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Casey Grant posted a condolence
Friday, May 7, 2010
I just found out.
I was performing a 'people search' online and came across this post for Mark, when I found out that there was no way I could ever talk to this man again. I didn't realize how much it would affect me.
Mark was my stepfather.
My name doesn't appear in any of his history lines, or in any significant way in his past. But he was significant. To Me.
My name is Casey Grant.
Writing my mother's name would only add another strange chapter to Mark's colorful past that only Jim O'sullivan, Janet, Dawna, and Ora would recognize. By the way, Grandma Woodward... I am sorry that I wasn't there for him, I dont know how to explain that I didn't know he was in pain. And to Janet and Dawna... I am truly sorry. While I was not there to go through this with you, I wish I had been.
Mark (Woody to Jim... more affectionate names to those I dont know) was in my life from the age of eight to eighteen. I was with him when we sailed through the San Juan islands, when we went Halibut fishing even though Jim had the record for the largest fish caught on record. Mark was there when my homework wasn't done, when my room wasn't clean, when I overslept for my ride to school.... I wish I could have spoken to him before he died. I didn't. I didn't know.
I was looking for him this evening, hoping that I could reconcile... no... share some of what I have experienced in life since our paths diverged... but to my great lament that will never be.
Mark was not my true father, but the experiences and lessons he had to share were no less important. They will, forever, live on in what I have to pass.
Please, if anyone has any stories or information... I would greatly appreciate contact. Titanrising@yahoo.com
My deepest sympathies, and calls for comfort... this is really hard, since he was my father figure all through my teen years but have had no contact since, and just found out he died... but know my heart goes out to all of you.
Casey
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Amy posted a condolence
Friday, July 3, 2009
I am still thinking of Mark! I am now teaching and counseling kids and as I learned from Mark, I ask them, "what did you learn from me today!"
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Zool and Allison Woodbury Rinkle posted a condolence
Friday, June 1, 2007
Our love and best wishes are with the Family at this sad time.
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Tina Neswick posted a condolence
Monday, April 30, 2007
Mark was a wonderful man and had a great sense of humor. I loved giving him a call when I had a problem with the CAMIS system. He always had a funny story, and the patience of a saint! The hole he has left in our department will last for a very long, long time. Carol -- I am so glad that you and he were able to spend the last couple of years having fun together. I think those will be memories you will cherish, and I know he really enjoyed himself. He looked so happy the last time I saw him!
Unfortunately, I was unable to make the service for Mark, due to a work injury, and wished I could have been there. I am sure it was a beautiful service and I was happy to find out that there was a website that had pictures!! They are great!!
Thank you and God bless Mark's beloved family!!
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Bob Palmer posted a condolence
Monday, April 30, 2007
You were a good man, my fellow Dyslin Boy's Ranch staff alum. You will remain in the thoughts of many for a long time.
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Jim & Dorothy O'Sullivan posted a condolence
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Today is a celebration for grieving hearts
Mark (Woody) Woodward
The only way to avoid grieving is to avoid loving. May my best friend Woody be in heaven ½ hour before the devil knew he was dead.
Woody and I first met while he was in Portland and I in Seattle around 1970. He had served his country as a Marine and had just recently gotten out of the service. I had just gotten out of the Air Force.
Woody, being a young ex marine in his early 20’s, wanting to show his soft side. He became a dancer and went to work at the local Fred Astaire dance studio. That’s right from Marine to dancer. On second, thought there could have been some other reason. Has anyone watched Dancing with the Stars lately? You may not know this but the girls dressed the same way back then.
After a few years in Portland to cool his appetite they sent him to Canada’s Siberia, aka Winnipeg. Forty and fifty below zero temperatures keeps the girls bundled up pretty good.
Of his many attributes he was a focused person. Each summer many of the dance studio staff went on a boat outing in the San Juan Islands. We would rent several boats and all meet in the islands. One year as we were preparing to anchor I noticed the boat he was on was drifting toward the rocks. We got close and yelled and honked our horn, to no avail. Finally someone who could drive there 40 foot boat poked his head out the window and said they were playing poker and it was a really big pot. No one who could drive wanted to leave the table. The boat did drift onto the beach. Finally the poker hand was over and the guys jumped out onto the beach to push this 40 foot boat off the rocks.
