First visit to Wallace home and got to see Mark in his own environment. He worked super hard and Michele an amazing wife to him. He loved hugs and kisses from his boy Shadow (dog.) We celebrated a golf win with sushi and sake, he was always genuinely proud of his wife’s successes.  He could talk on any subject, but politics was always my favorite with him. I had later stays at their home, but after the first stay I always felt so welcome and comfortable. I know Michele misses him every day … and so does Shadow. 

Sushi, Sake and Mark — with Michele Rossi Wallace and Gina Beale

Over a period of almost 10 years, I witnessed Mark’s ability to lead effectively with his vision for a better, stronger enterprise. Mark was a talented executive and a powerful force who set challenging goals for his team members. And he made it all fun. I learned more about perseverance from Mark than from anyone else I ever knew. He had a positive impact on operations beyond the financial and information technology realm that he was responsible for. Over the years that I worked with Mark, I marveled at how he kept coming up with new approaches to the challenges his organization faced. And he had a remarkably good sense of humor and loved to laugh. I remember Mark in the fitness of his youth. My fond memories of my time with Mark are now met with the reality of our loss. When I contemplate Mark’s passing, I recall a poem by A.E. Housman.

The time you won your town the race,

We chaired you through the market-place.

Man and boy stood cheering by,

And home we brought you shoulder-high.

Today, the road all runners come,

Shoulder-high we bring you home,

And set you at your threshold down,

Townsman of a stiller town.

Smart lad, to slip betimes away

From fields where glory does not stay

And early though the laurel grows

It withers quicker than the rose.

Eyes the shady night has shut

Cannot see the record cut,

And silence sounds no worse than cheers

After earth has stopped the ears:

Now you will not swell the rout

Of lads that wore their honours out,

Runners whom renown outran

And the name died before the man.

So set, before its echoes fade,

The fleet foot on the sill of shade,

And hold to the low lintel up

The still-defended challenge-cup.

And round that early-laurelled head

Will flock to gaze the strengthless dead,

And find unwithered on its curls

The garland briefer than a girl's.

Your brief existence was special and memorable to those of us who knew you.

Our deepest condolences. We are so sorry to hear about Mark’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time. 

Dear Michele, I’m so sorry to hear of Marks passing.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.  

Mark, I know where you are — drinking a great merlot, watching Fox News and munching popcorn from above! Your deep love for Michele, your hugger Shadow and feisty Razzie was clearly evident. You were always so strong and determined, send that Michele’s way as she deals with her grief of losing her best friend. We’ll all take care of her, you Rest In Peace now. 

Our condolences on the passing of Mark. Peace and prayers to your family.

Mark will be dearly missed.  Mark let very few people really get to know him.  But, once he did you saw a very gentle soul.  Mark was one of the strongest and kindest people I’ve ever known.  I always thought of Mark as the big brother I never had.  I began working with Mark in 1996.  He was a big influence on my career and my life.  Even though our life paths took us in different directions, we always stayed in contact.  Mark had two great loves in his life that he would talk about relentlessly.  His horse Lucky, and Michele!  He love Michele deeply and was always deeply devoted and committed to Michele.  They were truly soulmates.  My heart is breaking for Michele, she is truly a great human being.  My condolences to all who knew and loved Mark.

Darren