Big Mark was a good guy and I had a lot of respect for him. I had quite a bit of interaction with him because he was such good friends with Jack. He came to all the parties, but more importantly, he was always there when it counted. When Jack broke his back, it was Big Mark who organized a schedule so that someone could be there to take care of Jack at all hours.
Here’s the obituary from Black Rose:
It is with great sadness that we report that five-term Black Rose Board member and eighteen-year veteran of our club, “Big Mark” passed away over the July 4th weekend.
Mark was a long-time veteran of Black Rose, TES in New York, and SMART in his native town of Cleveland, Ohio. Mark made his debut in the kink lifestyle in early 1990 at the Black Rose meetings held at Reverand Harry’s Church on R street. Mark quickly began contributing his volunteer hours through service on the BR Board and also became known as one of the most entertaining and popular presenters in BR’s pantheon of educators. His classes on bondage, objectification, and ultra-high-sting impact play were often assisted by his lovely partner Arlene, whom he met at a BR Tuesday night lecture. Arlene, Mark’s partner of sixteen plus years, was with him at the hospital for his last moments.
A military funeral service will be held in mid-October (details to follow). A BR community memorial function is being discussed and will probably take place in the next few weeks. Plans will be disseminated as they firm up. Til then send prayers, Kaddish, and other spells out to Mark and his loved ones and friends still with us.
1 response so far ↓
1 marcello // Jul 18, 2008 at 10:05 pm
I did not have the pleasure of knowing him, but he and his family are in my prayers.
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