Well, I think it’s fair to say that most everyone on this forum knew Mark better than I did. But even from a distance, Mark made a pretty big impression on me...maybe that’s just one more sign of what a special and unique guy he really was.

Mark and I landed on the same floor our freshman year at Wheaton College, and were both from Southern California. I thought that fact alone should be enough to crown us as the cool kids on the block, but it was immediately clear to me that Mark wasn’t in the business of being very pretentious. He was obviously secure in who he was and gave everyone a fair shake.

Like most of his classmates, I was curious about why a hard-core surfer would decide to spend his college years in freezing cold Chicago. But that was hardly the only paradox about Mark. I soon learned that he was an astute pre-med major, though I rarely saw him crack a textbook. He was usually hanging out in the lobby chatting up the chicks or had his nose buried in some non- academic novel. 

Then, while still a student, I heard he actually found time to start writing a novel of his own… and a few of my snobby lit major friends even admitted that it was really good storytelling. But no matter what he was doing, Mark seemed to be so comfortable in his own skin, strolling around campus in his vans and Bermudas while wearing his Wheaton swim team parka, and always sporting that big affable grin.

Occasionally we talked about missing the left coast and how much we craved a burger from In N Out… and we joked about transferring back to school in California if either one of us slipped one more time on another icy sidewalk in that sun-forsaken part of the world.  But I think the funniest thing I remember about Mark was the way he stashed his chew in the heater of his room…at least he was honest enough to admit it was one of his vices that even “the pledge” just couldn’t shake.

So considering all of Mark’s anomalies, I was hardly surprised when I heard he bailed on med school in favor of going into the SEALs. I only saw Mark a handful of times after he enlisted, since we had a mutual friend who was also a SEAL. But I loved hearing their stories of “drownproofing” in BUDS training or being followed by sharks while swimming in formation miles out in the Pacific. Like most of the general public, I was fascinated with their experiences, and so proud to have a few friends serving in the SEALs.

Mark and I lost touch several years ago, but I’m not surprised he continued to be a light and a joy to so many people. As a father myself, I feel heartsick for his wife and daughter who obviously loved him well. Our family’s prayers will be with you Sarah and Cora in the difficult days ahead. And one day, Mark, I look forward to seeing your smile and hearing more stories again in heaven. Thank you for your joyful spirit with family and friends, and your brave service to our great nation.

Ron Romberger