After his cool down in Winnipeg he came to work with us in Seattle and Tacoma around 1980. Another attribute he possessed was creativity. One year around Thanksgiving he bought a pet turkey. He bought some hay, spread it around the ballroom and let the turkey run around while everyone danced. The day before turkey day he gave it as a prize the person who did the best Turkey Trot.
Over the years we boated, fished, hiked, hunted, enjoyed the colors of fall and obviously danced a little. We’ve climbed to the tops of mountains; SCUBA dove waters in the northwest, Canada and Hawaii, boating thousands of miles from Alaska, Canada, the East Coast and West Coast of the US, Mexico Central America, and traveled through the Panama Canal not once but twice operating mega yachts on our own devices. Through calm seas and big seas. I trusted him with my life.
Woody finest attribute is his no doubt his humor. He was also a witty person. This was especially valuable on some of our adventures. We did yacht deliveries, meaning taking a boat from point A to B. From a few hundred miles to as many as six thousands of miles on a single trip. This was always offshore, in the open oceans and we would run in most any weather 24/7. Fatigue would set in, the quarters were relatively close and his sense of humor saved more than one person from being thrown overboard.
I don’t know what happened to him as a kid or maybe as a marine but he would almost always pick the berth closest to the front of the boat. In normal seas we have 8 to 10 foot waves we are moving through every 4 to 6 seconds. Sleeping was difficult. On bad weather days seas would be 14 to 16 feet making sleeping impossible. There were times when the boat would go up the side of a wave and drop off the other side. We would all go airborne, but Woody would fly more than most being in the front cabin. Sometimes the boat would be on the way when he was still on the way up. Not a good meeting. Or when he came down the boat and bunk would have moved sideways and he would land on the floor. He would arrive home with black and blue bruises all over his body.
This sense of adventure and a love of nature was what drove us to do it over and over again. Making it all worthwhile when the weather was good, the sunsets spectacular, the sea life unbelievable. We would see huge pods of whales, turtles, dolphins by the ten of thousands, sea birds on the wing and unexplainable beauty along coastlines. We would drive other crew members nuts sometimes because we would always stop to take pictures of all the beauty of nature that we would see.
Several years ago a dear friend Patrick died and when the time was right his wife Virginia brought his ashes out to Seattle and we boarded our boat to take him to a special place. We went to Deception Pass, a place of scenic beauty, powerful currents that sweep back and forth through a narrow gorge 4 times a day with a high arch bridge overhead. After sharing memories sharing and crying we went to the side of the boat to cast his ashes upon the waters. At that moment the wind changed and Patrick came billowing back onto the boat and all over us. Woody broke the awkward moment by saying Patrick never did like the cold water. He didn’t want to leave. We laughed and cried at the same time.
He more than touched my life. All our lives – he left his Mark upon us all. I was lucky or we were lucky enough to have hiked many miles together, danced many miles together and boated many miles together. Many, many miles and unforgettable adventures, leaving behind his footprints in the sands of time.
A lesson I will never forget and a motto I will always try to live by. We were visiting Woody in the hospital about 9 years ago during his first bout with Cancer. We were leaving and we bent over and gave him big hug. A tear came to his eye and he said he really appreciated that. I was a little surprised and so I asked why. He said he has had many visitors and some were even afraid to shake his hand. I asked why is that. He said I think some people must think Cancer is contagious. The motto:
Never be afraid to hug
Never be afraid to cry
Never be afraid to talk
Let that motto be contagious. A motto to live by. Hug everyone like it is your last hug. Too each person and too each hug, your most important hug. Never be afraid to cry. Tears are expressions of love. Tears are from the heart. When someone hugs you and leaves a tear upon your shoulder, it is their love they are leaving. And when you are talking to his Wife or his family, brothers and sisters, children and Mom, or at the water cooler at work and you think of Woody – don’t hold back. Talk of him as if he were there, don’t be uncomfortable or afraid. His essence / spirit remains; his love, his kindness, his strength, his goodness. Let his name be a household word that it always was. Woody would want you and me to laugh as we always laughed, and be joyful.
