we went racing. I think we did OK in the subsequent races, but at the end of the day, we all had a good chuckle out of this misfortune.
Mark loved sailboat racing, he loved doing well, but he also enjoyed overcoming adversity- he had a "never say die" attitude that made him a real joy to sail with- even on an Atlantic.
0
Allow us to share your sorrow. Mark will always be a wonderful and caring young man with a great sense of humor. Memories are all that we have now. Words are never enough. We are so deeply and profoundly sorry for your loss. Patrick, Susie and Bobbie Crump
0
So very sad to hear this awful news. During my time at Cedar Point Mark was my boss for quite a few years, always supportive and understanding of the challenges we sometimes faced, he was great to work with and a good friend and mentor. Sending thoughts and prayers to Carla and the whole Foster family.
0
Judy and I were so sorry to hear of Mark's passing. We used to have our Atlantic docked next to his farther's Atlantic at Cedar Point for many years and we got to know him and his dad with affection. Then at Pequot we both went fishing often at similar times. If I saw Mark heading out I knew there were fish out there.
Our condolences to Carla, Mark’s family and friends.
0
Our sincerest condolences to Carla and your family. David and Kelly.
0
2019, Cedar Point Yacht Club, Bluff Point, Westport, CT, USA
Sailing with Mark was the best!
0
We donated in Mark’s memory & so sorry for this devastating loss. Love-Audry & David Eppner
0
A true friend of the Laser sailors - we will miss his smile and gentle way. We will always remember him and keep him in our prayers.
0
Carla and family. I am so very sorry for. Your loss. Continued prayers.
0
Cedar Point Yacht Club, Bluff Point, Westport, CT, USA
0
A tragic loss, an exceptional husband, father & terrific human being, may you rest in peace Mark wrapped in God’s loving arms.
0
Share with others
Donate in memory
