I knew Mark briefly yet liked him immensely. I don’t have a lot of cool stories to share like those who had a history with Mark. I can say he was generous with his time and fully present as if you were the only person there with him. So he was with me. Having been a Seal brought great admiration with the accomplishment and the adventure and the service, yet his gentle spirit and enthusiastic interest, almost like a child at Christmas, made him accessible as a human being, and even more admirable. It was apparent that he was the kind of man who would give you the shirt off his back if you were in need. Being around Mark and Sarah left me feeling like things were good in this world. They are both like that. How could I not love them? One night I dropped by the home on Brooks Street to hand off a CD of photos I had taken for them of their home, I caught them in the middle of prepping dinner. I was very apologetic about that and was quick to hand off the disc and leave, but they were insistent that I come in and share their dinner. They gave me one of the two steaks and split the other. I remember leaving their home that night thinking I had been blessed by God to know such loving people. It wasn’t just that they fed me, but it was evident in their being. And what is so extraordinary about them is that they are both so unassuming and down to earth. Given Mark’s elite status and world experience / knowledge, you would never know he wasn’t just your buddy. Aside from talking at church and on occasion at the Beach where he and Dave Vanderveen would be surfing, I wish I had known Mark better. I always enjoyed our conversation. He is a great model for a man; strong, gentle, humble, kind, and comfortable in his own skin - a light in this world. My prayers are with Sarah and Cora, Mark’s parents and sisters, and Mark’s closest friends and extended family.

I feel privileged to have been allowed to photo-document Saturday April 19th, both the Memorial Service at Mariner’s Church and the afternoon tribute on Brooks Street. Here is the link to the photos from the Memorial: http://www.lefever.com/wMemorial/ A beauiful and moving service. And here is the link to the photos taken of the Brooks Street Tribute: http://www.lefever.com/wBrooks/

A slide show was also made from some of the Brooks Street photos. David Burchi suggested the music saying that the song was one that Mark liked a lot. It is embedded below.

All in all I can say; “what a life Mark led” and that it is a great testimony in seeing the lives he touched in just being himself. Who he was, as a human being, is evident in the love that pours from his friends and his influence, both reminisced and since emboldened to others in reflection of his life. His friends, in their love, honor Mark’s life and inspire us all as lights that reflect Christ’s love. This is the great gift to everyone, of a life well lived. To Mark, you are missed, may Heaven be your greatest adventure.

Jeff L.