His ship shall sail upon another sea, to a new undiscovered place, leaving this earth, on his voyage home. We are glad God loaned him to us and we had these many years together. But the Angles have called for him much sooner than we’ve planned. I say good-bye to you, hero, and ask the Angles hold you closely on your journey. God’s promise will be kept.
Thank you for letting me talk and letting me cry.
Jim O’Sullivan
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Nancy Kryzanowski posted a condolence
Friday, April 27, 2007
I knew Mark when he was with us at the Kent office for many years. I loved to hear his stories about commanding boats from far off places. Saw him at the big boat shows locally. I used to tease him about looking like Charlie Daniels and he would start to sing some country song. He was always so much fun to be around. Im sorry for all of us that he has moved on. I'll miss that big smile and remember him with one of my own.
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Dorothy & Jim O'Sullivan posted a condolence
Friday, April 27, 2007
Celebration of the Life of Mark (Woody) Woodward
Our friendship with "Woody," has been over 35 years, since the early 70’s. Over the years we have grown up together, worked together and at one time he was our partner in the Tacoma Fred Astaire Dance Studio. With great success. I know to some of you, it is hard to imagine how this big guy could dance. But dance he could. He would step out on that dance floor with a grace that would surprise all and dance to a beautiful Waltz or exciting Cha Cha. Over the years we have had our sadness and together cried. It is impossible to write about all the wonderful times we spent together. We had a great time for over 35 years, traveling, partying, fishing, boating and most of all laughing a lot. There is not another human being with more heart or caring person than Woody. He was so much fun to be with and oh so bright. He was always enthusiastic and went along with all. As we celebrate Woody, who lived a life of love and caring for all. We loved him deeply and will miss our friend, the big guy (a teddy bear with a big heart). Our whole heart and prayers go out to the family especially Carol, Ora, Dawna, Janet, Jeff, Jon, Lora, Dolores & Leigh. There are so many that share your grief. Woody goes on to a brighter place leading all of us along the pathway that has no end. We cheer him with “Gladness in our Hearts", that he was a part of our lives.
Love Dorothy & Jim O’Sullivan
4/27/2007
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Anita Teeter posted a condolence
Friday, April 27, 2007
Mark will be deeply missed by the many lives he has touched. Mark was more then a trainer, he was a man who truly cared.
I had the pleasure of working with him on his Tech Rodeo project. He truly had a passion for teaching people how to use technology to make their day easier.
Most of all he was a kind man who brought joy and humor wherever he was. I will miss him.
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Ed McLoughlin posted a condolence
Friday, April 27, 2007
Mark was a gifted and charasmatic person. Those whose life he touched will miss him. I will miss his jokes all of which he told in an amazing Irish accent. May the wind be always at your back, Mark.
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Mike Gray posted a condolence
Friday, April 27, 2007
A Tribute:
Mark is bigger than most.
I don’t mean just in height and girth, that too,
But bigger in life.
From military specialist to Arthur Murray dance instructor,
From hunter to sea lane traveler,
His story spans experience that most never dream
Or never dare.
He’s neater than most:
His car cleaner, his desk more organized, his canoe shinier;
His garage spotless, his tools sharper, his cooking tastier…
Than most.
But mostly, Mark’s heart is big,
Bigger than most.
He cares deeply about family and friends,
Progress, completion, innovation, negotiation, solution.
And storytelling.
Mark tells a story better than most.
I remember…
He became a U.S. Senator by accident…in Mexico.
In moonlight he floated through miles of sparkling jellyfish.
And he danced for a decade or more,
With people of all stripe and color, to music of his choosing.
Fascinating stories.
And then there is the Love Story.
Mark told me Carol is the best,
Most surprising part of his life.
The longest story is yet to come,
A story of love and laughter lost,
A story that wounds us all differently.
But Mark, you will not be lost
So soon to me, to us.
You are in every bearded sea captain
Waving from his yacht.
I hear you in a sailor’s curse or ribald story,
And in the crying of the gulls.
M. Gray, 4-27-2007
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Chris White Rosborough posted a condolence
Friday, April 27, 2007
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mark Woodward, who left a legacy of kindness, courage and humor. May you be comforted by recalling the special memories you have made with Mark.
