The memories continue to burn brightly of Mark and his impact on others. I worked for the American Lung Association in the 2000s. Mark and the team of volunteers made the Climb for Clean Air, along with his hero, Lou Whittaker, the pre-eminent fundraising climb in the region, at that time. However, Mark did more for the Lung Association than the climb -- he was an advocate for lung health and an ambassador for everything the Lung Association stood for. Mark was selfless and always gave to others, which is representative of the career of firefighters.Mark -- I hope the journey continues and summits await. We miss you.

Paul

Mark was one of our biggest supporters at the weekly open mics at The Black Dog Arts Cafe. His enthusiasm and encouragement was contagious! He loved the music, the staff, the fellow patrons and the ambiance. He came whenever he could, sick or well, and he portrayed a great spirit even when he was feeling ill or dizzy or more than likely scared. His love of life shone on all. He was generous of spirit and always had kind words of encouragement and appreciation  for the artists. When Mark was absent for some reason, he was missed. Many asked, "Where's Mark?' And then, as if by magic, he would return. 

Mark spoke highly of his daughters. He said he was proud of them and so happy to be near them. He brought many friends with him to open mic and when his vision was bad, they drove him. He always expressed his upmost appreciation for his drivers— his friends.

Even when Mark was suffering, he would ask you how you were. And he would mean it, there was no empty conversation. Mark was, and always will be, as solid and majestic as the mountains he loved. Mark is missed. 

Although I cannot make the memorial, my spirit is there. I wish Mark marvelous adventures on his journey! Peace to the family, especially you, his daughters, his living spirits.

We moved to North Bend and played music in the area. My husband and I met Mark at the Black Dog after one of my music sets. Chatting, dinners and enjoying his fire-fighter stories, his love of his career, inspired me to support local firefighters on my first album. Through the years we enjoyed casual conversations, music events he attended and his excitement for retirement, and joys of building his home in Alaska. My job covered Alaska and in 2017 I was fortunate enough to have a trip to Anchorage and added a few days to head up to Talkeetna and tied in a short visit to see his Mark's home in progress and the local area. I was very saddened to hear of his delays on his home, and then his ongoing health issues, especially after retirement. Always a bright spirit...he forged ahead. 

 We moved to Florida in 2018 before Marks second major surgery and kept in touch as best we could. We currently reside in Georgetown, TX since our move in Feb. 2022. He talked of his daughter Jen with great pride and joy. It has been a while since I spoke with Mark ( sadly ) life seems to rush on by quickly. I will reflect back on our time in Alaska, and find just the right words to honor him with a song. He will be missed, I am saddened to hear of his loss. A wonderful man, Rest in peace my friend. 

Mark’s family and mine actually lived close to each other – my family was on 90th Ave SE (3600 blk), and Mark off of SE 40th. I first met Mark around 1974 when I joined the Boy Scouts. Troop 453 met at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church at SE 40th and 86th Ave SE on Mercer Island. I can still recall a couple of our camping trips where both our Dad’s came along. I recall my Dad and Mark’s Dad getting along quite well. Mark was two years ahead of me in High School.

Mark is the reason I became a firefighter. While in High School, I was assigned to write an article for the School Newspaper and I was allowed to choose any topic I wanted. I had an Uncle who had retired from the Los Angeles City Fire Department, who I was quite close to, and so I decided to write a story on the Fire Department.

Mark was an Auxiliary Firefighter for the Mercer Island Fire Department. Mark was very passionate about the Mercer Island Fire Department and his enthusiasm was very contagious. I reached out to Mark and told him what I was assigned, and that I wanted to write a story about him and the Fire Department. Mark enthusiastically agreed to be interviewed and to share the fire service and his story.

I interviewed Mark several times for the article and on one occasion, went to the South End Fire Station to meet the other Auxiliary Firefighters, and take some photographs for the article. One of the firefighters on duty that day was Lisbeth Eddy. I can recall Lisbeth specifically encouraging and challenging me to join. Mark also encouraged me to join and shared what the process would be. I subsequently submitted my application. I recall taking the physical exam, along with Dave Owings. We were subsequently “hired” to join the Auxiliary force in December 1978 – my senior year of high school.

Mark was exceedingly passionate about the fire service. He knew this was what he wanted to do as a career and pursued that passion until the Kirkland Fire Department offered him his dream. He loved both the Kirkland Fire Department, and the Mercer Island Fire Department.

It did not take long before I knew what I wanted to do as a career.

A little over a year ago Mark and I were on the phone chatting. I recall specifically our conversation turning to the early days and how our careers unfolded. I reminded Mark that he was the reason that I became a firefighter; his inspiration and encouragement infectious and effective. I told him how grateful to him I was and that I felt much of the trajectory of my life was because of the gift he gave me – in my mind, Mark is the reason that I too was able to achieve my dream, but it was also Mark who uncovered what my dream was. Mark was very grateful that I shared this with him, and I know he took pride in knowing the role he played in my fire service career. Mark always has a special place in my heart and life and I have always been grateful for the bond we share.

I will post a picture of the MI High School news article I wrote about Mark.