Shadowboxes

Mark was a courageous, heroic individual and all-around good guy. He was a proud Firefighter/Medic who saved thousands of lives over his career. He was a Christian of strong faith and served as a deacon at his church.

A fun but firm father, protector and provider for his family, that could be counted on to come to the rescue when needed.  A fun-loving person with a gorgeous smile, that loved to make people laugh. He was a social butterfly; his family and friends who knew him well adored him.

Mark had many talents and interests, including acting and directing community plays with Center Stage Theatre, Nia Performing Arts and others. A talented musician, singer, bass guitarist, and saxophone. Played in several bands; some were with Columbus Firefighters and TP Project, at churches Rock of Faith, St Paul AME, Mt Vernon AME, and others. For a while, he taught music and band at Mansion Day School.

Mark could fix just about anything. A ‘dog whisperer,’ he trained his dogs to be very obedient. At first, he loved to stay fit by running, but he got hooked on biking and met like-minded friends in the Major Taylor Cycling Club. In his younger years, he often rode in the TOSRV (Tour of the Scioto River Valley) and other bike rides. He loved cars and collected many things: African art, watches, hats and vintage toys. He especially loved his instruments, bikes, hats and watches.

Mark succumbed to complications from a rare, aggressive neurologic disease called MSA, which affects only 13,000 Americans and damages the brain and spinal cord. He was surrounded by a host of family members and good friends when his wish to be an organ donor was granted. Just as he rushed off to save lives as a medic, he rushed away and saved the lives of 2 people with his kidneys and his liver was used to advance medical science. Mark leaves his wife, sons, sisters, grandchildren, other relatives, and dear friends to cherish his memory.