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Tom Tveit posted a condolence
Friday, April 27, 2007
I only recently heard of Mark's passing. Mark was a great gentleman. His humor, great wit and stories will always be remembered. Mark could out talk anyone, including me on many occasions. I worked with him in Region 6. My deepest sympathy to you, his family and close friends.
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Sue Jesse Larson posted a condolence
Friday, April 27, 2007
I just got back from the most beautiful Celebration of Woody's Life. I know Woody from the Astaire Days but also because he was such great friends of Jim and Dorothy O'Sullivan, My Aunt and Uncle. Woody always knew what to say in the most awkward moments and usually it would just cut everyone up. Today was a great Celebration with so many people that Woody had touched in so many ways. I feel honored to say He was my friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you Carol and your intire family. Happy Sailing and Dancing on the High Seas Woody. Sue Jesse Larson
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Edith Hitchings posted a condolence
Friday, April 27, 2007
I first met Mark in 1995 when I was honored to train him on the new computers. I was impressed with his charasmatic personality and thought this guy must be a terrific social worker. I didn't see him again until 1999 when he was hired in Region 6 as one of our automation trainers. I knew we had hit the jackpot when we hired Mark. Our friendship grew as the years passed, Mark and I spent countless hours after everyone else had gone home talking in my office about a number of topics. From dancing to fishing, the Mariners, his beloved Carol, his mom, brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews and his daughters. We found that we had a great deal in common and shared our love of baseball, whales, serving others, having both survived cancer and most of all the love we felt for our families. When Mark was striken with cancer a second time I couldn't quite understand why a man such as Mark had to face cancer a second time around. I realize now that Mark's 2 year battle with cancer was a lesson to me and all others who knew him. He taught us all the importance of life, love, honesty and the need to step back and examine the important things in life. I am truly blessed to have been given the opportunity to rub shoulders with Mark and thank you Carol for sharing him in friendship with me. I am a better person because of my relationship with Mark and look forward to seeing him again some day. My heart and prayers are with you and all of Mark's family as you move through the grief process and reflect on what an amazing man Mark was and how he impacted so many lives. Take care my dear friend Mark and until we meet again - happy sailing! Love, Edith
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Karine Landrin and family posted a condolence
Thursday, April 26, 2007
I remember my uncle Mark's visit to France where he would ask for a 'Jambon Fromage' sandwich with the greatest American accent and roar out laughing... He and Carol made the coolest square for my daughter Kolyn's quilt which is now hanging in her bedroom (a computerized picture of Seattle). We will miss him greatly. Wish we could be with the rest of the family right now.
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wes posted a condolence
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Carol and family. You have my deepest sympathy. I only had brief contacts with Mark but remember his wittiness, sense of humor, and postitive attitiude.
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Mert posted a condolence
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Carol, you and Mark have been in my prayers for awhile and I consider myself blessed to have had the opportunity to meet up with you both along the way. Mark was so helpful to me when my mom was diagnosed with and died from pancreatic cancer, I very grateful for that. His warmth, compassion, and humor have touched and changed my life forever. His example of how to live and how to die will remain with me always.
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Cindy Howard posted a condolence
Thursday, April 26, 2007
I first met Mark at the regional office in Lacey, where we both worked. I was new to the area (from the south). I liked Mark from the moment I met him. He was just that kind of guy. He exuded a warmth and cheerfulness that was simply irresisitable. A couple of years later, I ended up in the Shelton office, where Mark was the IT guy. I had somehow gotten it in my mind that Mark was from the south (probably because he often would talk in a southern accent). I was a little disappointed when I learned that Mark wasn't from the south, but it became our personal joke and he remained a fellow southerner in my heart. I would often greet him with "hello, my southern friend" and he would respond in a dead on southern drawl and then launch into some silly joke or share a story about his family, high seas adventures, cat stories, and travels around the world (usually with a lap top slide show to illustrate his adventures). It was with great sorrow that I learned of Mark's terminal illness... and with great respect and admiration
that I saw Mark wrap up the loose ends of his life and dreams..... with unbelieveable dignity and strength.
