Marks celebration of life

I wish I would have spoken at Marks service just so I could have gazed out at all who were there.
I felt the sunshine, the warmth and the love from so many people.
 I would have liked to stand before you all and look in everyone's eyes to see Mark reflected back at me.
I was stunned at how many came in honor of him and to support me and our family.
Some signed the guest book who I never even got to see.
Some came whom I had never met.
I was dazed by all of the kind things people shared with me.
I was numb with the pain of so much loss.
But I was touched by the collective sniffles and laughter that I could hear.
I know that I will  laugh and cry with many of you again.
I hope that in time as I see you, I will be able to still see Mark  reflected back at me.
Thank you for attending and being in Marks life and in mine.
Kathy

My Heart

My heart is indeed broken
Before I see many of you tomorrow
know that my heart is also overflowing
with gratitude because of you.
Before I was even up this morning
there was a knock on the door
Sunrise bagels and cream cheeses.
You all keep showing me through food,
letters, gifts, your time and hugs
that the sun is still rising in my life.
The love that you all have for Mark
has extended itself to this grateful family.
Thank you
See you tomorrow
Love,
Kathy

the magical mystical night

It has been a week..

Let me tell you about Mark's magical, mystical passing.
Would  you like some music?
Let's call Jennifer.
Jennifer and her harp were here in minutes.
She played for Mark and me and Bree, Ginny, and Mark's sister Sandy.
Mark said "here I am with all the women"
Then Micah came
and the hospice nurse.
She explained to all of us what the next few days would likely bring....
She was honest with us and Mark was a part of that conversation.
Mark left us peacefully about half an hour later.
I believe he did not want to prolong pain and suffering for himself or any of us.
The kids and I held and talked to him to his last breath.
Conor was on his way from Seattle and was with us shortly after.

Jennifer came back that evening and played for Mark while we all just sat and cried.
We lit a candle and felt his spirit in the room.
It was magical
It was mystical
Friends came and held us all
There were tears and laughter and oh that harp music and angelic voice.

People left
Our eyes were swollen
Our rooms were full of friends sleeping
Bree and I camped out in the living room and watched as the candle burned out.
I kept looking out the tall windows into the trees.
It was foggy and mystical
I knew Mark would be outside somewhere.

And now we carry on, the kids and I.
With all the food, hugs, calls and support from all of you,
it has been impossible to just give up.
We will see many of you at the celebration of Mark's life.

I want to thank ALL of you right now for loving Mark and
being in his life.
And to thank ALL who have called, sent notes, cards, and goodies
and cooked meals for this family.

Mark Moments Education Fund

For those of you who have been asking about contributions in memory of Mark, he asked to have a fund set up for his grandchildren's college education. We have set up a fund through Chase bank for anyone who wishes to donate.

1. Checks, payable to Kathy McLean for "Mark's Education Fund".

906 NE 132nd St

Vancouver, WA 98685

2. Visit any local Chase bank and you can make a donation directly to the account #2923270530. 

Thanks,

Mark's Family

UPDATED- Mark's Celebration of Life.

Our family appreciates the outpouring of support from Mark's fans. It has been keeping all of us going these past 2 months. Please know how thankful we are. 

Mark's Celebration of Life 

Updated time and location

Saturday, January 19th, 2013

3:00pm

Seton Catholic College Preparatory High School

811 NE 112th Ave. #200 

Vancouver, WA 98684

Potluck will follow. If possible, please bring a dish to share (no kitchen facilities). 

The celebration will include a time for people to share short comments in honor of Mark's life. 

In lieu of flowers, Mark has requested that donations be made to the Mark Moments Education Fund for his current and future grandchildren. Details on how to make a donation will follow here and be available at the celebration. 

** The family is also planning a trip to Sandpoint this summer to celebrate Mark's life there. Folks in that area can stay tuned. 

Mark's Celebration of Life

Our family appreciates the outpouring of support from Mark's fans. It has been keeping all of us going these past 2 months. Please know how thankful we are. 

Mark's Celebration of Life 
*updated*

Saturday, January 19th, 2013

3:00pm

Seton Catholic College Preparatory High School

811 NE 112th Ave. #200 

Vancouver, WA 98684

Potluck will follow. If possible, please bring a dish to share. 

The celebration will include a time for people to share short comments in honor of Mark's life. 

In lieu of flowers, Mark has requested that donations be made to the Mark Moments Education Fund for his current and future grandchildren. Details on how to make a donation will follow here and be available at the celebration. 

** The family is also planning a trip to Sandpoint this summer to celebrate Mark's life there. Folks in that area can stay tuned. 

in lieu of...

In lieu of flowers, per Mark's request, we will be setting up an education fund for his grandchildren. Details to come.

Love and Light

On Friday afternoon we lost our dear husband, dad, grandad, friend, teacher, and mentor. He had a peaceful passing, surrounded by family, love, light, and harp music.

Thank you for your support, prayers, thoughts, and love. We will update you on the celebration of Mark's life as we know more details in the next few days.

We love you Mark. We are all better people from having you in our lives.