One cloudy day in Pacifica, Mark found himself pulled into a game of Nintendo Switch with his daughter Rachel. Initially hesitant, he politely agreed to try a round of “Mario Golf” and was frustrated when his first shot fell way short. The second shot, he hit it into a sand trap. Now, Mark gets more serious and sits up in his chair.
“What’s the wind speed on this course? Is it a Par 3? Why are Luigi’s golf clubs nicer than mine?” he asks seriously, as Luigi winds up a drive and screams “Wahooooo!” That afternoon, Mark played for almost two hours, diving into the cartoon golf game with his kids and having a blast.
A couple months later, Rachel buys Mark a Nintendo Switch and Mark quickly transforms into an enthusiastic [virtual] golfer in PGA tour, the more realistic golf video game. He’s thrilled that he gets to play on Pebble Beach and exclaims “it’s just like the real course!”
Next thing I know, Mark is texting me to brag that he “Shot 59 today.” Of course he meant on the Nintendo Switch. What an absolutely hilarious guy and loving father he was! He will be so missed.
To know Mark is to have been loved and cared for well. It didn’t matter the occasion. Anytime I got to spend time with Mark I laughed often, ate well, and enjoyed the best drinks. Mark was the epitome of love in action. I was fortunate enough to be on the receiving end of it every time. Whether in Athens, Savannah, or on Lake Norman, Mark was always ready to whip up a perfect gin and tonic for me or recommend the best restaurant in town (or in Paris as I got ready to travel).
I think we all could write a book about how much we care for Mark and how perfectly he cared for us. And I think we are all so grateful for the legacy he’s left behind.
Nancy, you and Mark had a marriage that I look up to tremendously. You figured out the secret early: marry your best friend and never stop dating each other. I hope you continue to inspire couples with the well earned wisdom you’ve gained through the years. Mark will live on through you. You are more than his wife and partner; you are a part of him, just as much as he is of you. Anytime I’m with you I feel that same love and care that Mark always shared with those around him.
Olivia, Jessica, Rachel, and Kurt: Mark displays himself in you all every single day. He has left his kind, compassionate, genuine, and caring soul behind in each of you and everyone who gets to spend time
with you will also get the privilege of knowing him. He has left behind a legacy of the most perfect hosts and to me that means anyone you meet always feels welcome and at home.
Nancy, best memories are Thanksgiving dinner at our families homes each year. Daryl and his very dry red wine and then Mark taking up the tradition your home in Pekin. It was not my favorite. Lol
The T.V. the covered the wall and the kids played games all day.
Mark, until we meet at our Father's table for another glass of wine. Rest well cousin , rest well
Nancy, I am so sorry to hear of Mark’s passing. My deepest condolences to you and your family. May God give you peace and I hope you can find comfort in all the memories you hold in your heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Mark was an awesome guy. We had so many great times it is hard to list them all
He had that great laugh, fun loving attitude and demonstrated what can happen with great intellect and hard work. He leaves a great legacy with the love of his family and friends. He will be greatly missed.
We love you and hope u find comfort in his memories and the impact he had on each of us. Love you all and keeping your family in our prayers
Oh Nancy, I am so, so sorry about your loss. I had no idea what you both had been going through over the past year. I just recently heard that Mark had died, and then found this site. You’ve had a full year of ups and downs, and this last “down” is just not fair. (I know, I sound like a 5 year old, but it’s how I feel.) I’m glad you have your family with you for love and support, and you have many friends who care as well and are behind you. I recall many euchre evenings with you and Mark; he was always competitive, but also kind when he was put with a partner with less skill (I might be talking about myself here, lol). I only have your Peoria address, so if you’ve moved to North Carolina, this will have to serve as my sympathy card. I’m truly gutted by this news. You’re a strong woman and will go forward with Mark’s life and love as your shield. Hugs to all of you!! Barb and Scott Johnson
One year ago Mark and Nancy invited “Team Mark” to accompany them on his life-saving journey. Little did we know it would be a Master Class on Unconditional Love. His story did not end the way we had all hoped and prayed. But Mark didn’t lose the fight. Mark gifted us with a guide to help us navigate our own lives. He masterfully taught us kindness, generosity, grace, grit, joy, courage, sacrifice and most importantly, the power of love. Our hearts are broken…broken OPEN. May the lessons we learned from this amazing couple inspire us as we carry on.
The beautiful the song “For Good” from the musical Wicked keeps playing in my mind. Here is a portion of the lyrics…
I've heard it said,
That people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn.
And we are led to those
Who help us most to grow if we let them.
And we help them in return.
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you.
Like a comet pulled from orbit as it passes the sun,
Like a stream that meets a boulder
halfway through the wood.
Who can say if I've been changed for the better
But because I knew you
I have been changed for good.
Thank you Team Mark - Mary Jo & Millie🐾
Since I can remember, Uncle Mark was hard working, fun loving, and always made sure his family was taken care of. I remember sleepovers with my cousins, and Mark and Nancy putting up with our silly “cousin wars” late into the night. My cousins will remember the mermaid “Bessie”, out by their pool. I was fortunate enough that they allowed me to house sit for them while they were in Hong Kong. When they would come home for holidays, I loved sitting and chatting with them while Nancy cooked breakfast or dinner and sharing meals with them. Mark loved food, and especially GOOOOOOOD food. We sipped cocktails together. Sang karaoke. Watched movies. He always made me feel extra special when it came to my love of singing, and he and Nancy never missed one of my shows. I loved his humor and his laugh. The impact he made on his family and friends will last forever.
Mark and I tell the story of visiting with Mark and Nancy in their home at Lake Norman. We had not seen each other in many years so we were nervous how a two day visit would go. Mark and Nancy were so warm and welcoming. It was wonderful to remember days long gone by and catch up on our family news. Mark and I were invited to take the Jet Ski for a spin and promptly tipped it over. We were so embarrassed! But again, Mark and Nancy were the gracious hosts. But Mark T took over the driving after that in the boat!❤️
“What’s the wind speed on this course? Is it a Par 3? Why are Luigi’s golf clubs nicer than mine?” he asks seriously, as Luigi winds up a drive and screams “Wahooooo!” That afternoon, Mark played for almost two hours, diving into the cartoon golf game with his kids and having a blast.
A couple months later, Rachel buys Mark a Nintendo Switch and Mark quickly transforms into an enthusiastic [virtual] golfer in PGA tour, the more realistic golf video game. He’s thrilled that he gets to play on Pebble Beach and exclaims “it’s just like the real course!”
Next thing I know, Mark is texting me to brag that he “Shot 59 today.” Of course he meant on the Nintendo Switch. What an absolutely hilarious guy and loving father he was! He will be so missed.