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Clifton "Pete" & Abbie Peters - Centralia DCFS posted a condolence
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Carol and Family. My wife and I have had the great pleasure of working with Mark for a lot of years in DSHS. We will miss him dearly. His positive approach to everything in life and great sense of humor made him an truly super role model for all. Our sincerest condolences to the Woodward family.
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Nicole Perry posted a condolence
Thursday, April 26, 2007
I worked with Mark at Children's and he did an amazing job of making sense of our crazy computer system, CAMIS. Without Mark's innovative and creative personal training style, I would never felt comfortable as a new staff, working with CAMIS. Mark was always so wonderful and funny. Carol, my thougths go out to you and your family.
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Janet Roller posted a condolence
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Mark gave me my first instructions into technology here at DCFS. I was so blown away by his warmth and humor! He made learning fun and was a wonderful and patient teacher and co-worker who loved sharing a laugh! I miss his dry wit! What a gift he was. I am so glad to read about his adventures and am reassured he lived his life the way he wanted to. My condolences to his family and close friends - I'm sure he is thought about and talked about often.
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Tom Soule posted a condolence
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Mark had an quirky sort of common sense and could get to the root of the matter, even if the remedy seemed a little odd at times. The last time I saw him was at Marvin's memorial service. Even then, he was in good humor and revelling in life. He was positive and looking forward to whatever the future holds. I'm sure when we get to that future along with him, he's going to have us all in stitches and wondering how he kept up the adventures.
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Diane Zimmerman posted a condolence
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Mark was a trainer who worked with me at DCFS. He was a friendly, comforting, hopeful man who enjoyed life and made learning joyful.
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James D. Redick posted a condolence
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Carol and Family;
In our life time a person crosses path with many individuals. From the time I met and interacted with Mark, I develop high respect for his integrity and honesty. I appreciated his ability to be supportive to coworkers, friends, and family. He was a very kind and loving person. Mark touched our lifes in such a way that a little bit of Mark will be in each of us for every. Thanks to our Lord for giving the world such a wonderful person as Mark.
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Bruce Wood posted a condolence
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Mark was my mentor in common sense, the human condition and would get me laughing so hard, tears would come out of my eyes. He helped me not take things, or myself so bloody seriously. He gave me courage as a sailor, and a social worker using the computer. Mark had this great ability to make people feel good about themselves and could disarm the most brittle. Mark had great wisdom, compassion, love, and an eye for the interesting. I miss Mark, his stories of his adventures, his coming to my office to listen and support me. He was truelly a great man who added much to this world and to my life.
I wish Carol and the rest of the family my very heart felt hope that the pain of grief and loss for Mark diminishes as the realization of everything this wonderful man has done for others becomes realized.
Bruce.
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Amy posted a condolence
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Mark is such a spark and joy who remains close in my heart!
My greatest memories are when I met him 9 years ago as a new social worker. I love that Mark took the time to meet with me 1:1 to train me in our computer system. He always ended the training by having me show him how I could now master the technique on my own, "Now you show me how to do it" and he would always end the training by saying, "What is one thing you learned from me today!"
His presence was greatly known in the office as he would stroll through greeting everyone and his sense of humor was contagious as he would bellow a laugh or joke! We knew when Mark was coming through!
Mark is such a vivid writer- after his retirement, he kept in touch by e-mail sharing his life stories about his family and adventures in the great outdoors- I felt like I was there!
When my mom was diagnoised with cancer around the same time as Mark- his e-mails brought encouragement to her. She had the same group health staff and he said oh "Jeff and Trish are wonderful". We knew my mom was in good hands. Mark always asked how my mom was doing and his e-mails were so positive about his journey! My mom and I often spoke about remaining positive through her journey. His HOPE brought courage to us both and his FIGHT brought us strength! I am greatful for this!
Mark remains in my heart and I am thankful for that- I carry his hope, strength, humor, and love for life-family-and outdoors! My blessings, comfort, and thanks to his family for sharing this precious gift!
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David Kucklick posted a condolence
Thursday, April 26, 2007
I have had the pleasure to work with Mark at Dyslin Boy's Ranch and with the department. I could never have a "short" conversation with Mark! He was so full of life and had so many interesting and humorous stories to share. He taught me to not take work too seriously and to embrace each day as a gift. When Mark first told me he had cancer, I learned another thing about him; that even when faced with his own death, he had the courage to stay the course and to live each day to the fullest. He taught me to not take dying too seriously and to treat the brief time we have on this earth as a great adventure. Goodbye my friend, see you latter.
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matt orme posted a condolence
Thursday, April 26, 2007
i will miss you my plu brother.
i know you are dancing!
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Pat Strange posted a condolence
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Although I only knew Mark for a few years in his capacity as a computer whiz visiting us in the Centralia office, I remember him better than others I have met for longer periods. He was always smiling and positive in every aspect of work and, as I have read here, in life. Mark epitomized the ideals of a kind heart, warm soul and a soft shoulder. I remember thinking when hearing of his passing, why does it seem the best go first. My condolences to all his family. Pat
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Brandon Harnisch posted a condolence
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Mark's recent passing has left a void that is irreplaceable. As a gentleman and professional he was beyond exceptional and a renaissance man in every respect, few others could ever hold a flame to the degree he helped vulnerable children, families and colleagues. His ready smile and high humor and spirits would quickly change the atmosphere whenever Mark visited, Mark was and will always be bigger than life with the realm of joy in his presence. Mark's stories of "coasting" throughout both the Pacific and Atlantic seaboards were of great entertainment, underneath it showed that Mark was very much an experienced and dedicated mariner in the same ilk as Joshua Slocum and Irving Johnson. In DSHS Children's Services, Mark never hesitated in helping others even far away, he walked souls through complex problems with ease and grace. Mark certainly left his mark, his imprint on many a heart and will be deeply missed. Fair winds upstairs my friend, as always you will lead the passage.
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Kat Scheibner posted a condolence
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Mark will always hold a very special place in my heart. On so many occasions he was there; making me laugh, listening to my incessant ramblings, opening my eyes to some new GUI shortcut that made my life much easier. His stories about his high seas adventures always had me in stitches by the end. But, the thing I appreciated about Mark the most was his undeniable love for his wife and daughters. Hearing him talk about them all with a twinkle in his eye always made me feel at home with him. I will miss him.
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Dave sprinkle and family posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Mark was part of our crew on the most recent delivery of a 75 foot power catamaran from Ft. Lauderdale to Puerto Rico. Parts of the journey were very rough but Mark always kept smiling despite his discomfort in the last stages of cancer. His warm conversations and assistance at the helm on those long night watches were appreciated
by all of us. It was a privilege to know him!
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Yann Landrin and family posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Mark was my uncle. We last saw 14 years ago, when I last visited Oregon from France. I wish I had been able to share more time with him and his family. The moments I remember are truly good memories.
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Lonny Copenhaver posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
I first met Mark when he was at the Dyslin's Boys Ranch and bumped in to him again when I came to work in the Kent office. He was in to horses and trailriding at that time and it was an activity that I was able to share with him. Some of the most memorable rides I had were with Mark and his trusty mount, Joseph. They were truly a pair of gentle giants who developed a mutual understanding and trust of each other. I will always remember those rides in great detail and continue to share those adventures with others. I will forever remember Mark for his sense of humor and his kindness, his strength, courage and absolute love of life. He was a hard worker and an inspiration to all that knew him---a shining example in life and in death--never shirking a task,---SPLENDID BEHAVIOR. The world is a far worse place with out him here and he will be missed by those that knew him and loved him and those that would have come to know him and love him. Carry on Mark and enjoy the rest of the journey-----------
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Mary Pagni-Leavitt posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
I worked with Mark in the Kent DCFS office for many years and came to regard him as a friend. He was funny, sensitive, crass, and often politically incorrect. Quite the dichotomy! We golfed together several times and shared stories and beers. I will miss him. Mark's approach to life and to death is a lesson I will never forget. When I saw him in October for our last golf game, I remarked that he "looked pretty damn good for a guy dying of cancer"! He laughed and said, "P-L, I can always count on you to tell it like it is"! I will always remember him that way - that mischievious smile and quick wit. My prayers and support go out to Carol and to Mark's family. He loved you all very much. He seemed so happy and fulfilled after he met you, Carol. I know you have lots of great memories of your time together. I hope these will help you in the days to come.
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Marie Kiser posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
"Woody" was a good personal friend since the 1980's. I worked for him at the Tacoma Astaire Studio where his people skills repeatedly amazed me. With his quick mind and his ability to recognize human nature at it's best and worst, he was always a step ahead of those around him. He taught me a lot by his example, and through our intense discussions. I miss his "I win" chuckle, his big, friendly smile, and the bear hugs.
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Nancy Fisher posted a condolence
Monday, April 23, 2007
Your ready wit and unfailing sense of humor helped me more than you will ever know, especially when we were involved with our "favorite" mutual clients. God bless you and your family. Nancy
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Christine Miller posted a condolence
Monday, April 23, 2007
My very deepest sympathy to Mark's family. I am one of his co-workers in Centralia. I last heard from Mark on March 21. He congratulated me on my new position and gave me tips how to improve! Mark truly was one of a kind. I enjoyed reading about his life. Thank you for sharing it.
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Ed Nix (Bloss) and Family posted a condolence
Monday, April 23, 2007
Our deepest respect and sympathy to Marks family.I will always remember Mark for what he shared and taught so many
around him throughout my friendship and employment at Fred Astaire Studios. He will be missed but never forgotten.
Ed Nix
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Terri Gibson posted a condolence
Monday, April 23, 2007
My sincerest and best thoughts go out to Mark's family.
It made the work day better to bump into Mark in the hallway at the Kent DCFS office. His sense of humor was always ready and so was mine. I like funny and he was.
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Cyndi VanderYacht posted a condolence
Monday, April 23, 2007
My thoughts and prayers go out to Mark's family and especially to my friend, Carol. Although I did not know Mark, I do know how happy he made you and that is all that matters. I am certain he is up there looking at beat up old yachts wondering where his next journey may take him. Take care. Cyndi.
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Jeneth Oliver posted a condolence
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Mark and Family you have been in my prayers for the last 2 years and will continue to be. Mark always had a woderrful sense of humor and a calm, caring attitude to all people he incountered. He will be greatley missed by all who new him.
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Corrine Wasmundt posted a condolence
Sunday, April 22, 2007
What can I say that won't be repeated many times over here. Mark was one of a kind, whether it was in the early days with his annoying laser pointer or later when he was telling the story of the grand deal he got on his "new" boat. He made it easy to visit him when he was sick, because he would talk about Carol and boating and Heckie and his plans for the future. Sick, who was sick? Once, I asked him why he would schedule a trip when he knew it was the week he would be fighting the side effects of his treatment, and his response was, "Where's a better place to be sick than on the beaches of Mexico?" That was Mark, he had a life to live and he wasn't going to let something like a terminal illness get in his way.
When I first found out he was sick, he e-mailed me and said, "Quit your blubbering, all you women are alike." I'm going to try my best not to blubber, because I have a hunch that Mark is right now on the high seas, cruising on to a brand new and wonderful adventure. How can anyone be sad about that? I bet he'll have some amazing stories to tell us when we see him again.
G
Grayce Wallace posted a condolence
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Mark touched my heart as he did with anyone who took the time to know him. We worked together the time he spent in Kent in Child Protective Services. We heard about horses, camping, photography and boating experiences and looked forward to each new story. We had only sporadic contact after his move to Olympia but when contacts were made it was like we had just talked the day before. I'll miss him and do expect to one day see him again, enjoying the high seas, and just as enthusiastic as ever.
My heart goes out to those close to him left behind.
M
Mercedes Burley posted a condolence
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Mark is my uncle. I have so many wonderful memories with him and still cannot believe I won't get to hear the raw sense of humor we all know and love. He was such a kind person-and I am thankful that I had the privilage to call him family. I love you, Mark.
K
Kaye Francis posted a condolence
Sunday, April 22, 2007
The obituary is very nice! I especially like that you included that really good picture of Mark in his hammock, looking so relaxed and happy. That's how I want to remember him!
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